Waldorf Astoria Teams Up with Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with Pierre Gagnaire for a new restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Berlin, which opens later this year. The world renowned French chef has 11 Michelin stars at restaurants across the globe, from Tokyo to Paris, and joins an enviable list of Michelin star chefs in Waldorf Astoria hotels throughout Europe.

Gagnaire takes on responsibility for the concept and menu seasonality of the 70 cover restaurant, the name of which is yet to be revealed. Members of the restaurant team will also be trained in Gagnaire's Parisian restaurant.

Often described as the "Picasso of French cuisine", Gagnaire owns and leads a number of highly successful restaurants around the globe. Pierre Gagnaire in Rue Balzac has consistently been awarded three Michelin stars, along with 19 of a possible 20 points from Gault Millau, the influential French restaurant guide founded by Henri Gault and Christian Millau. This is joined by Michelin-starred Sketch in London, Colette in Saint Tropez, and Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire in Dubai, as well as other gourmet delights in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Moscow, Courchevel and Las Vegas.

"The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand has become a touchstone for defining luxury experiences and I look forward to offering a sophisticated culinary experience that Berliners and travellers from across the globe will remember at this fine hotel," said Gagnaire.

Well-known for being at the forefront of the fusion movement, Gagnaire celebrates creativity and delights in culinary experimentation. The 61-year-old chef is proud of his inimitable style of cooking that reflects his life, his emotions and his experiences, resulting in unique culinary compositions which he will showcase at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin in this new restaurant.

Friedrich W. Niemann, general manager Waldorf Astoria Berlin, said, "It is a great honour to have attracted such a luminary and legendary chef as Pierre Gagnaire to the Waldorf Astoria Berlin. Pierre's name is not only synonymous with culinary brilliance, but also, with Michelin stars, making him a valuable addition to Waldorf Astoria Berlin and a gastronomic attraction for the city. Waldorf Astoria Berlin and Pierre Gagnaire will combine elegance and gourmet excellence in Berlin and we are delighted with this new partnership."

Gagnaire joins the likes of Heinz Beck at La Pergola, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and Simone Zanoni at two Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon at Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Waldorf Astoria Berlin will boast an impressive range of drinking and dining options in a variety of settings and styles. In addition to Pierre Gagnaire's relaxed fine dining venue, Romanische Café - the legendary meeting place for literati such as Erich Kästner, Bertold Brecht and Billy Wilder - is set to reopen on the ground floor. A destination bar, the name of which is yet to be announced, and Peacock Alley complete the hotel's stunning choice of food and beverage experiences.

The hotel will offer the timeless elegance of the Waldorf Astoria luxury experience, next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and just a short distance from the fascinating boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm. Part of the Zoofenster project, the hotel aims to revitalize Berlin's City West. With 232 stunning rooms and suites, it will set new standards in luxury by combining the pioneering heritage of the legendary flagship Waldorf=Astoria New York with a unique design inspired by Berlin's vibrant personality.

Waldorf Astoria Berlin will occupy the first 15 floors of the Zoofenster development, as well as floors 22 to 31, of the 32-storey high natural stone and glass skyscraper.