Hendrik Otto

WHAT DOES COOKING MEAN TO YOU?

Cooking has been my passion for the past 25 years. To me, it is a language that connects people and, through my food, I want to create unforgettable, joyful moments my guests will remember.

‍

WHAT DOES COOKING MEAN TO YOU?

Cooking has been my passion for the past 25 years. To me, it is a language that connects people and, through my food, I want to create unforgettable, joyful moments my guests will remember.

‍

A talk with Hendrik Otto

To me, cooking is a language that connects people and, through my food, I want to create unforgettable, joyful moments my guests will remember.

Which person made you love the job?

My first role was as a Commis de Cuisine under Chef Michael Hoffmann in Hamburg. His cooking style and philosophy inspired me to reach my own personal goal of attaining one star. Today I have two stars and believe you can only reach greatness by working with people who share your passion.

What is your earliest memory of an experience with the pepper in the kitchen?

My earliest memory of the pepper was when I was seven years old. A neighbour had given me a chilli, which I served to my father, who was not expecting it to be hot. This gave us a good laugh. Since then, I have grown to love the pepper for the fruit flavours and spice it can bring to my dishes.

Can you tell us of an unforgettable experience you have had with Krug Grande Cuvée?

A few summers ago, I was working on a big gardening project with family and friends. Although I spent every free minute I had there, it often felt like we would never be finished. When we did complete it in early December, I wanted to thank everyone in the most special way I could so I opened a Magnum of Krug Grande Cuvée for us to enjoy together.

If you could prepare a meal with a Krug pairing for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Mohammed Ali because he was my childhood idol from the age of four. My father was a boxer and my older brother still is. In the end, I chose to cook. Still, when I feel the pressure getting too high, I reach for my boxing gloves, which help me destress.