A coffee with...

What is important to know for someone, who would like to do a apprenticeship as a cook (f/m/d)?
FH: It's not always just cooking and experimenting, it´s also a lot of organization. Cleaning is also part of it. Cleanliness and a high standard of hygiene are very important in kitchens. You must like the job. At the LOUIS Hotel, it's especially nice that we get to try out a lot of things. I can get involved a lot and my own initiative is appreciated. That's cool and makes up for strenuous phases.

Why do you like to cook?
FH: I need to feel things and see what I produce. That makes me happy. You can do an incredible amount with food. I'm a real fan of seasonality and regional products. You can do so much with food, bring people together and make yourself happy. For me, cooking is sometimes like a little therapy, switching off, time for myself. After my apprenticeship, I could imagine delving deeper into what certain plants and foods can do for our bodies.

What do you currently like to cook and why?
FH: Currently very fond of a tomato sugo with shrimp and shallots. It's very easy to make and super delicious!

Tell us about a moment when you surpassed yourself.
FH: That happens often in the kitchen. For example, during the evening service, when you first have to learn the processes and understand how everything works. When you've done it, you're proud of yourself! There's a lot going on at the moment, and when I feel satisfied at the end of the day, I'm proud of myself. In the kitchen, there are different positions that work together and cook a dish together. 
In the beginning, I had a hard time estimating the time I needed to prepare my components - it's all about minutes. It's fun to realize that I'm getting better and better at estimating time. If you've never done something before, it takes some effort to ask how to do it, but it's worth asking. That takes you further and you are proud of yourself afterwards.

What three things are you grateful for when you look back on 2021?
FH: 
(1) For my family and the support when I decided to do an apprenticeship as a cook. That's a step I took for myself. At that moment I decided against studying and that was not easy to understand for everyone at first.
(2) That we have all remained healthy.
(3) I'm grateful that I got to know many new people through the vocational school in Austria and the LOUIS Hotel. Really nice people who I became very close with very quickly. 

Are you from Munich or where were you born and raised?
FH: Yes, I grew up in Munich, not far from the Viktualienmarkt.

How do you like to spend your free time in Munich?
FH: Walking along the Isar, Oberföhringen and Unterföhringen are good places to relax. I also like to try out different cafés. My goal is not to "get stuck" somewhere.

When I'm not working …
FH: … I try to do some sports, walk my dog and I read a lot in my free time.

Munich is for me...
FH: …my home.

// Publication: March 1, 2022 //