Interview with Hubert Wallner

In September 2019 Hubert Wallner was awarded his 4th cap and the "Chef of the Year 2020" award by Gault & Millau.

How did it all begin? Wallner's parents run a hotel in St.Valentin with an associated butcher's shop. So even as a small child, the top chef had the pleasure of working as a cook and helping his mother in the kitchen.

Childhood memories, like a piece of fish or rice meat, convey a feeling of home and familiarity.

When you pay a visit to this beautiful restaurant, you soon notice that regionalism and creativity are very important here. What is special about cooking?

"To be creative every day," says Wallner. To learn to cook, you need a lot of passion and love, according to Wallner.

What makes a good cook?

"To be open to new things and to want to discover regional products."

What is cooking really about?

"To bring out the flavor - and to give its guests an unforgettable evening."

What goes with a good meal?

"The right company and a glass of good wine from Austria."

Does anything in the kitchen ever go wrong?

"Yes, even I can't manage everything now and then."

Is there a dish/courses/ingredients that you would rather not cook with?

"Kidney and liver."

Are there ingredients that you don't eat yourself?

"Yes, offal."

What is the most important ingredient in your kitchen?

"Everything you do should be done with love and respect."

Do seasons and seasons have a significant role in your kitchen?

"Personally, I think it's very important to cook with the seasons. We do it at home with our kids."

What makes this place and the atmosphere special?

"People who share your attitude and stand behind you."

Which country is a culinary highlight?

"There are many countries that are a highlight, but I think none offers such abundance as Austria."

Do you like to eat "good" food yourself? (Which do you prefer: star cuisine or street food?)

"Both, we love to go out for dinner as a family."

Who is your role model in the kitchen?

"Heinz Reitbauer does a lot for Austrian cuisine."