Wolfgang Puck is a household name. The famed chef is synonymous with fine dining in the United States and abroad, and he's built an impressive empire over the years. Born in Austria, Chef Puck began cooking alongside his mother at a very young age and began his formal training at the age of fourteen. As a young chef he worked in some of France’s greatest restaurants, including Maxim’s in Paris, the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, and the Three MICHELIN Star and Green Star L’Oustau de Baumanière in Provence, but at the ripe old age of 24, he took off for the United States.
He landed his first job in Indianapolis before heading west to Los Angeles, where he has been since 1975. He is perhaps best known for his flagship restaurant, Spago. He opened the restaurant in West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip in 1982 and though he moved the restaurant to Beverly Hills in 1997, Spago remains a local fixture. Of course, Chef Puck has expanded his empire to include other restaurants around the world, with locations in Las Vegas, Maui, London, New York, Singapore, Budapest, Istanbul, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Bodrum, but Los Angeles is where it all began.
Below, Wolfgang Puck shares some of his favorite spots around town.
Do you have a favorite spot for coffee and breakfast?
I have an espresso machine in my house, so I don't go out for coffee. I generally have my espresso at home while I read the newspaper in the morning. I make myself orange juice weekly when we get oranges from a farmer in Riverside. I love Harry’s Berries strawberries with a little milk or sheep’s milk yogurt with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Where do you go for lunch?
If I have lunch, which is not often, I like to go to Merois and get chicken salad or potstickers.
Where would be find you after-hours?
At my age, I rarely stay out late after hours unless it’s for something special, so I generally hang out at one of my restaurants. Not too long ago, I was in Paris at my friend Lenny’s birthday party at Hôtel de Crillon until 5 am which was so much fun.
What is your favorite bar?
We just remodeled the bar at Spago so I really enjoy having a cocktail there. Adam is one of the finest bartenders. He is incredibly innovative with his cocktails yet knows how to make the great classics like martinis or negronis.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love traveling to Sardinia, sitting on the terrace of my hotel, having a glass of champagne with wild strawberries and the most delicious olives.
Where would you take an out-of-towner?
A drive up the coast to Malibu for lunch at Nobu, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lunch at Nobu Malibu is always worth the trip!
There are also so many great views on a clear night on Mulholland Drive, so a nice drive to see the millions of lights from this vast city at night is a sight.
If they haven’t been to the Hollywood Bowl, that is a must. I would take them to listen to some classical music, bring a great bottle of wine and it’s a great evening outdoors with entertainment.
Where do you go for a special occasion?
Depends on the occasion but if it’s local, I do enjoy going to the Montage Laguna Beach.
What is a favorite LA hotspot that isn't food-related?
I love to take people to the Academy Museum since it is unique to Los Angeles, and everyone has an interest in the movies.
Where would we find you on your day off?
I have a beautiful home so I love days I can spend time playing tennis, hanging out by the pool, and then having a lovely Ethiopian dinner prepared by my wife.
Tell us about a favorite activity.
On Wednesday mornings I love going to the farmers' market in Santa Monica and buying fresh fruit and vegetables for the house. It's especially exciting in the summer when I can get certain fruit that is in season, like cherries.
Address Book:
Merois | West Hollywood
8430 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Nobu Malibu
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
LACMA West, 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hero image: Marco Bollinger / Wolfgang Puck
