Summer in Germany, in full swing. Gardens are bursting with beautiful produce, freshwater lake swimming beckons, and we are called to gather at communal tables, plunging our forks into the best of the season.
Join us for “A Culinary Quest”—an intimate summer series exploring the modern food landscape, with an overnight stay at a selected Design Hotels property in Germany. From July through September, we look to the culinary talents of three prominent chefs. They'll provide insights into their artistry, and later into the evening, produce specially crafted menus highlighting the quality of the ingredients and their personal approaches.
This event gives you the opportunity to engage and connect with like-minded guests, steep yourself in the local culture of each hotel, and enjoy innovative gastronomy, with an experience that transcends the traditional realms of hospitality. Enjoy the benefits of flexible check in and out times, and limited edition amenities in a design-driven venue that is quintessential to its locale.
Three editions. Three chefs. Three hotels. A Culinary Quest is a reminder to eat and live with abandon. Book your stay at one of our unforgettable properties and upgrade your experience with American Express.
Where: The George Hotel, Hamburg
When: July 11—12
What: An exclusive overnight stay and culinary adventure with otto from Berlin.
Where: The Qvest Hotel, Cologne
When: August 23—24
What: An overnight stay and intimate culinary adventure with chef Ellie Bouhadana from Australia.
A Culinary Quest in Cologne will explore the intersection of Ellie Bouhadana’s mixed identity, her love of the shared table, and her travels across continents in search of nostalgia and food. This very personal event is a series of contrasts through aesthetics, storytelling, and cooking. The experience will primarily take place within the charming and historic Qvest Hotel, a neo-gothic architectural gem with contemporary design elements. After checking in and relaxing in one of 38 distinctly individual rooms, guests will enjoy an intimate discussion and a hands-on workshop in the gallery next door. Ellie will share some of her family traditions and preservation techniques—note-taking is encouraged here—while creating your own preserved lemons and Baharat spice mixes. Later on, guests will be treated to a soulful banquet, with a family-style dinner that bridges Ellie’s North African and Eastern European heritage. Expect a loud and merry atmosphere, a full stomach, and sauce-stained tables. A restful sleep in and a nourishing breakfast will round out this special event.
A Culinary Quest, Edition 3 includes an overnight stay at one of Berlin’s quintessentially historic venues: Wilmina Hotel. The Amsterdam-based culinary duo Oficina will create a site-specific intervention near the hotel, guiding guests through a multisensory journey. There will be a series of introspective happenings, including a tea session, sound bath, and a dinner, rounding out with a dessert and the company of more guests for a lively cocktail reception. Guests will peel back to Wilmina for a luxurious sleep in, a delicious breakfast, and a goodbye gift to close this unique event.
For the first edition of A Culinary Quest, we headed to The George Hotel Hamburg for an overnight adventure starring otto from Berlin. After a day-trip to the local fishery, and a masterclass on how to fillet a whole trout like a pro, the otto team dished out the best of the season in the courtyard of The George Hotel. Discover more about the event here.