Book tip of the week: Aura & Anima

Boundless home. Modern, regional star cuisine by Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Bätz
2. March 2025 |

Redaktion

With “Aura & Anima”, Michelin-starred chefs Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Bätz present much more than a classic cookbook. This work is an inspiring journey into the world of modern, regional Michelin-starred cuisine and provides in-depth insights into the pioneering concept of their restaurant Aura and the Future Lab Anima in Wirsberg, Franconia.

The book focuses on the unique combination of local ties and innovation. Under the motto “boundless homeland”, it shows how regional products are refined into extraordinary gourmet creations through collaboration with over 80 farmers. The book impresses with its combination of specialist knowledge, detailed refinement techniques and the more than 50 sophisticated recipes that are used in the practice of Aura and Anima.

The chapters dealing with the symbiosis of sustainability and top cuisine are particularly exciting: Produce is processed in the Future Lab immediately after harvest to create creative dishes, regardless of the season. This innovative approach can be wonderfully transferred to modern gastronomy concepts and inspires chefs and restaurateurs alike.

The aesthetic staging of the dishes by photographers Pieter D’Hoop and Jesper Hilbig takes the quality of the book to another level. Each recipe is brought to life by detailed pictures, making cooking it a pleasure as well as a visual experience.

Info:
Matthaes Verlag (www.trauner.at)
ISBN 978-3-9854107-1-2
512 pages

Who is this book for?

This book is not only aimed at ambitious amateur chefs, but above all at restaurateurs who want to modernize their business or reorient their kitchen. The practical approach and innovative concept make the book a valuable source of inspiration for the entire industry. Service teams benefit from insights into product development and the philosophy behind the “borderless home”, which can strengthen their guest communication.

Our conclusion

“Aura & Anima” is far more than just a cookbook – it is a manifesto for the combination of regionality, sustainability and modern top cuisine. With their work, Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Bätz show how culinary creativity and regional identity can be in perfect harmony. The holistic approach is particularly impressive: from the farmer to the plate, from the idea to the refinement.

This work provides a wealth of inspiration for the hotel and restaurant industry, whether for menu design, collaboration with regional producers or the development of new concepts. Anyone who reads this book will not only gain an insight into top cuisine, but also valuable knowledge that can be transferred directly into practice. “Aura & Anima” is an absolute must for anyone who wants to be inspired by innovative regionality – on the plate and beyond.

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!

Book tip of the week: Positive leadership saves the hotel industry

A must-read for anyone with responsibility in the hotel industry

The hotel industry is under pressure: the shortage of skilled workers is worsening, staff turnover remains high and expectations of employers are higher than ever. Vivien Schulter tackles precisely this area of tension with “Positive Leadership saves the hotel industry” – and delivers a long overdue manifesto for a new leadership culture in the industry.

What makes this book so special? It goes far beyond mere theories. Schulter shows that modern leadership is not just about numbers, rosters and hierarchies, but about real human relationships. She makes it clear that appreciation is not just an empty phrase, but a business model. And she backs this up with tangible, immediately implementable strategies that hotel businesses of all sizes can use.

Info:
Storylution Verlag
ISBN 978-3-7115-7288-2
76 pages

Pizza to go & stay

Food truck “Elvis Pizzazz” settles down in Amstetten

Elvis Parić bakes pizza that already enjoys cult status in Amstetten. He sells up to 100 pizzas a day from his food truck “Elvis Pizzazz” – but that’s just the beginning. Preparations for his own restaurant are underway and ideas for the sedentary concept are bubbling away. However, the mobile kitchen remains an integral part of the concept.

More than just good food

Why strong brands also count in gastronomy

Why are we magically attracted to a certain smartphone, while another hardly attracts any attention? Why is the logo of a brand so deeply imprinted in our consciousness that we immediately recognize it even on a faded poster? The answer is obvious: Intuitive design, strategic storytelling and communication that is not instructive, but makes us want it.

quick & dirty
© Matthaes Verlag
Book tip of the week: Aura & Anima

With “Aura & Anima”, Michelin-starred chefs Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Bätz present much more than a classic cookbook. This work is an inspiring journey into the world of modern, regional Michelin-starred cuisine and provides in-depth insights into the pioneering concept of their restaurant Aura and the Future Lab Anima in Wirsberg, Franconia.

The book focuses on the unique combination of local ties and innovation. Under the motto “boundless homeland”, it shows how regional products are refined into extraordinary gourmet creations through collaboration with over 80 farmers. The book impresses with its combination of specialist knowledge, detailed refinement techniques and the more than 50 sophisticated recipes that are used in the practice of Aura and Anima.

The chapters dealing with the symbiosis of sustainability and top cuisine are particularly exciting: Produce is processed in the Future Lab immediately after harvest to create creative dishes, regardless of the season. This innovative approach can be wonderfully transferred to modern gastronomy concepts and inspires chefs and restaurateurs alike.

The aesthetic staging of the dishes by photographers Pieter D’Hoop and Jesper Hilbig takes the quality of the book to another level. Each recipe is brought to life by detailed pictures, making cooking it a pleasure as well as a visual experience.

Info:
Matthaes Verlag (www.trauner.at)
ISBN 978-3-9854107-1-2
512 pages