What inspires you every day?
There are several things that inspire me – the biggest of them is the will to make people happy and to create a memorable evening. But I also find inspiration in my will to challenge myself and to delevop myself day by day. Every chef lifes in the daily process of learning and of getting more experience day by day.
What are the signature dishes that you created for Excelsior Hotel Ernst?
Over the past years we had many dishes that became signature dishes. But I never keep dishes for a long time on the menu, because I like the change and I don’t want to be bored from my own menu.
One of the dishes that comes back from time to time is a turbot with a super-creamy yuzu- beurre-blanc, caviar, chives-oil and charcoal-grilled broccoli with soy sauce.
Where did you begin your culinary journey?
I started my culinary journey in my mom’s kitchen – 30 years ago. I loved to watch her cook and prepare food. And of course, the best for me has always been the taste of the final dish.
I started my professional career as a chef at the Hyatt Hotel in Cologne.
If your menu was a story book, what kind of story would it be telling?
I guess it would be a funny novel with a nice portion of tension. I think good food has always to be fun – in many ways. Taste, product, combinations, presentation (…) – there are many ways to bring joy to the guests.
What’s your personal favorite dish on the menu?
That’s a good question – its really hard for me to say that, because you won’t find a dish on my menu that I don’t love. But I can say that I do have a stong passion for dishes that include fish that is almost raw – so I guess the starter is one of my favourites.
Has cooking always been your passion?
Yes – since I was a small boy I always loved to be in the kitchen. My family is really into food, so it was a natural step for me.
Please share your top tips for aspiring chefs out there
Keep up the hard work and have a clear focus on what you want. And of course: watch and learn from others!
What do you love most about Excelsior Hotel Ernst?
I love the fact, that we don’t have ‘staff’ like other hotels – it is more like a family and a familiar place to work at. That’s really cool and leads to a very special atmosphere in the hotel.
Describe Cologne in one word:
“Jeck” – which means crazy, but in a cheerful way!