Dreams come true

Waldviertler cooks up the stars of Oscar night today

Award-winning chef Bernhard Zimmerl is treating movie stars to a culinary feast at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles today.(Bild: Bernhard Zimmerl, Krone KREATIV)

When the international film world celebrates in Los Angeles tonight—krone.at will be reporting live!—Bernhard Zimmerl will be there to experience it all firsthand. The award-winning chef from Waidhofen an der Thaya will be at the stars' buffet. Small talk and handshakes included...

Waldviertler award-winning chef Bernhard Zimmerl will be right in the thick of things at tonight's Oscars. The 32-year-old has been very successful for twelve years with his restaurant Foggy Mix in Waidhofen an der Thaya, where he combines fine dining with a down-to-earth Irish pub.

Experience pays off
Having gained experience in several top restaurants, Zimmerl is working for the second time at the Oscar ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles – as part of the team led by Wolfgang Puck, the famous "chef to the stars."

It would be so great if I could exchange a few words with stars like Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie, or Ryan Gosling, or shake their hands.

Bernhard Zimmerl, Haubenkoch aus Waidhofen an der Thaya

Many people probably dream of that
This year, the Waldviertel native will even experience the show up close. As one of 120 top chefs, he will not only prepare dishes for pre-event parties, but also for the Governors Ball, the official after-show party for the Academy Awards.  

"I'll also be allowed to stand at the buffet and serve the stars," says Zimmerl, eagerly anticipating his encounters with the big names in the film business. It's an experience that many can only dream of.

Bernhard Zimmerl (right) with Wolfgang Puck and his son Byron(Bild: Bernhard Zimmerl)

The only Lower Austrian
With Bernhard Zimmerl and the two other top Austrian chefs Mike Köberl and Hannes Tschemernjak, the local delegation in the "kitchen team" on Oscar night is small. The award-winning chef from the Waldviertel region is the only representative from Lower Austria.

Representatives of the world's absolute best in the profession are no rarity at this event. This year, Michelin-starred chef Elliot Grover, who reigns over the kitchen at Puck's Cut restaurant in London, is also part of the team.