Thitid Tassanakajohn
Guest Chef December 2024
Guest Chef February 2014: Paco Pérez
Anyone who puts themselves in the culinary care of Paco Pérez should have all five senses intact. The michelin-starred catalan chef and protégé of Ferrán Adriá learned one thing early on: Eating is not just about taste – the look, smell, feel and even the sound of a dish play a crucial role as well.
Pérez developed a feel for food during his childhood. At the age of just 12, he was put to work in his family's tapas bar. After finishing school, Pérez immediately knew where to start his career: behind the stove. He began his chef's apprenticeship and enjoyed several stints under France's three-star chef Michel Guèrard, the pioneer of nouvelle cuisine. Then, he found a new mentor in Spain, who is still regarded as the world's best chef: Ferrán Adriá, owner of the world-famous el Bulli restaurant. Adriá taught Pérez the secrets of molecular cuisine and internalised the philosophy that eating should be a holistic experience that never fails to surprise. Paco Pérez is not satisfied with his exceptional creations only tasting good. They also have to look good, smell good, sound good and feel good!
Each month at Salzburg’s two Michelin-starred Restaurant Ikarus, a different top international chef creates the menu. For this globally unique concept, Hangar-7 executive chef Martin Klein visits the cream of the crop, takes a look behind the scenes of haute cuisine, and is let in on some exciting culinary secrets. “Culinary Heights at Ikarus” offers a unique glimpse into the world of high-end cuisine and provides an interesting portrait of each guest chef, their culinary philosophy, and the food culture of their country.