Jürgen Kettner

Chef Jürgen Kettner's culinary philosophy is anchored in the "New Austrian Style," a revolutionary approach that reinterprets traditional Alpine cuisine with a profound sense of lightness and surprising modern elements. While deeply honoring the authentic flavors and heritage of his Austrian "Hoamat" (home), he masterfully integrates global influences, particularly drawing upon Japanese products, techniques, and tastes to refine and transform familiar ingredients. This fusion creates a unique and dynamic culinary dialogue, where the essence of Austrian gastronomy is preserved yet presented through an innovative, unexpected lens, challenging conventional palates and delighting guests. Central to Kettner's ethos is the conviction that "Genuss is koa Luxus, sondern a Pflicht" ("Enjoyment is not a luxury, but a duty"), reflecting his commitment to crafting soulful and memorable dining experiences. He emphasizes continuous evolution, manifested in his seasonal degustation menus that are completely re-envisioned every 6-8 weeks, ensuring an ever-fresh and engaging culinary journey. His overarching vision is to inspire not only his guests but also his kitchen brigade, leaving a distinctive personal signature—characterized by clarity, refinement, and genuine soul—in every meticulously prepared dish. Through this relentless pursuit of innovative interpretation and culinary excellence, Kettner's Kamota stands as a beacon of modern Austrian gastronomy, where regional tradition meets global finesse. Chef Kettner's signature approach is defined by an exacting technical style, marked by precision, creativity, and a profound commitment to refinement. He excels at "veredeln" (refining) Alpine cuisine, transforming its often-perceived heaviness into modern, light, and surprising compositions. His unique method involves harmoniously blending traditional Austrian ingredients with avant-garde Japanese products, techniques, and flavor profiles, creating an distinctive fusion that is both familiar and exotic. While the text does not name specific signature dishes, Kettner's culinary identity is expressed through his constantly evolving seasonal degustation menus, which serve as a canvas for his artistry. He places a strong emphasis on developing fine, sophisticated sauces and essences, expertly combining flavors to create exciting taste experiences that extract the utmost from each component. His plating and overall presentation are characterized by a "clear, fine, and full of soul" aesthetic, ensuring dishes preserve the authenticity and character of their Austrian roots while embracing a contemporary, globally-influenced finesse. His most legendary signature is arguably the "New Austrian Style" itself—a continuous reinterpretation of Alpine cuisine that is always surprising and deeply satisfying.