Roderick Micallef, a chef who worked with the Xara Collection for over 25 years, has passed away.

The one-star Michelin restaurant in Mdina, announced the death on their Facebook page, describing Mr Micallef as “one of the brightest lights.”

Mr Micallef first started out as a dishwasher at Trattoria AD 1530's kitchen. 

“Whatever he was going through, he remained positive and always made those around him feel good,” the post read.

The team at De Mondion shared that Roderick had treated the company as his second home and that, having grown up in the kitchen, he passed his talent and expertise to many young, aspiring chefs.

The post concluded: “Roderick - our colleague, friend and brother. We will deeply miss you but will treasure all the wonderful memories together. Until we meet again.”

Tributes poured in from colleagues and industry peers, with one commentor describing him as “a fantastic person.”