Wolfgang Puck is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and businessman who has made a name for himself in the culinary world. Born in Austria in 1949, Puck has become one of the most recognized chefs in the world, with a culinary empire that spans the globe. With over 25 restaurants, cookbooks, television shows, and a range of kitchenware, Wolfgang Puck is a household name.
Early Life
Wolfgang Puck was born in St. Veit an der Glan, Austria, in 1949. His mother, Maria Topfschnig, was a pastry chef, and his father, Rudolf Puck, was a butcher. Puck grew up in a family that was steeped in the culinary arts. From a young age, he was fascinated by the sights and smells of the kitchen, and he was drawn to the world of cooking.
At the age of 14, Puck left home to begin his culinary career. He was trained in the kitchen of Hotel de Paris in Monaco, where he worked under the tutelage of some of the world’s most renowned chefs. He then moved to France, where he worked at several restaurants, including Maxim’s in Paris.
Career
In 1973, Puck moved to the United States, where he landed a job at La Tour in Indianapolis. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he worked at Ma Maison, a restaurant that was frequented by Hollywood celebrities. It was at Ma Maison where Puck began to make a name for himself. He developed a style of cooking that was heavily influenced by French cuisine, but he also incorporated flavors and ingredients from around the world.
In 1982, Puck opened his first restaurant, Spago, in West Hollywood. Spago quickly became a sensation, thanks in part to Puck’s celebrity clientele, which included the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Puck’s signature dish at Spago was his smoked salmon pizza, which became a favorite of diners.
Spago was just the beginning for Puck. Over the years, he has opened more than 25 restaurants, including CUT, which is located in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, and Chinois on Main, which is located in Santa Monica. In addition to his restaurants, Puck has also released several cookbooks, including “Wolfgang Puck Makes it Easy” and “Wolfgang Puck’s Pizza, Pasta, and More!”
Television and Media
Puck’s success in the restaurant industry has also led to a successful television and media career. In the 1990s, he began hosting a cooking show called “Wolfgang Puck’s Cooking Class.” The show was a hit, and it led to other opportunities, including appearances on “Iron Chef America” and “Top Chef.”
Puck has also made a number of appearances in films and television shows, including “The Weather Man” and “Las Vegas.” He has also been a guest on several talk shows, including “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Puck’s success in the media has also extended to his products. He has released a line of kitchenware, including knives and cookware, and he has even launched a line of frozen foods, which are sold in supermarkets across the country.
Personal Life
Puck has been married three times. He was first married to Marie France Trouillot, with whom he has two sons. He then married Barbara Lazaroff, who was a partner in his restaurant empire. They had two sons together before divorcing in 2003. Puck is currently married to Gelila Assefa, and they have two sons together.
