A LOVE OF NATURE INSPIRES Chef Martin Göschel both in and out of the kitchen. When he’s not skiing, jogging or mountain biking, he’s bringing the character and natural surroundings of his region into his cuisine. As of May 1, 2017, that region is the surroundings of The Alpina Gstaad, where Göschel is responsible for the Michelin-starred Sommet and MEGU, Swiss Stübli, the Alpina Lounge, room service and banquet facilities.
Göschel began his career in 1993 at the two-star Michelin Restaurant Bareiss before becoming chef at Tigerpalast Varieté Theater in Frankfurt, where he spent nine years earning accolades and awards, including a Michelin star. He also served as executive chef at Hotel Paradies and Restaurant Alte Post before joining the team at Alpina Gstaad, where there’s a serious focus on cultivating local farmers, beef producers and artisanal cheesemakers while creating healthy, fresh and delicious offerings for guests.
WHICH DESTINATIONS INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION TRANSLATED INTO YOUR CULINARY CONCEPTS?
Switzerland offers many exciting ingredients and products easy to integrate in my menus. The intense taste and excellent quality of the produce here is often due to the fact products grow more slowly at a certain high altitude. The wild herbs, the forest berries and, in autumn, the mushrooms all have an intense taste and smell. The cows, the lambs and the game are somewhat smaller than in other countries. You can taste the Alps in the tenderness of the meat. While there is a strong culinary legacy in Switzerland, today’s chefs have to think outside the box to make interesting dishes. Take a dish like Indonesian tempeh, which we make with the grain from this region.
WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CULINARY HERO?
The chefs who created their own brand: Alain Ducasse, Paul Bocuse, Joel Robuchon, Hans Haas and Daniel Humm. I admire them for consistently believing in their own interpretations with seriousness, intensity and a drive for perfection. The fact they are recognized as their own brands is a grand achievement.
WHAT ONE PERSON MOST INFLUENCED YOUR COOKING STYLE, AND HOW?
Over my career, I’ve met many different kitchen chefs. I was able to learn important things from each. I’ve also had the opportunity to eat in a great many wonderful restaurants and found both the modern and classical ones exciting and inspiring. Through this combination of modern and classical, I found my own style. In addition to the award-winning chefs who I learned from, there were other supervising chefs who influenced me, like Robert Mangold, director, Tigerpalast Frankfurt, who has enormous expertise and a love of high-quality products but also never loses the sense of economic efficiency. The awareness of quality is still shaping me today.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD CITY?
One of my favorites is San Sebastián in the Spanish Basque country. There, the Michelin star density is high, and new techniques and methods always bubble out. Another is New York City, as there are so many different culinary concepts. Every trend is celebrated, and you can immerse yourself in so many different kitchens and styles.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT BIG TREND ON THE FOOD SCENE WILL BE?
Tomorrow’s cuisine will be oriented more to the vegetarian and vegan. The healthy food trend is upon us. In my opinion, it is a natural, balanced and healthy diet for the body. It is clear sourcing local is more and more important.
THE ALPINA GSTAAD
Alpinastrasse 23
3780 Gstaad, Switzerland
tel 41 33 888 9888
thealpinagstaad.ch
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 4, 2023Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Offers a Bevy of Holiday Events
There may not be snow in Los Angeles this season, but Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is certainly full of the holiday spirit, with Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s events happening in the hotel’s gorgeous event spaces.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Vagabonds
Looking for fun things to stuff into the toe of a few holiday stockings? Here are some great choices:
Destinations / North America
Dec 4, 20236 U.S. Christmas Markets to See on Your Travels
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. Christmas markets with us.
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Hotels Around the World Unveil Incredible Designer Holiday Trees
Everyone loves a good Christmas tree, but these iconic hotels around the world take it one step further with designer-styled trees illuminating lobbies and public spaces, wowing all who enter. From Lela Rose to Louis Vuitton, don’t miss these ultra-luxury trees redefining tree decorating as we know it.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023The River Less Traveled: 3 Compelling River Cruise Itineraries Debuting in 2024
In addition to intimate settings, smaller staff-to-passenger ratios, and personalized food and beverage options, river cruises have the advantage of providing a deeper dive into a region’s culture, food and history. The Rhine, Rhône and Danube in Europe and the Mississippi River and St. Lawrence in North America have much to offer travelers with their itineraries, tying together beloved cities and lesser-known destinations along their routes.
Sponsored Content
Dream a Little Dreamliner: Air Tahiti Nui Brings The Islands of Tahiti to the Air
From the moment you step onboard Air Tahiti Nui’s Tahitian Dreamliner, you will be transported to The Islands of Tahiti. The French Polynesian carrier considered every detail to awaken its passengers’ senses, creating the feeling you are already on the Islands while 30,000 feet in the air.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023Celebrate Christmas in Croatia
With the holidays right around the corner, travelers are preparing for holiday travels. For those looking for a last-minute getaway filled with holiday cheer, consider Croatia. With a variety of winter activities perfect for travelers and locals alike, the Christmas countdown in Croatia is in full swing. Leading up to Christmas, Advent in Croatia makes it even more worth your while to visit the country with free winter incentives. If you plan on visiting Croatia, here are five cities going all out for the holiday season:
ShareThis