i. Biography
His lineage is built through houses and landscapes: Banff, Hotel le Terminus - Didier de Courten, Schloss Schauenstein, St. Anton am Arlberg, Hong Kong, and now the Engadin, where Alpine tradition is worked alongside modern influences and fresh flavours from around the world.
The Ascent
Training at Churchers College and The Open University gave James Baron the formal base before apprenticeship work at JSW in Petersfield, England. The kitchen record that followed moved through European houses with defined regional settings: chef at Didier de Courten in Sierre, Switzerland, chef at Schloss Schauenstein in Switzerland, and head chef at Hotel Tannenhof in St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria. A Hong Kong service context added another register when James Baron worked as Chef de cuisine at Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong (2020–2022). The current post brings management and cooking into the same brief: James is general manager and head chef of Krone Säumerei am Inn (since 2022).
Present Day
Modern Cuisine and Alpine cuisine set the working frame at LA CHAVALLERA in der Krone Säumerei am Inn. Pear ravioli with sage, brown butter and mountain cheese gives that frame a clear plate: fruit, herb, dairy and fat handled through an Alpine reading without losing contemporary movement. Regional cooking is stated as a method rather than decoration in James Baron’s own words: “I love to cook regionally in order to give an interesting representation of the place we are working in. I ensure that in the kitchen, we are touching on the traditions and cultures that surround us.” The same position rejects fixed repertoire: “We don’t ever want to be standing still – we want the dishes to be changing regularly and the level and complexity of flavours with it.” Seasonality is the operating discipline in the present kitchen. As James Baron puts it: “I am committed to showcasing local and hyper-seasonal ingredients, embracing the natural rhythm of the seasons.”
Signature
Signature dishes include Pear ravioli with sage.
Peer Recognition
James Baron has received one star for LA CHAVALLERA. James's honors include Michelin star for LA CHAVALLERA (2022).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of James
What is James Baron's current role?
James Baron is Managing Director & Chef.
Where did James Baron train or study?
James Baron trained at Churchers College and The Open University.
What recognition has James Baron received?
Michelin star for LA CHAVALLERA (2022).
