Amazing Alsace

I am Austrian, and my hometown is in Tirol. Alsace in France is my second home. As an apprentice chef in Austria, I have always wanted to work in France. The dream became a reality at 22 when I began working in the three Michelin-starred Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern in Alsace. It was in that restaurant that I met my wife, Lucie, who is from Strasbourg.

Even though my family and I eventually spent several years overseas, we always kept an apartment in Strasbourg. After spending six years in Singapore, we returned to Strasbourg. Alsace allows me to shut down from the big Asian city life, recharge my batteries, enjoy traditional comfort food, take walks in the forest with my kids, and gather inspiration for my culinary concepts.

Excerpt from the December issue of epicure.