Jump to content

Wolfgang Puck

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wolfgang Puck
Puck in 2012
Born
Wolfgang Topfschnig

(1949-07-08) July 8, 1949 (age 75)
Sankt Veit an der Glan, Austria
Spouses
Marie France Trouillot
​
​
(m. 1975; div. 1980)​
​
​
(m. 1983; div. 2003)​
Gelila Assefa
​
(m. 2007)​
Children4
Culinary career
Cooking styleCalifornia, French, and fusion

Wolfgang Johannes Puck (born July 8, 1949) is an Austrian chef and restaurateur.

Early life

[edit]
Puck in 1988

Puck was born in Sankt Veit an der Glan, Austria.[1] He learned cooking from his mother, who was a pastry chef.[2][3] He took the surname of his stepfather, Josef Puck, after his mother's remarriage.[4] The marriage produced two younger sisters and a younger brother for Wolfgang.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Puck trained as an apprentice under Raymond Thuilier at L'Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence, at Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, and at Maxim's Paris before moving to the United States in 1973 at age 24. After two years at La Tour in Indianapolis, Puck moved to Los Angeles to become chef and part owner of Ma Maison restaurant.

Following the 1981 publication of his first cookbook, Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen, which was based on his Ma Maison recipes, Puck opened the restaurant Spago on the Sunset Strip in 1982. Fifteen years later, in 1997, Puck and Barbara Lazaroff, his then-wife and business partner, moved the award-winning Spago to Beverly Hills. It has been recognized as one of the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. since 2004. The Infatuation wrote that "Spago made Wolfgang Puck the first (and maybe only) chef you and your grandma know by name."

In 1991, Puck opened his fourth restaurant, Granita, a seafood restaurant in Malibu, California.[5] The restaurant closed in 2005.[6]

Since 2003, Puck's recipes have been syndicated worldwide to newspapers and websites by Tribune Content Agency.[7]

Wolfgang Puck is active in philanthropic endeavors and charitable organizations. He co-founded the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation in 1982. The foundation supports the annual American Wine & Food Festival which benefits Meals on Wheels; it has raised more than $15 million since its inception.[8]

One of Wolfgang Puck's signature dishes at his original restaurant, Spago, is house-smoked salmon pizza.[9]

Personal life

[edit]

Puck married Barbara Lazaroff in 1983, with whom he has two sons, Cameron and Byron.[10] They were divorced in 2003. Barbara Lazaroff co-founded the Wolfgang Puck restaurants and continues to play a key role in the business. She has been instrumental in their interior design.[11]

Puck became a U.S. citizen in 1999.[12] His favorite food is macarons.[13]

Awards and honors

[edit]

In 1985, Puck received a Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in a ceremony at Denver, Colorado, presented by Awards Council member Ray Charles.[14]

In 1993, Spago Hollywood was inducted into the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame.[15] The next year it received the James Beard Restaurant of the Year Award. In 2002, Puck received the 2001–2002 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Service Show, Wolfgang Puck.[16]

Spago Beverly Hills received a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Service Award in 2005. It was awarded two Michelin stars in the 2008 and 2009 Los Angeles Michelin Guide.[17]

CUT Beverly Hills was awarded a Michelin star in 2007. In 2013, Puck was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame.[18] In July 2016, CUT at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore was awarded a Michelin Star.[19]

On April 26, 2017, Puck received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for his work in the TV industry, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard.[20][21]

On May 20, 2017, Puck was named the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) 2017 Gold Plate Winner.[22]

In June 2022, Puck was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute on the Global 100 in Hospitality, as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.[23]

Restaurants

[edit]
A matchbook from Postrio, circa 1995

Former restaurants

[edit]
  • Five-Sixty was located in Dallas and featured Asian-inspired New American cuisine. After 11 years, it closed in April 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[38]
  • Postrio, Innovative food that draws from a myriad of cultures, a wine list that has both breadth and depth. 1989–2009
  • Granita, a seafood restaurant in Malibu, California. 1991–2005.
  • Eureka, Restaurant & Brewery in West Los Angeles. 1990–1993.
  • Lupo in Las Vegas, Nevada at Mandalay Bay[39]
  • Ospero in West Hollywood, California (2021-2024).[40]
  • Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill in Las Vegas[41] and Disney Springs[42][43]
  • The Source, Washington, D.C., modern interpretation of Asian cuisine located at the Newseum.[44] It closed in 2020.[45]
  • Wolfgang Puck Steak, a signature restaurant of MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit.[46] It closed in 2020.[47]
  • Wolfgang Puck Kitchen in Costa Mesa, California
  • Wolfgang Puck Express in Disney Springs[48]

Bibliography

[edit]
Wolfgang Puck at the February 2009 Academy Awards
  • Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen ISBN 978-0395313282 (1980)
  • The Wolfgang Puck Cookbook (1986)
  • Adventures in the Kitchen with Wolfgang Puck (1991)
  • Pizza, Pasta, and More ISBN 978-0517223727 (2000)
  • Live, Love, Eat ISBN 978-0375508912 (2002)
  • Wolfgang Puck Makes it Easy ISBN 978-1401601805 (2004)
  • Wolfgang Puck Makes it Healthy ISBN 978-1455508853 (2017)

Television and movie credits

[edit]
Year(s) Title Role Note
1984 Family Feud Himself Episodes: "All-Star Family Feud Special", "2nd Battle of the Perfect 10's: Bert's Beauties vs. Betty's Bruisers", "Gordon's Glories vs. Gloria's Go-Getters"
1987 Who's the Boss? Himself Episode: "A Fishy Tale"
1992 Tales from the Crypt Himself Episode: "Werewolf Concerto"
1999 The Muse Himself
2000–02 Frasier Himself/Tom Episodes: "The Proposal", "Mary Christmas"
2002 The Simpsons Guest Star Episode: "The Bart Wants What It Wants"
2004 Iron Chef America Himself
2005 The Weather Man Himself
2005 AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes Himself
2006 Las Vegas Himself Episodes: "Meatball Montecito", "Father of the Bride", "Lyle & Substance",

"The Bitch Is Back", "Pros and Cons"

2006 Celebrity Cooking Showdown Reality Cast Member
2008 The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Himself Episode: December 26, 2008; Kristen Bell, Wolfgang Puck
2009 Top Chef: Las Vegas Guest Judge
2009 The Jay Leno Show Himself Episode: Jaywalking
2011 Top Chef: New York Guest Judge
2011 The Smurfs Chef Smurf
2011 Keeping Up with the Kardashians Himself Chef to Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries' Wedding
2011 The Next Food Network Star Guest Judge
2011–14 Hell's Kitchen Guest Judge
2013 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Himself Episode: "Last Supper"
2016 MasterChef Guest Judge
2020 The Chef Show Himself
2021 Wolfgang Himself Documentary
2021 Beat Bobby Flay Himself (Guest Judge/Competitor) Cooking Competition

Companies

[edit]

Wolfgang Puck restaurants, catering services, cookbooks and licensed products are handled by Wolfgang Puck Companies, with three divisions: Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Sissons, Jemima (August 26, 2011). "Wolfgang Puck's Kitchen Adventures". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  2. ^ Chang, Andrea (March 7, 2010). "Strong-willed top chef". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  3. ^ Peck, Tom (November 1, 2011). "Obama's favorite chef to open new restaurant in UK". The Independent. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  4. ^ "Wolfgang Puck Inducted". culinaryhalloffame.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2018.
  5. ^ Ochoa, Laurie (August 18, 1991). "Granita—Spago by the Sea". Los Angeles Times.
  6. ^ "Granita Malibu restaurant to close". Malibu Times. September 21, 2005.
  7. ^ "Wolfgang Puck's Kitchen articles". Tribune Content Agency.
  8. ^ TheHollywoodTimes.today. "Wolfgang Puck Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | The Hollywood Times". Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  9. ^ "My Signature Dish: Wolfgang Puck's Smoked Salmon Pizza". MICHELIN Guide. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  10. ^ Myers, Mark (April 12, 2019). "He Fled Family Home to Work in Kitchens". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  11. ^ "About interior designer, restaurant designer, restaurateur Barbara Lazaroff of Beverly Hills / Los Angeles". Barbara Lazaroff ~ Exuberant Living!. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  12. ^ "Foreign-Born Celebs Who Became American Citizens". Parade. July 3, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  13. ^ Wolfgang Puck on the Inaugural Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, Led Zeppelin, and Retirement [1]
  14. ^ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". www.achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.
  15. ^ "Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame".
  16. ^ "2001–2002 Daytime Emmy Awards". Infoplease.
  17. ^ Hallock, Betty (June 25, 2009). "Michelin won't be publishing 2010 guides for L.A. or Las Vegas". Daily Dish. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  18. ^ a b "About Wolfgang Puck". Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  19. ^ "Singapore's Michelin-starred restaurants: A listing". The Straits Times. July 21, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  20. ^ "Wolfgang Puck | Hollywood Walk of Fame". www.walkoffame.com. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  21. ^ "Hollywood Walk of Fame star for Wolfgang Puck unveiled". Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  22. ^ "Wolfgang Puck Receives Foodservice Industry's Top Honor". Cision. PR Newswire Association. May 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  23. ^ Mix, Pulse (August 1, 2022). "Dr Jeffrey Obomeghie and Dupe Olusola among the 100 most powerful people in global hospitality". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  24. ^ "Chef Wolfgang Puck – Spago Restaurant". Delish. September 30, 2008. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  25. ^ "Spago Istanbul by Wolfgang Puck | Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge in Istanbul". www.spago.thestregisistanbul.com. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  26. ^ "Restaurants | International Cuisine | Marina Bay Sands".
  27. ^ "Wolfgang Puck - Experience the Best of Restaurant Hospitality". Wolfgang Puck. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  28. ^ "Wolfgang Puck Debuts His New Las Vegas Strip Restaurant and Bails on Summerlin Lupo". February 9, 2024.
  29. ^ "Star-studded: 38 restaurants in Michelin Guide Singapore 2017". VisitSingapore.com. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  30. ^ "CUT By Wolfgang Puck – Bahrain Restaurant – Four Seasons". Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  31. ^ "Chinois on Main – Santa Monica - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant". MICHELIN Guide. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  32. ^ Tiempo, Casa Editorial El. "Aterriza la Zona R de comidas en el aeropuerto El Dorado". Portafolio.co.
  33. ^ "III by Wolfgang Puck". Texas Monthly. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  34. ^ Yeo, Patricia Kelly (December 8, 2021). "Wolfgang Puck's Merois puts all other glitzy WeHo hotel restaurants to shame". Time Out Los Angeles. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  35. ^ "Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar to open in The Villages". Orlando Sentinel. March 5, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  36. ^ "The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck". Yelp. February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  37. ^ "Wolfgang Puck opens at BLR Airport". Retail Updates. July 7, 2023.
  38. ^ "Five Sixty closes for good". CultureMap Dallas. 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  39. ^ Levitan, Corey (June 16, 2023). "Vegas Dining Roundup: Wolfgang Closes Lupo, Mandalay Baywatch, Venetian Gets HaSalon Trip". Casino.org. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  40. ^ Kang, Matthew (March 29, 2021). "First Look Inside Wolfgang Puck's Pair of New Restaurants at Pendry West Hollywood". Eater LA. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  41. ^ "Wolfgang Puck Bar & Gril". www.vegas.com. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  42. ^ Delgado, Lauren (November 19, 2018). "Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill opens in Disney Springs". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  43. ^ "The Britely and Wolfgang Puck's Restaurant Ospero Permanently Close at Pendry West Hollywood". The Hollywood Reporter. April 8, 2024.
  44. ^ "The Source Washington DC :: Wolfgang Puck Asian Fusion Restaurant". Wolfgangpuck.com. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  45. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (May 14, 2020). "The Source by Wolfgang Puck Is Permanently Closing in Penn Quarter". Eater DC. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  46. ^ "Wolfgang Puck Steak". MGM Grand Detroit. MGM Resorts International. and "Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina". MGM Grand Detroit. MGM Resorts International. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  47. ^ Houck, Brenna (October 7, 2020). "Wolfgang Puck Steak Dips Out of the MGM Grand Detroit Casino". Eater Detroit. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  48. ^ "Permanently Closed: Wolfgang Puck Express". World Of Walt. October 14, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wolfgang Puck.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wolfgang_Puck&oldid=1250933761"