Welcome to Genusspunkt.
Genusspunkt is the meeting place for visionary minds – a platform that redefines enjoyment, tracks trends and paves the way for a sustainable future for the industry.
How Austria's top chefs cook for Hollywood
When the world’s biggest film stars walk the red carpet, the cuisine is also top-class – and with an Austrian signature! Mike Köberl has been part of the well-coordinated team around Wolfgang Puck for years and ensures unforgettable moments of indulgence at the legendary Governor’s Ball, the official dinner of the Academy Awards. In previous years, other Austrians have also taken part, including Hannes Tschemernjak (Tschebull) and Bernhard Zimmerl from the Waldviertel region (Foggy Mix).
But what makes the Oscars so important in culinary terms, and what role does Austria’s culinary scene play in this unique spectacle?
How Austria's bakeries are reinterpreting the classic doughnut
From traditional carnival doughnuts with apricot jam to exotic creations such as Dubai doughnuts with angel hair and chocolate: the 2025 doughnut season is more colorful and innovative than ever. We take a look at the most exciting trends, talk to creative bakers and explain why the doughnut has long been more than just a carnival pastry.
Guide MICHELIN Austria 2025 Crowns the Best Restaurants and Hotels
For the first time since 2009, the Guide MICHELIN has evaluated the entire Austrian gastronomy scene, bringing it back into the international spotlight. While in recent years only the cities of Vienna and Salzburg were included, 2025 marks a new era where the entire country shines in culinary brilliance. This comprehensive reevaluation not only honors the exceptional diversity and quality of Austrian cuisine but also reestablishes the Alpine Republic as an indispensable global gourmet destination. A truly extraordinary year that underscores the significance of gastronomy as a cultural and tourism treasure.
In the world of gastronomy, where flavors and aromas seduce our taste buds, there is an intangible element that enhances the dining experience – good vibes. The ambience, energy and positive atmosphere in a restaurant play a crucial role in creating memorable moments for diners. We take a look at the importance of good vibes in the restaurant industry and their contribution to a thriving culinary scene. We also shed light on the challenges facing the industry, including recent changes in the career choices of professionals in Austria.
Farm-to-table and hydroponic systems are two innovative concepts that enable sustainable agriculture and more environmentally friendly food production. In recent years, the demand for fresh, locally produced food has increased as consumers are increasingly concerned about healthy eating and are interested in the origin of their food. At the same time, agriculture is facing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and soil pollution.
Since the restart of gastronomy, guests have returned, but there is a shortage of staff everywhere. This is also the case in the service sector: not a phenomenon of the post-lockdown period, but the shortage of skilled workers has become increasingly acute due to the far-reaching regulations that have been put in place to contain the coronavirus. The staffing gaps in many businesses are wide – even though there was less supply and more demand in July 2021; there were 20,356 unemployed people for every 8,489 vacancies in the Austrian hospitality industry. But people in the catering industry are still irreplaceable. Still? Companies around the world are working on advancing automation through high-tech robots in restaurant operations.
One of these is the Swiss marketing agency Precom Group AG, which specializes in digitalization in the catering sector. “Service robots could be an alternative to save restaurants from the worst,” says Managing Director Thomas Holenstein, explaining one way out of the staffing crisis. “Their acquisition costs are still high. But it’s worth it, because the artificial intelligence relieves their colleagues and works quickly and efficiently.” The advantages are obvious for Holenstein. They are already being used in the “Momoda” in Graz, for example.
In the world of gastronomy, where flavors and aromas seduce our taste buds, there is an intangible element that enhances the dining experience – good vibes. The ambience, energy and positive atmosphere in a restaurant play a crucial role in creating memorable moments for diners. We take a look at the importance of good vibes in the restaurant industry and their contribution to a thriving culinary scene. We also shed light on the challenges facing the industry, including recent changes in the career choices of professionals in Austria.
Farm-to-table and hydroponic systems are two innovative concepts that enable sustainable agriculture and more environmentally friendly food production. In recent years, the demand for fresh, locally produced food has increased as consumers are increasingly concerned about healthy eating and are interested in the origin of their food. At the same time, agriculture is facing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and soil pollution.
Since the restart of gastronomy, guests have returned, but there is a shortage of staff everywhere. This is also the case in the service sector: not a phenomenon of the post-lockdown period, but the shortage of skilled workers has become increasingly acute due to the far-reaching regulations that have been put in place to contain the coronavirus. The staffing gaps in many businesses are wide – even though there was less supply and more demand in July 2021; there were 20,356 unemployed people for every 8,489 vacancies in the Austrian hospitality industry. But people in the catering industry are still irreplaceable. Still? Companies around the world are working on advancing automation through high-tech robots in restaurant operations.
One of these is the Swiss marketing agency Precom Group AG, which specializes in digitalization in the catering sector. “Service robots could be an alternative to save restaurants from the worst,” says Managing Director Thomas Holenstein, explaining one way out of the staffing crisis. “Their acquisition costs are still high. But it’s worth it, because the artificial intelligence relieves their colleagues and works quickly and efficiently.” The advantages are obvious for Holenstein. They are already being used in the “Momoda” in Graz, for example.
Max Sampl and the Blaue Gans
What happens when alpine tradition meets Italian lightness? Max Sampl, head chef at the Blaue Gans in Salzburg, combines regionality with innovation in his “Cucina Transalpina.” In this interview, discover how his childhood in the mountains, traditional preparation methods, and his journey through top kitchens have shaped his culinary art – and why sustainability is far more than just a trend for him.
Andreas Gfrerer
Discover the story and vision behind Salzburg’s oldest inn: Andreas Gfrerer shares how he achieves a balance between tradition and modernity at the Blaue Gans, why sustainability and art are inseparably connected, and how a hotel becomes a place of community. An inspiring interview about leadership, transformation, and the power of vision.
Kitchen Psychology Redefined
That’s how Dominik Wachter, Michelin-starred chef and visionary, describes his deep connection to his hometown. In the picturesque setting of Prien am Chiemsee, he fulfilled his lifelong dream: In October 2022, he opened the Wachter Foodbar in the former cooking school of his mentor, Thomas Mühlberger. Since then, his restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for two consecutive years. But what makes the Wachter Foodbar so special? It’s about more than just excellent dishes – it’s about kitchen psychology. We visited Dominik to discuss this fascinating concept.
A New Dimension of Cooking
Soenil Bahadoer, head chef of the two Michelin-starred Restaurant De Lindehof in Nuenen, elevates the cuisine of his Surinamese-Hindu roots with French finesse to an entirely new level. In our interview, he shares his journey, the magic of spices, and the importance of passion – for his guests, his team, and the next generation of chefs.
Didi Maier
Didi Maier is not only a celebrated chef, but also a visionary who is redefining sustainability in gastronomy. In this interview, he talks about the importance of his fish farm, how he treats his employees and what he would do differently today if he were 20 again. Find out more about his exciting career, his green projects and why decarbonization is much more than just a buzzword for him. An inspiring look behind the scenes of a pioneer of the Austrian culinary scene.
Chef Ton
Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, celebrated as the creator of modern Thai cuisine, shares his inspiring journey from economics to becoming one of Asia’s most renowned chefs. With Le Du ranked as Asia’s Best Restaurant 2023, Chef Ton discusses his passion for Thai ingredients, the influence of his grandmother’s cooking, and how seasonality shapes his award-winning culinary creations.
Energy-saving tips for hoteliers
Energy costs are a major challenge for hoteliers and restaurateurs. To counteract these costs, efficient energy management is of great importance. This blog post presents practical energy-saving tips for hoteliers that can help to reduce energy consumption and save costs. In particular, we will focus on the possibilities of heat recovery and the optimal placement of air conditioning units in the rooms. Here are some examples of how hoteliers can improve their energy efficiency.
Review portals: improving your online image
In the digital era, review portals have become important sources of information for potential guests. Unfortunately, bad reviews can damage the image of a hotel or restaurant. The question is: how can restaurateurs and hoteliers protect themselves against negative reviews and improve their online image? In this article, we give hoteliers and restaurateurs practical tips on how they can protect themselves against bad reviews and improve their online image.
5 tips for aspiring restaurateurs
Opening your own restaurant is a big dream for many people. However, it requires thorough planning and implementation in order to be successful in the industry. We reveal five tips for aspiring restaurateurs to pave the way for the successful opening of a restaurant business. From market analysis and location selection to customer loyalty.
Better acoustics in restaurants
It is not only the exquisite cuisine that plays a role in the design of a successful restaurant. It’s not for nothing that they say “you eat with your eyes”, as the ambience and presentation of the dishes influence the taste experience. However, it is less well known that the ear is also involved in the dining experience. Acoustics play a decisive role in how comfortable guests feel in a restaurant.
Experts have determined that the average noise level in restaurants is 80 dB. However, this noise level can be reduced by up to 10 dB through various measures. A reduction of 10 dB corresponds to a reduction in background noise of an impressive 50%.
Good vibes
In the world of gastronomy, where flavors and aromas seduce our taste buds, there is an intangible element that enhances the dining experience – good vibes. The ambience, energy and positive atmosphere in a restaurant play a crucial role in creating memorable moments for diners. We take a look at the importance of good vibes in the restaurant industry and their contribution to a thriving culinary scene. We also shed light on the challenges facing the industry, including recent changes in the career choices of professionals in Austria.
Beyond the Dining Experience
Innovative ways for restaurateurs to expand their revenue streams and captivate customers beyond the traditional dining experience. A range of strategies to attract new customers and increase profits.
Alexandra
Gorsche
Specialist in hotel & tourism
Favorite Recipes of the Month
With “my culinary world,” Alexandra Gorsche offers insights into her personal creations, intended to inspire in the kitchen.
