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Go JRE-Inside+Interview with Jan-Philipp Berner
Jan-Philipp Berner is chef at restaurant Dorint Söl'ring Hof. Chef Jan-Philipp Berner trained for years under renowned star chefs before joining Sylter Söl'ring Hof by Johannes King, where he was appointed head chef in 2013. Here, Jan-Philipp has captivated the gourmet world with his creative German cuisine. In the world championship in 2013, he won the title of Culinary Champion and was named Germany's best young chef. Moreover, in 2019, he received the Jeunes Restaurateurs talent award, and his dishes have received two Michelin stars. We asked the chef some questions about his culinary inspiration, his favourite dish, and much more.
Jan-Philipp, how would you describe your cooking style?
I would describe my cooking style as creative German cuisine.
What's your favourite dish to make?
My cooking always reflects how I feel at the moment. In summer, I prefer refreshing, acidic dishes, whereas in winter, I enjoy creating hearty, substantial dishes. My kitchen is always changing. What I look for all year round, however, is the best possible taste of a product.
What is your favourite ingredient to work with?
I like working with any ingredient I'm holding in my hand during the day. I’m interested in every product. To me, that is the attraction of my profession. Everything has its time, and everything has its place.
Who is one of your top suppliers or producers?
Bernd our breakfast chef and gardener. Each year, we discuss what we grow, and he takes care of our plants, cultivates them, lets them grow, and refines them. The garden is the heart of our restaurant. Since not only harvesting but also cultivation, care, and many other activities are part of it, Bernd is our most important supplier.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your culinary career?
It’s hard to answer that because of the great challenges we are currently facing due to the pandemic. However, thanks to my career choice, my life has never been boring. Challenges arise every day. Sometimes big ones, sometimes smaller ones. That is what makes it so colourful, diverse, and worth working in gastronomy. Let's see what happens tomorrow.
Which gastronomic trend are you excited about the most?
I try to break free from old habits as much as possible. Every day I and my kitchen team strive to improve ourselves, sharpen our offer, and remain close to our guests. Whether this is close to a trend or not is not important to me. I think it's about quality, authenticity, and passion.
If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would that be?
If there was one last meal for me, it would be much more important who I can enjoy it with.
What’s one thing in the area that your guests absolutely need to see or do?
I would recommend visitors to enjoy the Söl'ring Hof, where they can experience the passion of our team and get a taste of our island and the forces of nature in the North Sea.
Thank you, Jan-Philipp.
Book your table at restaurant Dorint Söl'ring Hof
Try chef Jan-Philipp Berner’s classic German cuisine for yourself at restaurant Dorint Söl'ring Hof in Rantum, Sylt. You can make your lunch or dinner reservation through our website, for an unforgettable culinary experience.