Great masters reunited

Johannes Nuding was early to discover his passion for the culinary craft. After graduating from Villa Blanka tourism school, he learned the ropes from greats such as Johann Lafer, Johanna Maier and Chef of the Century Joël Robuchon. It was in Paris that the ambitious Austrian finally met the grand master Pierre Gagnaire. The superstar of haute cuisine recognised the large potential in the young talent and promoted his career. The two formed a well-established team for over a decade: first Johannes Nuding worked for Pierre Gagnaire in Paris and Moscow, then later in London. For the past eight years, he has been in charge of the kitchen at the impressive The Lecture Room and Library in the London gastronomic complex The Sketch. In 2019, his creations led the epicurean hotspot into the select circle of three-star restaurants. He was only 33 years old when he pulled off this remarkable triumph.

Pierre Gagnaire’s eponymous flagship restaurant at the Hotel Balzac in Paris has held the same top rating for almost a quarter of a century. As a rebel and creative mastermind of fine dining, he is constantly reinventing his dishes, and his artful compositions have an experimental twist. The gifted culinary virtuoso is willing to take risks and also likes to draw inspiration from his passion for jazz and modern painting.

Johannes Nuding is currently opening a new chapter in his career. Earlier this year, he heeded the call of his Austrian roots and turned his back on the British gourmet metropolis. Together with his wife Lilit, his father and uncle, he renovated a 400-year-old traditional inn in his hometown of Hall in Tyrol and recently celebrated the opening of the Schwarzer Adler gourmet restaurant and Secco bistro. When it comes to quality, Johannes Nuding has never been satisfied with anything but the best - whether in London’s glamorous Mayfair or in the Tyrolean Unterinntal. Unagitated perfection and impeccable craftsmanship characterise his style, while Pierre Gagnaire’s influence also remains tangible.

In October 2022, a culinary class reunion of a special kind will take place at Restaurant Ikarus when former student Johannes Nuding – long since a master himself – meets his mentor Pierre Gagnaire. Look forward to a firework display of flavours when the two exceptional talents bring their triple-star-winning culinary art to Salzburg.