Gelinaz goes musical with NAH BGM: 7 questions for Markus Stöckle

Andreja Lajh / Haut de Gamme

2 years ago

The next Gelinaz NAH BGM event is taking place at ROSI in Zurich. Rosi is headed by Markus Stöckle. Markus grew up on his parents’ farm in Bavaria. However, his career quickly took him to the world’s most renowned kitchens. Markus worked for Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck and his work at the Fat Duck Lab still shapes his work today. It is precisely this combination that defines Markus Stöckle. Down-to-earth avant-gardist, traditional adventurer.

In his neo-Bavarian tavern “Rosi”, Stöckle draws on historical dishes and rural traditions to create his interpretation of “tavern cuisine”. However, this description is by no means a simple understatement. In fact, “Rosi” celebrates one of the most creative cuisines in Zurich, whereby the effort is enormous and the technical finesse is at a fascinatingly high level. Markus Stöckle is certainly one of the most interesting chefs in Switzerland. He has just been honoured with the “Rising Star of the Year 2024” award from Gault Millau.

What does food and cooking mean to Markus?

Everything! It means spiritual, mental and intellectual freedom. It gives me a chance to also escape life for brief moments. I am talking of eating as much as thinking of food, as well as cooking. It keeps me up at night. The moments that ground me and also make me feel like I am deeply connected to the universe. Something that challenges me every day, and gives me the chance to grow as a member of society and also be part of it. Gives me the chance to give something back to my community and do it right in front of my doorstep.

If Markus’ food was a film, what film would it be and why?

A mix of the movies.

A Single Man and A Serius Man, with spikes of the dramaturgy of Quentin Tarantino, like Pulp Fiction.

But there are so many great movies, productions and people. I guess when fun, different angles (outlook on live), a box in a box theme (done em and done em again and over and over) like in Lewis Carrol movies.

Melanchomicly 😉 I am a big fan of Karl Valentin, a post-war cabaret artist from south Germany, who was not shy to express the unreal disharmonic and cruel world in a silly manner. The most serious times bring often the most comical situations, cabaret, and culture. „Today is the good old time from tomorrow”

What about music?

Same here. A big fan of everything that makes me think, cry and laugh. From Thom Yorke to Kendrick Lamar, from Michael Nyman to Bonaparte, Mulatu Astatke to Erkin Koray, to Stimmhorn, to Señor Coconut. When it gets abstract and a little weird. Real meaning and relevance. Stretch marks and grey Hair 😉 Andre 3000 new album „New Blue Sun“ is a recent highlight.

Molecules held together by sound.

Emotional trigger, enhancer and also the opposite. The right sound at the right time can put you in a state of trance, but also can when done wrong, kill every vibe. When is it also good to disrupt?

It’s sensual and sexual. But also, what sound makes crispy food crispier, or velvety foods more luxurious or creamy? You can apply this to anything really, when it comes to sound and you can measure it – Kiki and Bouba.

Building bridges.

Why does Markus like Tobias’ music and how does it connect with his restaurant?

I love his music because it has all of the above. It’s critical, it’s fun, full of meaning and deep, but also silly, it’s even a bit schizophrenic but so present. But mainly just great to listen to and unique. He has been writing music for people’s lives. Some phases in my life are deeply connected with his music.

If the Gelinaz event you they creating together would be a film, which film would it be? What should the guests expect?

Lost in translation :DDD

Somehow “Colour me Kubrick. A true..ish story“ comes to mind.

It will be a Film that’s fun and playful with a double meaning that takes the moment in time not to series and relative. Guests have to be guests and we want them to enjoy themselves. From my humble perspective, I would love to create a couple of hours that let you wonder and enjoy the moment. Diving into another world and forgetting your routine for some time.

Markus’ message for Andrea Petrini?

Andrea for President!

I thank the universe for people like Andrea. A man on a mission! One of the last true fighters, holding the torch for culture in/and gastronomy. Actively and endlessly, that inspires me and my fellow people and gives a whole new generation strength, to be themselves and to try something new. Personally, Andrea and Catherine somehow make me feel brave enough to stay in creative flow and risky, instead of playing safe.

I would love the whole world to be a bit more like them.

And what is Markus’ message for his Gelinaz guests?

I can’t wait to meet and greet you. I can’t wait for you to be yourself. Leave room for the unknown and dialogue, because that’s the magic of gastronomy. Coming together, no matter your personal beliefs. Escape with us and dream a bit. We love you.