Wolfgang Puck brings the atmosphere of the biggest gala of the international film industry to Budapest

When Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck opened Spago on the Sunset Strip in 1982, he immediately attracted Hollywood’s attention: the best of the film industry, all the superstars who mattered at the time, were there for the opening night in January. It was the first restaurant with an open show kitchen, which was like a stage in the middle of the restaurant. It was a friendly, bright place with colorful graphics, which was in stark contrast to the style of the competitors’ restaurants at the time.

There is no question, at that time Wolfgang Puck revolutionized the culinary world with his innovative, affordable and extremely delicious dishes – and today he is considered one of the world’s best-known gastronomic experts. Puck’s relationship with the film industry began when Irving Paul “Swifty” Lazar, one of the most famous star managers, held his event at Spagó in 1985. Diana Ross, Cary Grant, Jodie Foster and Robin Williams are just some of the guests who attended the party. The first Governors’ Ball, the gala after the world’s most famous film award ceremony, was held for the first time in 1995, which is where the 30-year-old story dates from, which is now considered history.

Wolfgang Puck knows the favorite foods of Hollywood stars inside out and has many lovely stories about them:

“I remember at the beginning Julia Roberts came into the kitchen – she loved our food so much – so everyone was really excited,” he says.

“I don’t know if he won an Oscar at the time, but he was in the kitchen taking pictures with all the chefs. I also remember when Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor in 2019 for Joker. He’s vegan, so I brought him into the kitchen. We prepared many kinds of vegan food and he ate with us in the kitchen. He told me that he had been eating vegan food for years, but it had never been as good as it was at my place.” – Puck is nostalgic.

Although he may know many world-famous people among his friends and guests, he still maintains his directness and friendliness, he often walks around his restaurants and chats with everyone. His restaurants, which now number over 100, can be found in many countries around the world and their success is due to balance. Wolfgang Puck has always tried to keep the design fresh and change the menu a little – “to preserve both the classic and the innovation. Innovation and tradition, this is what takes us further” he notes.

The Matild Palace is also moving in the direction of innovation and tradition when it organizes its first red carpet event, to which it has invited the internationally recognized bright stars of the Hungarian film industry as special guests. “Our hotel’s third birthday is coming up and we want to celebrate it properly. The Matild Palace has always strived for exclusivity, and what could be more exciting than a dinner linked to the world’s most impressive golden statue? Since I’ve been living here in Hungary, I’ve been following the amazing international achievements of the Hungarian film industry, and in connection with Wolfgang Puck, it made sense to celebrate this in a dignified way.” – said Selim Ölmez, the director of the hotel.

At the Red Carpet Event to be held on May 10, Wolfgang Puck and his Hungarian team, led by executive chef István Szántó of Spago Budapest, will bring the best of international gala dishes and Hollywood glamor to Budapest.

The on-site culinary team is further strengthened by Tetsu Yahagi, Director of Culinary Development, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Della Gossett, Pastry Chef, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, and Wolfgang Puck’s son, Byron Puck, who is poised to continue the legacy of the Puck empire. It will therefore be a real star parade not only among the guests, but also among the members of the gastronomic team. At the golden statue gala two years ago, where executive chef István Szántó also strengthened the Hollywood team by presenting 2 Hungarian dishes, a total of 100 chefs prepared 15,000 dishes for the 1,500 guests. Although there will not be enough space for that many people in Spago Budapest on May 10, anyone can still secure their place if they want to feel like they are in Hollywood for an evening.

Table reservation and details on this link.