With Johann Lafer
1. Why is German Cuisine is so diverse and yet relatively unknown?
German Cuisine differs a lot by region. In Hamburg, the cuisine is inspired by fish, shellfish, and fresh seafood, while Bavarian food is based more on well-crafted sausage, wiener and sauerkraut. Our vast forests provide a great variety of wild game, fruits and mushrooms; vegetables like asparagus and cabbages are of exceptional quality. We almost always include dedicated dishes with delicious potatoes. Poultry and meats are included in many recipes, but cooked very differently in each region.
2. Why do you so often add aromatic herbs? Where do you find them?
Aromatic herbs are essential to cooking. They help to modify and magnify the taste, and add essential freshness to the meal. I have always included them in my recipes. For years I have been planting and growing them in my kitchen garden.
3. You teach cooking on ZDF, a national TV network. What is your advice for home cooks?
Cooking should be enjoyable. My passion is to promote natural cooking and the arts of the table with my compatriots. In Germany, because of the wars, we missed two generations of family cooking. We have to begin again with the basics: great ingredients lead to great food. At Table d’Or, we start with simple recipes to get the basics and educate your palate. Then you will enjoy haute cuisine whether you cook it yourself or you savour it at someone else’s table. Be curious, take your time, have fun, and enjoy it to the fullest.
4. What are you passionate about?
First, I love my Chef’s job. With my team, we select the very best products. We are always very curious about the best recipes and how to improve existing ones. I love the creative potential of my job. I feel I can improve the German feel for taste and great food. My greatest reward is when I see the happiness in the eyes of my customers. Cooking is giving Nature our deepest respect, every day.
Johann Lafer is one of the Grand Chefs at Relais & Châteaux, a family of 480 prestigious hotels and restaurants in 56 countries. He is also the owner of the Relais & Chateaux Stromborg, Germany. He teaches cooking on ZDF, a national German network and at Table d’Or.
