Mirko Loeffler
CEC, CCC
Certified Executive Chef, CEC
Certified Chef de Cuisine, CCC
Member & Insured by USPCA
Current Food Handler ServSafe Cert.
Chef Mirko
Mirko’s Taste of Europe and Beyond is all about turning your dining experience into something truly European and unforgettable.
Born and raised in Germany, Chef Mirko began his journey at the prestigious Hotel Fach School in South Germany, where he earned the Gold Medal from the South Germany Hotel Restaurant Association for culinary excellence. With over 40 years of culinary expertise, Mirko has worked in world-class kitchens across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Monte Carlo, the Caribbean, China, and the United States.
A Certified Executive Chef and Certified Chef de Cuisine, Mirko is known for his creative flair, commitment to freshness, and beautifully presented dishes. His extensive travels have shaped a deep appreciation for global flavors, which he now blends into refined and vibrant cuisine.
He has held leadership roles at acclaimed hotels and resorts. More recently, he did so at the well-known Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Oglebay Park in West Virginia, overseeing multiple restaurants, catering operations, and celebrated chef’s tables. In 2024, he was hired to reopen the historic Inn and lead the culinary team at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pennsylvania, where his innovative approach is defining a new standard of dining.
He has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation and is proud to be an Iron Chef Jamaica winner, along with numerous other culinary competition awards. He has appeared on HGTV’s In Good Taste, contributed to over 20 cooking shows on the eHow network, and has been a guest chef on numerous local news broadcasts. He was named one of Philadelphia’s Tri-State Fifty Top Chefs and earned the title of Chef of the Year by the ACF Chapter in Florida.
Mirko is also a passionate educator and community supporter, hosting interactive corporate cooking classes, judging charity culinary events, and mentoring rising chefs. His philosophy is simple: only the freshest, seasonal ingredients, presented with care and creativity, and delivered by a strong, well-trained team.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him exploring global cuisines, playing golf or soccer, hosting friends, or enjoying good wine, beer—and schnapps. Just ask him about food… you’ll be talking for hours.
Let him bring a world of flavors into your kitchen and create an extraordinary dining experience, where all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy being spoiled.
Daniela Birkelbach
Certified Wine Specialist WSET 2
Daniela Birkelbach
Born and raised in Germany, Daniela brings a lifelong passion for European hospitality, food, wine, and entertaining. After working in the hospitality industry and later building a successful career in Computer Science and software development, she is now returning to her culinary roots alongside Chef Mirko, whom she met in 1986.
Currently pursuing WSET wine certification studies, Daniela combines her love of wine, culture, and hospitality to help create memorable private dining experiences and curated wine tastings inspired by countries throughout Europe and beyond.
Her passion is bringing people together through great food, thoughtful wine pairings, and warm hospitality — creating experiences guests will remember long after the evening ends.
Mirko’s Family Crest circa 1759
