Culinary delights „Made in Leipzig“
Diverse and creative – Leipzig’s new chefs
Leipzig is already known as a foodie destination, what with its many culinary specialties such as the Leipziger Lerche, Leipziger Allerlei and the city’s coffee tradition. Even more so, the city’s restaurant scene has long been crowned by the only 2-star Michelin restaurant in East Germany outside Berlin: FALCO, towering over the city on the 27th floor of the Westin Leipzig. Now FALCO’s chef, Peter Maria Schnurr, was awarded “Chef of the Year 2016” as well as 19 of 20 points by the prestigious “Gault Millau” restaurant guide.
With the launch of the renowned „Guide Michelin“ for 2017, the East-German city of Leipzig was awarded another Michelin star: For the “Residenz im Herrenhaus Möckern”. After chef Peter Niemann left late in 2016, however, the concept of Herrenhaus Möckern was changed and it can now be booked as an event location. The former kitchen team of Herrenhaus Möckern has entirely moved to wine bar Chateau 9. http://chateau9.de/leipzig
Adding to Leipzig’s international flair and another hot candidate for culinary accolades is the Australian chef Paul Berry, owner of “The B10”, which opened early in 2015 and is located – guess where – Beethovenstraße 10, in the heart of Leipzig’s music district and near the impressive University Library. Berry, who has cooked for many a star, tycoon and moneymaker in the past, certainly knows how to spoil the discerning guest. His modern restaurant offers a small eclectic menu that changes constantly, as well as great wines, coffee and outdoor seating on the terrace. www.the-b10.com
For casual fine dining in the heart of the city, Planerts, opening up just outside the beautifully restored Oelssners Hof passageway, has proven to be an instant hit. Inspired by many trips to Asia, host Stefan Planert opted for a light, healthy and intelligible menu carried by Far Eastern influences. http://planerts.com
Since mid-October 2015, Leipzig is home to the new French restaurant “C’est la vie”. Owner Inga Connolly-Dahse’s and her partner Deborah Connolly’s mission is clear: “I cannot live without champagne. In victory, you deserve it. In defeat, you need it.” Fittingly, Napoleon Bonaparte, who lost in the Battle of Leipzig 1813, is referred to in the restaurant’s motto. Not only are there two French chefs, but an entire service team was recruited from Paris. www.cest-la-vie.restaurant
The gourmet restaurant “Villers” and the Vinothek “1770” of the 5-star superior hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig also create unique sensations of taste for their guests. Chef de cuisine Hannes Schlegel regales the city with exceptional creations, based on French cuisine combined with local produce and exotic ingredients. He learned his craft from scratch at another Michelin-starred Leipzig Restaurant: “Stadtpfeiffer”, situated next to the Gewandhaus in the city centre. The “Stadtpfeiffer” has claimed its title for many years now. www.restaurant-villers.de , www.stadtpfeiffer.de
Transferred to a French world is the emerging feeling when entering the “petit Paris – Café Bistro Champagne”. The Bistro opened in September 2014 in the flourishing east of Leipzig, close to the city centre. And it is no surprise – the manager of the bistro, Pierre Croizeau is French and “Monsieur Pierre’s daily specials” make the daily lunch a treat for the palate. Quiche Lorraine, Tarte Tartin or a glass of cider – the “petit Paris” leaves nothing to be desired. The bistro’s name also bears a link to Goethe, who called Leipzig ‘Little Paris’ because he was impressed by the city’s stylishness at that time. www.petit-paris-leipzig.de
The fact that Leipzig also has a lot to offer for friends of the vegan movement was recently credited by the animal rights organization PETA, honouring Leipzig as the most vegan-friendly city. The legendary “Zest” in Connewitz, “S-Kultur” in Lindenau or the “Deli” in the Südvorstadt district are just a few examples for vegan gastronomy in Leipzig.
Information, travel offers, room reservations:
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH, Tourist-Information, Katharinenstr. 8, 04109 Leipzig, Tel.: +49 341 7104-260, info@ltm-leipzig.de, http://www.leipzig.travel
It truly is… at certain times of the day more than at others.
Leipzig is a beautiful city.