The festival is starting off with a recognised pioneer of sustainable cuisine from the Italian Alps. Nobert Niederkofler’s journey began in the Dolomites and took a revolutionary turn after working with his mentor Eckart Witzigmann in Monaco and the innovator David Bouley in New York. Over the decades, Niederkofler has skilfully mastered the fusion of the South Tyrolean rhythm of the seasons with culinary innovation and received three Michelin stars Restaurant St. Hubertus in 2017. In 2020, he was awarded an additional Michelin Green Star in recognition of his commitment to sustainability. On July 12th 2023, Norbert Niederkofler opened his new restaurant Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler in Bruneck, South Tyrol, where his “Cook the mountain” concept reaches its highest expression by using only the best ingredients from the surrounding mountains and valleys directly from producers and farmers, with respect for their natural cycles to preserve their flavors and nutrients. Not even four months after the opening, Norbert Niederkoflers restaurant was awarded three Michelin Stars and a Green Star for sustainability, which is a record-breaking achievement in the history of the Michelin Guide Award.
As an advocate of sustainable food, Niederkofler has established his event CARE’s – The Ethical Chef Days that promote a global ethical dining culture. AlpiNN – Food Space & Restaurant and his involvement in the restaurant Horto in Milan continue to combine Niederkofler’s love of nature with culinary excellence, inviting guests to enjoy a culinary history full of passion, ethics and remarkable flavours.