Top gastronomy meets politics

BERLIN: Jeunes Restaurateurs Deutschland (JRE) and the Denkfabrik Zukunft der Gastwelt (DZG) invited members of parliament to the first Culinary Salon at the Käfer restaurant in the German Bundestag on 12 November. Seven well-known top chefs from the ranks of the JRE informed members of the Bundestag and their staff about the importance of top gastronomy for the industry and society.

At the end of the first Culinary Salon of Jeunes Restaurateurs Deutschland and the Denkfabrik Zukunft der Gastwelt (DZG) on 12 November 2024 in Berlin, Dr Marcel Klinge, Chairman of the DZG and former Member of the Bundestag, and Oliver Röder, President of JRE-Deutschland, drew a thoroughly positive conclusion. "Today, we were able to impressively demonstrate the social and economic role that top gastronomy plays in Germany. The response from the political representatives was overwhelming," emphasised Röder. "Our aim is to work together to promote healthy eating, good conditions for the catering industry and a strong regional focus." The Culinary Salon thus marks an important step towards lasting constructive cooperation between the catering industry and politics. The JRE and the DZG will continue to intensify the dialogue with political decision-makers. Klinge: "Top gastronomy not only stands for quality and craftsmanship at the highest level, but also for innovative concepts and the latest trends from all over the world."

"Speed dating" with delegates

At the centre of the Culinary Salon was a "speed dating" session, in which guests were informed in small groups about key topics in gastronomy and were able to discuss them in greater depth. The discussions covered a broad spectrum. Each station was moderated by a JRE member: Oliver Röder ("Burg Flamersheim", Euskirchen) spoke about the JRE-Germany's promotion of young talent and the JRE-Germany Foundation, Alexander Herrmann, JRE-Germany Honorary President ("AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz", Wirsberg), presented innovative gastronomic concepts that he and his team are driving forward, Franz Berlin and his sister Elisabeth Röber-Berlin ("Hotel Kronelamm", Bad Teinach-Zavelstein) shed light on the challenges faced by family-run gastronomic businesses.Iris Bettinger ("Reuter", Rheda-Wiedenbrück) addressed the role of women in the catering industry, Christian Mittermeier ("Villa Mittermeier", Rothenburg ob der Tauber) spoke about the integration potential of owner-managed businesses, Maurizio Oster ("Villa Mittermeier", Rothenburg ob der Tauber) spoke about the integration potential of owner-managed businesses andMaurizio Oster ("ZEIK", Hamburg) spoke about the implementation of regionality in an urban environment and Markus Pape, JRE Germany Treasurer ("Meisenheimer Hof", Meisenheim), emphasised the economic importance of a gastronomic business for the region.

A culinary experience at the highest level

The exchange was accompanied by a first-class flying buffet. This gave the political guests the opportunity to experience the culinary quality of the top chefs involved. The creations served reflected the high standard and innovative strength that the JRE stands for. The dishes also showed the role that regionality and sustainability play in top gastronomy. "People often forget what a role model top cuisine is for the catering industry and how much influence it has on everyone's eating habits. The social importance of our industry needs to be more strongly emphasised again - also in politics," summarised Oliver Röder. For Dr Klinge from the DZG, the event showed "that the world of gastronomy has finally been put in the light it deserves. Our Culinary Salon was therefore a complete success.