EP 15: A Conversation with Culinary Icon Wolfgang Puck

Wolfgang Puck is a chef, restaurateur, and culinary pioneer whose name is synonymous with innovation in modern cuisine. Born in Austria, he worked in some of Europe’s most renowned kitchens before moving to the United States, where his fusion of French technique, California sensibility, and global influences reshaped fine dining. In 1982, he opened Spago, a flagship restaurant that became an international phenomenon and earned multiple James Beard Awards. Over his career, he has built a global restaurant empire, authored bestselling cookbooks, starred in television series, and received many honors including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Culinary Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In this episode, Wolfgang joins Steve to share stories of his early years of training under his mentor in France, what it was like when Spago became a worldwide sensation, his transition into becoming the first celebrity chef, and his influence on modern American dining.

Thank you to Wolfgang Puck and his team for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.