Manuel Franco, known as Manu, made an extraordinary career shift from a 20-year tenure in sports journalism to becoming a Michelin-starred chef. Originally from Valdemorillo, after training at Le Cordon Bleu Madrid, in 2019 he took over the family restaurant, transforming Casa Manolo into a fine dining establishment, earning a Michelin star in just five years. His approach is personal and intuitive, shaped by the landscape and the belief that food should evoke emotions. With a cuisine deeply rooted in the local territory, highlighting ingredients such as wild herbs, mountain eels, and local beef, chef Manu continues to offer a culinary experience that blends memory, place, and innovation, becoming a standout name in the Spanish gastronomic scene.