Eckart Witzigmann, an Austrian chef, began his culinary journey with a chef apprenticeship at the Hotel Straubinger in Bad Gastein (1957–1960). He further honed his skills by training under renowned chefs, including Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France.
Witzigmann’s career in Germany took off in 1970 when he joined the Munich restaurant Tantris, renowned for its innovative cuisine and designed by architect Justus Dahinden.
On November 19, 1978, Witzigmann made history by becoming the first German-speaking chef and the third outside France to receive three Michelin stars for his Munich restaurant Aubergine, opened just a year prior.
In 1994, Witzigmann sold Aubergine. He was honored as “Chef of the Century” by the Gault Millau guide in the same year, joining the ranks of culinary legends such as Paul Bocuse, Joël Robuchon, and Frédy Girardet.
Following his acclaimed career, Witzigmann has authored numerous cookbooks, sharing his culinary expertise with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike.