The MICHELIN Guide presented three awards in conjunction with its restaurant selection being publishing for the whole of Austria for the first time since its return to the Alpine republic. Special achievements were commended in the categories of Service, Young Chef and Sommelier.
MICHELIN Service Award
Barbara Eselböck, from the restaurant Taubenkobel in the idyllic little community of Schützen am Gebirge, was the recipient of the MICHELIN Service Award. The inspectors describe the head of the delightful long-standing family business as a "hostess with heart and soul". Her professionalism as well as her naturally charming and extremely friendly manner convey true passion and make guests feel very welcome – a real feel-good factor that perfectly complements the outstanding cuisine of her husband, Alain Weissgerber. Indeed, the chef has meanwhile been awarded two MICHELIN stars, which means that this likeable couple have clinched two accolades at once.
MICHELIN Young Chef Award
Julian Stieger took home the MICHELIN Young Chef Award. He is the head chef at restaurant Rote Wand Chef's Table, which is located in the MICHELIN-Key Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel in Lech am Arlberg. At said Chef's Table, diners experience a terrific modern surprise menu in an entertaining and lively atmosphere. Here, Julian Stieger demonstrates that being young and having a distinctive style doesn't have to be a contradiction in terms. The inspectors were won over by his sophisticated flavour combinations that still maintained a focus on the essential elements. Thanks to his delicate, precise and playful dishes, the young chef has secured the restaurant two MICHELIN stars right off the bat.
MICHELIN Sommelier Award
With Alexander Koblinger, an absolute expert in his field has won the MICHELIN Sommelier Award. The head sommelier at Döllerers Genießerrestaurant in Golling an der Salzach (SBG) advises guests in not one but two restaurants with genuine passion and impressive expertise. He has around 2,500 labels at his disposal. As one of the few Master Sommeliers in Austria and with the benefit of international experience, he enthusiastically recommends the perfect pairings for both Andreas Döllerer's highly awarded, modern-alpine cooking and the regional-seasonal cuisine at the Wirtshaus.
Illustration Image: Restaurant Taubenkobel in Schützen am Gebirge © Taubenkobel
