Originally Posted by
offerendum
A typical Lafer. Johann Lafer is known in Germany primarily for his cookbooks (which are undoubtedly good), TV shows, commercials and the "creation" of conveniance meals. With the Stromburg, he also had a hotel with gastronomy, in which there was a star restaurant in the past.
While Lafer was and is very present in the media, he never had a prominent culinary significance for me in Germany. For me, other people such as Witzigmann, Winkler, who unfortunately died recently, Wissler, Jürgens or Müller are more influential.
You are correct, ofc. There are better (German) chefs in Germany. I suspect SQ went with famous in Germany and covers the other German speaking market, aka Austria. I give them credit for an Asian airline going with someone “somewhat local” (incl Austria here, so don’t shoot me). I have sampled some of his SQ creations (some are ok, some are a fail).
Originally Posted by
SFO777
Thanks so much RayG. Totally agree with you on Odette and Le Bernardin. Odette was fabulous from the setting to the service, food, presentation and showmanship. Indeed a bit exhausting after three hours. But I would absolutely go back again in a heartbeat. And Le Bernardin, while excellent, left us thinking that we'd probably not go back. Service overall was very good but it was the wine pairing and the attitude of the sommelier that day that put me off, especially the minuscule pours which led to me rationing my tasting to make sure I had enough left to enjoy with each dish. Just struck me as stupid cheap. If it's a cost thing, charge more and give me a proper pour without having to flag down someone for a top-up.
The bit about the LB pour is so true! Felt very stingy.
I was fortunate enough to meet Julien Royer himself this summer (at an SQ PPS event no less). He dished out a similar tasting menu as he was doing a pop up in Europe. He was very humble for someone who has got successful at such a young age!