Best of Budapest & Hungary

Matild Palace is gearing up for the most exclusive red-carpet affair of the year, a celebration honoring the internationally acclaimed luminaries of the Hungarian film industry who have made an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape. And who better to curate the culinary experience for this prestigious event on May 10th than the legendary chef Wolfgang Puck? Renowned as one of the world's top 10 wealthiest chefs, Puck has crafted the menu for the renowned after-party of the world's most prestigious film industry awards, for an impressive 30 consecutive years. 

     In 1982, Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck captured the attention of Hollywood when he unveiled Spago on the Sunset Strip. The restaurant's opening night drew Hollywood's elite, marking the beginning of a culinary revolution. Spago became the first restaurant with an open show kitchen, resembling a stage in the heart of the dining area, setting it apart from its competitors with its inviting ambiance and vibrant decor. Puck's innovative, delectable, and accessible cuisine revolutionized the culinary scene, earning him recognition as one of the world's foremost culinary experts. Puck's association with Hollywood luminaries began in 1985 when he hosted an event for Irving Paul "Swifty" Lazar at Spago, attended by icons like Diana Ross, Cary Grant, Jodie Foster, and Robin Williams. The first Gala of the world’s most famous film industry awards was held in 1995, marking the start of a 30-year tradition.

     Wolfgang Puck's intimate knowledge of Hollywood stars' culinary preferences and his myriad charming anecdotes make for delightful storytelling. "I remember at the beginning Julia Roberts came into the kitchen - she loved our food so much - so everyone was very excited," he says. "I don't know if she won an Academy Award at the time, but she was in the kitchen taking pictures with all the chefs. I also remember when Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor in 2019 for The Joker. He's vegan, so I took him into the kitchen. We made lots of vegan food and he ate in the kitchen with us. He told me that he'd been eating vegan food for years, but it was never as good as it was there with me," Puck recalls.

    Despite his vast celebrity clientele and circle of friends, Puck maintains his approachability, often mingling with guests in his restaurants. With over 100 restaurants worldwide, Puck attributes his success to a balance of innovation and tradition, keeping the design fresh and the menu dynamic.

    In the spirit of innovation and tradition, Matild Palace is poised to host its inaugural red-carpet event, inviting acclaimed stars of the Hungarian film industry as special guests. "As our hotel approaches its third anniversary, we aim to celebrate in style. Matild Palace epitomizes exclusivity, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a gala linked to the world's most prestigious golden statue?" remarks Selim Ölmez, the hotel's general manager. Ölmez, having witnessed the Hungarian film industry's remarkable international achievements during his time in Hungary, deems it fitting to honor them in collaboration with Wolfgang Puck.

    At the Red Carpet Event on May 10th, Wolfgang Puck and the Hungarian team, led by Spago Budapest Executive Chef István Szántó, will bring a fusion of international gala cuisine and Hollywood allure to Budapest.

    The culinary team will be further strengthened by the presence of Tetsu Yahagi, Director of Culinary Development of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Della Gossett, Pastry Chef of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, and Wolfgang Puck's son, Byron Puck, poised to continue the legacy of the Puck empire.

    This culinary extravaganza promises to be a star-studded affair, not only among the guests but also within the culinary team. At the golden statue gala 2 years ago, Chef István Szántó joined  the Hollywood team to present 2 Hungarian dishes, with altogether 100 chefs preparing 15,000 dishes for 1,500 guests. Though Spago Budapest may not be able to accommodate that many guests on May 10th, enthusiasts can secure their place if they want to feel like being in Hollywood for one night.