Wolfgang Puck is a chef and restaurateur known for bringing California cuisine and modern fusion cooking into the mainstream.
After honing his skills in prestigious French kitchens, he moved to the United States in 1973 and opened his first restaurant, Spago, in 1982.
The restaurant quickly became famous for its groundbreaking dishes, such as smoked salmon pizza.
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- Full name: Wolfgang Puck
- Stage name: Wolfgang Puck
- Date of birth: July 8, 1949
- Age: 75 years old
- Place of birth: Sankt Veit an der Glan, Austria.
- Nationality: Austrian
- Occupation: restaurant owner and businessman
- Height: 1.72m
- Parents: unknown
- Siblings: 3
- Spouse: Marie France Trouillot (m. 1975–1980), Barbara Lazaroff (m. 1983–2003) and Gelila Assefa (m. 2007)
- Children: Byron Puck, Oliver Wolfgang Puck, Alexander Wolfgang Puck, Cameron Puck
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: 120 million USD
Early life and education
Wolfgang Puck was born on July 8, 1949 in Sankt Veit an der Glan, Austria.
Although little is known about his parents, it is known that his mother raised him and that after she remarried, he took the surname of his abusive stepfather, Josef Puck.
Wolfgang has three younger siblings: two sisters and one brother. At the age of 14, he pursued cooking school, inspired by his mother’s profession.
He is Austrian-American, and although his religious beliefs are not widely documented, his passion for food and cooking has made him a household name worldwide.
Career
Wolfgang Puck began his culinary career in Austria, where he trained as an apprentice at a local hotel before moving to France to further hone his skills at renowned establishments such as L ‘Oustau de Baumanière and Maxim’s in Paris.
In 1973, Puck immigrated to the United States, working at La Tour in Indianapolis before becoming chef and co-owner of Ma Maison in Los Angeles.
During his time at Ma Maison, he was recognized for his innovative approach to cooking, which helped shape California cuisine and attract a high-end clientele, making him a prominent figure in the world. culinary world.
In 1982, Puck opened his flagship restaurant, Spago, on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The restaurant quickly became a cultural landmark, famous for its open kitchen concept and menu that includes delicious pizzas with unexpected toppings like smoked salmon and caviar.
Spago’s success made Puck a household name, and the restaurant’s influence helped popularize California-style cuisine.
Spago’s international expansion, with additional locations in Mexico City and Tokyo, further cemented Puck’s reputation as a culinary pioneer.
As Puck’s fame grew, he expanded his empire to include multiple restaurants, cookbooks, and television appearances.
Over the years, he has won many prestigious awards, including seven James Beard Foundation awards and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Puck’s influence extended beyond the kitchen, revolutionizing dining by turning meals into an entertaining experience. Today, he is recognized as one of the world’s most successful and influential restaurateurs.
Awards and nominations
- James Beard Foundation Award
- Daytime Emmy Awards
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @wolfgangpuck
- Facebook manager: Wolfgang Puck
- Twitter name: @WolfgangPuck
Personal life
Wolfgang Puck has been married three times. His first marriage was to Marie France Trouillot, which lasted from 1975 to 1980, although not much is known about her.
In 1983, he married Barbara Lazaroff and they have two sons, Cameron and Byron. They were married until 2003.
Puck’s current wife, Gelila Assefa, whom he married in 2007, is the mother of his two young sons, Oliver and Alexander. Together, they maintain a private family life while Puck continues to build his culinary empire.
Net worth
Wolfgang Puck’s net worth is estimated at $120 million, mainly from his vast culinary empire, which includes more than 20 restaurants worldwide, catering services, and best-selling cookbooks. most and variety of food products.
