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Wolfgang Puck

Celebrity Chef

Chef Wolfgang Puck

Celebrity Chef

His legendary name carries an undeniable cachet. Synonymous with a bold, innovative school of cooking that redefined fine dining. His trademark dishes, coupled with his unmistakable panache and passion, have revolutionized the culinary industry.

Restaurants

CUT

Cuisine: Modern American

Location: The Palazzo Casino Floor - View Property Map (Location #165)

Chef Biography


The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality. The ultimate in all aspects of the culinary arts. The famous chef has built an empire that encompasses three separate Wolfgang Puck entities. Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.

Puck began cooking at his mother’s side as a child. She was a chef in the Austrian town where he was born. With her encouragement, Wolfgang started his formal training at fourteen years of age. As a young chef he worked in some of France’s greatest restaurants. Including Maxim’s in Paris, the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, and the Michelin 3-starred L’Oustau de Baumanière in Provence. At the age of 24, Wolfgang took the advice of a friend and left Europe for the United States. His first job was at the restaurant La Tour in Indianapolis. Where he worked from 1973 to 1975.

Wolfgang came to Los Angeles in 1975. He quickly garnered the attention of the Hollywood elite as chef. He became part owner of Ma Maison in West Hollywood. His dynamic personality and culinary brilliance that bridged tradition and invention made Ma Maison a magnet for the rich and famous. Wolfgang was the star attraction. He had an innate understanding of the potential for California cuisine. He was pivotal in its rise to national attention during the late 1970s.

Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group
From Ma Maison, Wolfgang went on to create his first flagship restaurant, Spago. It was originally located in West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip. Since opening in 1982, Spago was an instant success and culinary phenomenon. His early signature dishes, put him and Spago on the gourmet map, throughout the world. Signature dishes included: haute cuisine pizzas topped with smoked salmon and caviar, and Sonoma baby lamb with braised greens and rosemary. Wolfgang and Spago earned many accolades during its popular eighteen years in West Hollywood. Including winning the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef of the Year. Winning twice, in 1991 and 1998. And then winning the James Beard Foundation Award for Restaurant of the Year in 1994. Wolfgang is the only chef to have won the Outstanding Chef of the Year Award multiple times.

In 1983, following the success of Spago, Puck went on to open Chinois on Main in Santa Monica. His early exposure to Southern California’s multicultural population intrigued him. Inspiring him to fuse the Asian flavors and products of Koreatown, Chinatown, and Thaitown with his French- and California-based cuisine in a fine dining setting. Chinois on Main brings diners a fresh and imaginative Asian-fusion menu. It laid the groundwork for fusion cooking in America.

In 1989, Wolfgang opened his third restaurant, Postrio. Opening in the Prescott Hotel off San Francisco’s Union Square. Postrio drew upon the multi-ethnic nature of its surroundings.

In 1997, Wolfgang moved Spago to an elegant setting on Cañon Drive in Beverly Hills. His menu blazed new ground. With a combination of updated Spago classics and newly conceived items created by the award-winning talents of Managing Partner/Executive Chef Lee Hefter. The seasonal menu drew inspiration from Wolfgang’s favorite childhood dishes. Offering a selection of Austrian specialties such as Wienerschnitzel and Kaiserschmarren. Spago Beverly Hills garnered two coveted Michelin Stars. One of only three Los Angeles restaurants to achieve this accolade. In 2012, Wolfgang fearlessly transformed Spago through a complete renovation in both menu and design. A new more modern concept steps to the forefront of the menu at Spago. Guests can find a shift to smaller plates, which Wolfgang believes is reflective of the way people enjoy dining today.

In 2006, Wolfgang opened CUT. A sleek, contemporary steakhouse at the acclaimed Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. After only one year, CUT earned a prestigious Michelin star among numerous other top accolades. Including Restaurant of the Year by noted food critic John Mariani.

Wolfgang has changed the way Americans cook and eat. Through mixing classic French techniques combined with California and Asian influences. Plus using the freshest and finest ingredients. He has changed the face of dining in cities throughout the nation. First in Los Angeles, then in Las Vegas, where he was the first star chef to create a contemporary fine dining restaurant. Paving the way for other celebrated chefs and the city’s metamorphosis into a dining destination.

After opening Spago in the Forum Shops at Caesars in 1992, Wolfgang went on to open five additional restaurants in the city. Including Postrio Bar & Grill at The Venetian in 1999, Lupo at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in 1999, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand in 2004, CUT at The Palazzo in 2008. And in 2010, Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina, located at The Shops at Crystals, the spectacular 500,000-square-foot retail, entertainment and dining district in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Since 2001, Wolfgang and his Fine Dining Group have opened restaurants across the United States. From Atlantic City (Wolfgang Puck American Grille at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in 2006) to Maui (Spago at the Four Seasons Resort in 2001). These include The Source in Washington, DC (2007), Wolfgang Puck Steak and Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina at MGM Grand Detroit (2012), Spago at The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado (2007), Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck at Reunion Tower in Dallas (2009), Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at L.A. Live (2009) and WP24 by Wolfgang Puck at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles (2010). In September 2011, Puck opened his first European venture, CUT in London. At the new 45 Park Lane from The Dorchester Collection. In October, Puck furthered his relationship with The Dorchester Collection by overseeing the food and beverage operations at the historic Hotel Bel-Air. Including a new restaurant, “Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air.” Plus, in-room dining, catering and events. In spring 2014, Puck made his first foray into the Middle East. Opening of CUT at The Address Downtown Dubai. A number of new fine dining restaurants are in development in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. As well as two in the United States, all of which opened by the end of 2015.

Wolfgang Puck Catering
Wolfgang formed Wolfgang Puck Catering (WPC) in May 1998, alongside partner Carl Schuster. The company brings a new level of innovation and inspiration to event and contract dining. For cultural, corporate and entertainment venues across the country.

Under the leadership of Chef-Partner Matt Bencivenga, WPC offers a restaurant-quality experience in a special event setting. For such high profile events as the annual Governors Ball, where Puck has been honored to serve as official chef for the post-Academy Awards® celebrity banquet for nearly 20 years. As well as the ESPY awards, film premieres, presidential galas, and fundraisers.

WPC is responsible for operating iconic cultural and architectural venues in major markets. Including L.A. LIVE, Sony Pictures Studios, Hollywood & Highland Center and Dolby Theatre. Pacific Design Center (Los Angeles). Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Union Station an Reunion Tower. Nasher Sculpture Center and AT&T Performing Arts Center (Dallas). Museum of Contemporary Art. University of Chicago Gleacher Center and Venue Six10 (Chicago). Museum of Science and Institute of Contemporary Art (Boston). ACE Center (Philadelphia). Benaroya Hall. Showbox Market and SoDo. EMP|SFM (Seattle). Newseum (Washington, DC). The Sunset Room (National Harbor MD). Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta). Walt Disney Family Museum (San Francisco). Honda Center (Anaheim).

WPC’s strategic partnership with Compass Group has fueled its dramatic growth since 2004. Including joint ventures with sister company Restaurant Associates. And a national concession agreement with concert promoter Live Nation.

Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc.
Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc. is a privately held corporation. That includes a rapidly growing portfolio of company-owned and franchised locations of casual Wolfgang Puck Bistro restaurants and fast-casual Wolfgang Puck Express restaurants. Plus, consumer products including Wolfgang Puck branded packaged foods and beverages, book publishing, and other licensing, and merchandising projects.

Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar is Puck’s newest casual concept which opened its first location in Charlotte, NC in May 2012. Followed by a second location in Greensboro, NC. And a third location opened in Palm Desert, California in early 2013. The restaurant features a new and distinctive Italian-influenced menu with Wolfgang’s unique twist. Featuring delicious soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, and grilled items. The menu centers around nearly 20 of Wolfgang’s thin and crispy pizzas made with a new, artisan dough.

Wolfgang Puck Bistro is a contemporary casual restaurant. Where the guiding principle is “Simple is Delicious.” Simple as in farm fresh food expressed in the form of extraordinary pizzas, salads, artisan sandwiches and daily Chef’s Additions of fish, pasta and meat. The menu rotates new and seasonal specials throughout the year. Highlighting the local produce of the season and includes a boutique wine list of more than two dozen selections.

In 1991, Wolfgang launched a chain of fast-casual restaurants, now called Wolfgang Puck Express. The Express restaurants, which subscribe to the “Simple is Delicious” principle, use only the finest ingredients. Preparing its fresh-to-order items in just minutes for people on the go. The menu features Wolfgang’s signature pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, soups, and fresh salads. Salads include, Wolfgang’s famous Chinois™ Chicken Salad. Diners get Wolfgang’s classics at affordable prices. Today, Wolfgang Puck Express boasts more than 80 locations. Located in major urban and suburban retail centers, convention centers, airports, universities, and supermarkets. Throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Concurrently with his restaurant and catering operations, Wolfgang Puck has made a name for himself as a communicator. He has been a regular guest on ABC’s Good Morning America since 1986. The year he also produced his first instructional cooking video, Spago Cooking with Wolfgang Puck. His Emmy Award-winning television series, “Wolfgang Puck,” debuted on The Food Network in 2000. It aired for five seasons. Wolfgang has made guest appearances on a multitude of television shows. Including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Ellen De Generes Show, Entertainment Tonight, E! Entertainment Television, Hollywood Squares, Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, Frasier, The Simpsons, The History Channel, Wheel of Fortune, Las Vegas, Shark and What’s My Line. In 2001, the A&E Network featured the life of Wolfgang Puck on their popular Biography series.

Wolfgang has written seven cookbooks including his latest book, “Wolfgang Puck Makes it Healthy” which debuted in spring 2014.

Wolfgang’s syndicated newspaper column, “Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen,” appears in 30 newspapers in the United States and Canada. Reaching more than 5.3 million people each week.

The chef is known to millions of television viewers who see him regularly. Including on Home Shopping Network, where he demonstrates recipes using his growing line of Wolfgang Puck branded housewares. These include stainless steel cookware, small kitchen electrics such as panini grills, food processors, blenders and electric grills. Plus, flatware, cutlery, bakeware, and other kitchen gadgets and tools.

In addition to his branded housewares, Wolfgang Puck’s consumer products include a wide range of foods. He launched his first line of frozen food in 1987. To meet his customers’ desire to enjoy Spago-quality food at home. Wolfgang Puck All-Natural Frozen Pizzas and Appetizers; All-Natural and Organic Wolfgang Puck Soups; All-Natural Jarred Italian Sauces; Estate Grown Organic Coffees and Ready to Drink Coffees and Culinary Iced Coffees. Plus, Wolfgang Puck Refrigerated Entrees. Gelson’s supermarkets in Southern California offer Wolfgang Puck fresh-packaged foods, and Wolfgang Puck coffee blends are sold through Amenity Services to hotels, resorts, local market office distribution and websites.

Community Relationships
Wolfgang is actively involved in many philanthropic endeavors and charitable organizations. Including the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland, the Animal Foundation, the Gateway Green, the Special Olympics, the Cystic Fibrosis Society, the Race to Erase MS, the Carousel of Hope Ball for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Fire and Ice Ball for Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program.

Wolfgang’s Eat, Love, Live ™ (WELL)
Central to all of Wolfgang Puck’s endeavors is his Wolfgang’s Eat, Love, Live ™ (WELL) philosophy. This stands for culinary passion for eating and dining WELL. Which means a commitment to provide food made with only the freshest and most natural and organic ingredients available. To celebrate local farmers and seasonal ingredients, and to use only humanely raised animal products.
Wolfgang Puck lives in Los Angeles, with his wife, Gelila, and has four sons, Cameron, Byron, Oliver, and Alexander.

Cookbooks

Chef Puck has written seven popular cookbooks. Designed to share his culinary talents and signature dishes with home chefs who want to create the perfect dining experience at home.