The popular German cooking show, Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal, is gearing up for another exciting season as it welcomes three new chefs to its ranks. Starting on January 6, 2025, viewers can tune in to watch culinary stars Ali Güngörmüş, Robin Pietsch, and Christian Henze as they bring their unique flair to the show.
The fresh lineup of hosts marks a significant shift for the series, known for its engaging competitions among local restaurants. Güngörmüş has expressed his eagerness to join the team, stating, "We want to continue the success story of Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal. The show is great, and I'm really excited to contribute my part. For the contestants, it's not just about serving excellent dishes but also about respecting each other's perspectives and learning from one another."
Christian Henze, the most successful cookbook author in Germany, also shared his enthusiasm about being part of the show, emphasizing its entertaining versatility: "Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal has such diverse versatility. It makes the format just as entertaining and interesting for the audience as it is for the contestants and us hosts. I'm delighted to now be part of the show."
Meanwhile, Robin Pietsch, who has previously participated as a contestant, reflected on his transition to host, saying, "Nearly ten years ago, I appeared as a contestant on Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal. Being able now to accompany the show from the other side as a host feels fantastic. Sure, the competition between the restaurateurs is first and foremost, but the behavior and dynamics within the group of participants are equally exciting."
The show’s management at Kabel Eins is also ready for this new chapter. Channel manager Felix von Mengden expressed gratitude to former chef and host Mike Süsser, who had been part of the show for nine successful years, saying, "I would like to thank Mike Süsser for nine years of tireless and successful commitment to our local establishments. Now we are excited at Kabel Eins to have found our dream team for the future with Ali, Christian, and Robin. Welcome aboard!"
With the revisions to the host lineup, there is naturally anticipation about the new dynamics to come. Critics and audiences alike have expressed high hopes for how the new chefs will approach the culinary challenges presented in the show.
The first week of the new season has already sparked some heated debate, starting with competitor Robin Pietsch’s visit to Das Löffler's, hosted by Maxime and Hendrik Löffler near Koblenz. Despite being impressed by the restaurant and the culinary skills displayed, the fine-dining concept with Asian influences has stirred some controversy among participants. Early feedback was mixed, highlighting areas for improvement.
Gastronomy is always subjective, and with peer-reviewed critiques, sometimes even high praise can quickly be met with counterpoints. Hendrik Löffler's starter dish received critiques from fellow competitors, with comments emphasizing the need for greater balance on seasoning and flavor profiles. Aga, owner of "Moselgruss," noted how the teriyaki flavor dominated the flamed salmon dish, and Wolfgang expressed disappointment over the lack of pea flavor in his soup.
Despite the initial critiques, praise for certain dishes emerged, particularly for Hendrik's game dish paired with spinach semmelknödel, which Pietsch hailed as "culinary craftsmanship at very high level." Such compliments can be fleeting, emphasizing the intense scrutiny chefs endure on the show.
The audience can expect to witness not just culinary skills but undertones of drama and competitive spirit as the season progresses. According to chef Hendrik, there is no way to know what the capacity is for other competitors, making for thrilling moments. He cheekily responded to his challengers, "Let’s see at what level you all are cooking."