New book release: Culinary excellence from around the world

The world's chefs as guests at Ikarus - Volume 10
Cover photo by Helge Kirchberger Photography
Cover photo by Helge Kirchberger Photography
Alexandra-Embacher-c-Martin-Guggenberger-Photography-web
13. January 2025 | 
Alexandra Embacher
13. January 2025
|
Alexandra Embacher

For the tenth time, “Ikarus” Executive Chef Martin Klein is providing insights behind the scenes of the restaurant with a book. However, the anniversary edition of “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus” not only offers a look back at the culinary highlights of the last year and a half, but also a deep insight into the world of 17 top guest chefs from all over the world.

Gourmet temple in Salzburg

Since its opening at the end of 2003, the “Ikarus” restaurant in Salzburg's Hangar-7 has stood for the highest culinary standards and a variety of taste experiences. With currently two Michelin stars, five toques and 19 points in Gault&Millau, it is one of the most renowned gourmet addresses in Austria - not least because of its globally unique concept. Every month, an internationally acclaimed culinary virtuoso takes over the stove to create an unparalleled menu together with Executive Chef Martin Klein and the “Ikarus” team. In December and before the renovation-related move, it was Thitid Tassanakajohn, “Chef Ton”, currently number one on the list of Asia's 50 best chefs.

Culinary world tour

Take-off in Salzburg, destination is the whole world: the “Ikarus” guest chefs featured in the anniversary edition come from the most diverse regions of the world - from the USA and South Africa to various European countries and Thailand. In addition to the typical national influences of their cuisine, they also bring their own personal culinary signatures with them.

In the portraits in the anniversary edition, readers can find out what drives the top chefs, how their culinary philosophy came about and what formative experiences have influenced their work. Big names such as Gareth Ward (“Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms”, Machynlleth) and Wolfgang Puck (“Spago”, Los Angeles) are representative of the class of the guest chefs. Their award-winning restaurants are known all over the world, and their expertise and creativity continue to set new standards in the international gourmet world. The 2024 guest chefs also included:

  • Christian Kuchler - “Taverne zum Schäfli” (Wigoltingen, Switzerland)
  • Wassim Hallal - Restaurant “Frederikshøj” (Aarhus, Denmark)
  • James Gaag - “La Colombe” (Cape Town, South Africa)
  • Viki Geunes - “Zilte” (Antwerp, Belgium)
  • Javier Olleros - “Culler de pau” (O Grove, Spain)
  • Matthias Diether - “180° by Matthias Diether” (Tallinn, Estonia)
  • Thomas Schanz - “schanz. restaurant.” (Piesport, Germany)
  • Franck Putelat - “La Table de Franck Putelat” (Carcassonne, France)
  • Thitid Tassanakajohn - “Le Du” (Bangkok, Thailand)

The world of cuisine in an anniversary volume

The guest chef concept is now celebrating a milestone birthday, with Executive Chef Martin Klein looking to the future: “After 20 years, it is still our declared aim to bring the best chefs in the world to Salzburg and to keep inviting guest chefs from countries that have never been represented at Hangar-7 before.” 266 “stars” of the industry from more than 30 countries have already been welcomed and thousands of dishes cooked together. And culinary stories, kitchen philosophies, formative impressions and recipes have been recorded in “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus”, which will be published for the tenth time on January 23, 2025.

 

Publisher: Pantauro
ISBN: 978-3-7105-0096-1
Pages: approx. 480
Dimensions: 248 mm x 335 mm
Retail price: 89.95 euros (114.00 CHF)

International concept as an enrichment

The concept of the “Ikarus” restaurant not only brings world-class cuisine to Salzburg, but also makes the city itself an international hotspot for gourmets and foodies - other excellent establishments do the rest. However, the collaboration with top chefs from all over the world creates a cultural exchange that goes far beyond the culinary realm. With “Ikarus”, Salzburg has a stage on which modern, global cuisine takes center stage every month.

Our conclusion

The tenth volume of “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus” is more than just a collection of recipes: it is a tribute to the diversity of international cuisine and the creative power that arises when different culinary worlds come together. The personal stories and insights of the guest chefs make the book a richly illustrated journey through the world of top cuisine - for professionals, gourmets and passionate amateur chefs alike.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
Copyright for the featured images used:
Cover photo by Helge Kirchberger Photography

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Book tip of the week: Tacos From Dusk Till Dawn

Journey through the flavors of Mexico

With “Tacos From Dusk Till Dawn”, Danny Trejo, probably Hollywood’s most charismatic villain, not only delivers a cookbook, but also a very personal insight into his life. This book is a journey through the flavors of Mexico, the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the eventful life story of a man who went from prison inmate to celebrated actor and successful restaurateur.

The book is more than just a collection of recipes – it tells the story of Trejo’s rise and his roots. In short anecdotes and longer stories, he describes the highs and lows of his life, from his childhood in poor circumstances to the establishment of his restaurant chain “Trejo’s Tacos”. It becomes clear that Trejo’s love of Mexican cuisine is not just a backdrop, but is deeply rooted in his story.

With 75 recipes, the book offers a colorful variety of dishes: from classic tacos and quesadillas to aromatic dips and salsas to sweet temptations such as donuts and churros. The vegan variations, such as the cauliflower tacos, are particularly praiseworthy, proving that Mexican cuisine can also be interpreted in a light and modern way. The recipes are down-to-earth, uncomplicated and use ingredients that are easy to source – ideal for both amateur cooks and professionals looking for new inspiration.

Trejo manages to capture the vibrancy and diversity of Los Angeles. Between the recipes are stories about his family, encounters with friends and the Latino culture that has shaped him. The casual, humorous tone of the book makes it a real pleasure to browse through. At the same time, you can sense the respect Trejo has for Mexican cuisine – and that makes every recipe authentic and approachable.

Info:
Edition Michael Fischer / EMF Verlag
978-3-7459-1082-7
224 pages

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quick & dirty
Restaurant “Ikarus” in Salzburg's Hangar-7 © Helge Kirchberger Photography
New book release: Culinary excellence from around the world

For the tenth time, “Ikarus” Executive Chef Martin Klein is providing insights behind the scenes of the restaurant with a book. However, the anniversary edition of “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus” not only offers a look back at the culinary highlights of the last year and a half, but also a deep insight into the world of 17 top guest chefs from all over the world.