"Krone" report

Behind the scenes of the flashiest asparagus gala

The former host of the Marchfelderhof, Gerhard Bocek, passed away three years ago. Since then, Peter Grossmann has taken over.(Bild: KRISTIAN BISSUTI)

The garishly colorful Marchfelderhof in Deutsch-Wagram in Lower Austria is a hot spot for VIPs and VIPerln - especially when it comes to the annual asparagus gala. We accompanied host Peter Grossmann during the preparations and he told us about the secret of the cult, the infamous "free eaters" and what he plans to change in the future. And that's not even that much . . .  

Marchfelderhof's former frontman Gerhard Bocek has been gone for three years. Since then, his partner Peter Grossmann has (very successfully) taken over. The annual highlight in the garishly colorful restaurant in Deutsch-Wagram (Lower Austria) is the asparagus gala with VIPs and VIPerln - including a considerable number of "free eaters" (also known as "Earls of Buffets" in society circles).

The truth about the "free eaters"
"Oh God, I don't mind, because it's a win-win situation after all," Grossmann reveals to the Krone about the advertising value as we accompany him on the last jobs before the party. And look here, the man himself is lending a hand, "Yes, we have a very flat hierarchical structure in the company," he says as he rolls out the red carpet for guests of honor.

The host does it personally: Grossmann checks every glass in the ballroom before the ceremony.(Bild: KRISTIAN BISSUTI)

"This is my favorite spot in the restaurant": Peter Grossmann at the Gerhard Bocek memorial table. Bocek died three years ago, Grossmann thinks about him "almost every day!"(Bild: KRISTIAN BISSUTI)

Asparagus mecca Marchfelderhof: the host is his portion every day.(Bild: KRISTIAN BISSUTI)

Last meeting before the ceremony: Asparagus queen Sophie I receives instructions.(Bild: KRISTIAN BISSUTI)

Grossmann personally rolls out the red carpet for VIPs and VIPerln.(Bild: KRISTIAN BISSUTI)

Past the Gerhard Bocek memorial table. .
A short time later, they walk over it, flanked by a brass band, into the interior of the restaurant. Directly into the dining room and (probably without knowing it) past Grossmann's favorite place, the Gerhard Bocek table: I often think of him. As the saying goes: as long as you think of someone, they live on."

With the Marchfelderhof, Bocek, who died in 2021, has created a monument to himself and has long since found a worthy successor. His promise: "I want to change as little as possible here in the restaurant ..."