Simon Taxacher: a new 4-toque chef for Austria
Kirchberg in Tyrol. Published today, the authoritative 2014 Gault Millau guide awards dynamic Tyrolean chef Simon Taxacher and his restaurant 4 toques and 19 points, catapulting him to the top of Austria’s culinary elite. The Restaurant Simon Taxacher is one of only 4 establishments in Austria to hold this exceptional Gault Millau rating.
Over 13 years, Simon Taxacher (37) and his partner Sandra Kobald have devoted every spare minute to realising their dream, the Restaurant Simon Taxacher at Kirchberg in the Austrian Tyrol. Their boundless enthusiasm, perfectionism, mutual respect and shared passion for superb food have now brought them to the pinnacle of culinary distinction. ‘This is the most important award in the Rosengarten history and we are deeply honoured and overjoyed as well as a little overwhelmed,’ says Simon Taxacher. ‘It is quite an indescribable feeling. Every member of our team has worked incredibly hard to achieve this and we would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. We’d also like to thank our loyal clients for their encouragement and recognition, which has helped us to keep growing and push the boundaries.’
The Taxacher Philosophy
Taxacher has an uncompromising philosophy. ‘Only by reinventing yourself every day can you stay true to yourself. I don't think of cooking as an art, more a harmonious gathering of details. For me, the focus is on the produce – top quality is the prerequisite of successful preparation. I try to give my best every day and make the best of the available produce.’ He leaves nothing to chance and invests as much time and energy in the style and design of his restaurant as he does in developing his culinary repertoire. This discipline combines with Taxacher’s creative talent to give every customer a memorable gastronomic experience.
The Taxacher Story
Simon Taxacher’s story is one of dedication rewarded by success. After studying at the Villa Blanka Innsbruck Catering College he worked in the kitchens of renowned chefs at home and abroad, gaining experience in the world of haute cuisine. In 2000 he returned to the family business in Kirchberg, and in the same year opened the Rosengarten Restaurant. His unfailing dedication and stamina have enabled him to go the extra mile in the quest for perfection. In December 2010, with his partner Sandra Kobald, he opened the Hotel Rosengarten – linked to the restaurant – to realise their vision of perfect hospitality. In 2011 this avant-garde luxury establishment was welcomed into the exclusive 'Relais & Châteaux' hotel and restaurant association. Taxacher was also awarded 'Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux' status becoming one of 160 chefs worldwide to be honoured with this distinction. The award of the 4th toque fulfils a childhood dream but Simon Taxacher is unlikely to rest on his laurels. To him recognition as one of the world’s greatest culinary masters will be an incentive to keep improving.
*Gault Millau
Gault Millau is a highly-respected independent restaurant and hotel guide whose ratings are based on incognito inspections. Quality of food is rated on a scale of 1-20 with comments about service and ambience given separately. Based on the score, restaurants are awarded from 1 to 4 toques (chef’s hats). Payment for listing is never accepted. Gault Millau championed nouvelle cuisine in the 1970s and is acknowledged as the purist’s guide to the best cuisine in the world.
rosengarten-taxacher.com
