Welcome back to the podcast! Today, I had the pleasure of hosting my dear friend, Chef Martin Oswald. We had an enriching conversation about his fascinating journey in the culinary world, from his early days in Austria to working with renowned chefs like Wolfgang Puck.

Martin shared his unique story of how he became interested in becoming a chef, starting with his experience at a health resort in Austria. He spoke about the influence of Roman Wilfring and the ancient herbal knowledge of Hildegard from Bingen, which inspired his approach to cooking.

We delved into Martin’s career trajectory, including his time in the Austrian military, his comprehensive culinary education, and his work at various prestigious resorts. He also recounted his experience working with celebrities and athletes at the health resort of Willi Dungel.

One of the highlights was Martin’s time with Wolfgang Puck in California, where he learned the art of fusion cuisine, focusing on fresh, organic ingredients. He shared insights into the meticulous process of sourcing and preparing food, emphasizing the importance of using minimal refrigeration to ensure freshness.

Martin also discussed his collaboration with Dr. Dean Ornish and how his father-in-law benefited from Dr. Ornish’s heart disease reversal program. This experience further solidified Martin’s commitment to healthy, flavorful cooking.

We explored Martin’s journey to Colorado, where he worked at top restaurants like Sweet Basil and Syzygy in Aspen. He shared his experiences working with a Master Sommelier, which enhanced his understanding of flavor profiles and the delicate balance required in gourmet cooking.

Towards the end of our conversation, Martin introduced us to some unique spices and herbs, including Szechuan peppers, star anise, black cardamom, and galangal. He provided tips on how to use these ingredients to elevate everyday cooking.

We also touched on Martin’s future plans, including our upcoming Doc and Chef community, where we’ll be sharing more culinary insights and recipes. Be sure to check out Martin’s Substack, “Chef Martin’s Healing Kitchen,” for more delicious recipes and cooking techniques.

Thank you, Martin, for joining us today and sharing your incredible culinary journey. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes and culinary adventures!

To connect with Chef Martin: https://substack.com/@chefmartinoswald?utm_source=global-search

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