Christian Rach
Christian Rach | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 6, 1957 St. Ingbert, Saarland, Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, writer, television restaurant critic |
| Known for | Restaurant critic on television |
Christian Rach (born 6 June 1957 in St. Ingbert, Saarland) is a German chef and writer, recognized nationwide for his role as a restaurant critic on television.
Life
Born and raised in St. Ingbert, Rach is the son of an electrical engineer and a homemaker. Between 1978 and 1983, he pursued studies in philosophy and mathematics at the University of Hamburg. During his academic years, he worked as a waiter, which led him to develop a strong interest in cooking. To support his education, he took on culinary positions, including working at the Strandhof under Uwe Witzke. Shortly before completing his degree, he decided to leave university to focus on a career in French gastronomy, starting in 1983 with Philippe Boissou in Grenoble. The following year, he advanced to sous chef at Korso in Vienna, where he honed his skills in innovative classical cuisine.
In 1986, after returning to Hamburg, Rach established the city-center restaurant Leopold. Three years later, in 1989, he co-founded Tafelhaus near Altona harbor by converting an old truckers' tavern. Situated in a historic cemetery building in Hamburg-Ottensen, the Tafelhaus consistently received a Michelin star and various accolades each year from 1991 until it closed on 30 September 2011. Beginning in 2001, Rach also oversaw the operations of the adjacent Cantina Milano.
From 1997 until November 2007, he managed both the Engel restaurant and the Luzifer snack bar in Hamburg, significantly enhancing their reputations. In 2001, he inaugurated Darling Harbour, a venue that ceased operations in 2004 due to insufficient market demand for its contemporary concept.
In partnership with another investor, Rach purchased the gourmet establishment Das kleine Rote located in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld in 2009. It was subsequently transformed into the upscale steakhouse Rach & Ritchy, which remained open until its closure in 2019.
Outside of his professional kitchen endeavors, Christian Rach acts as an honorary ambassador for the Children's Hospice of Central Germany, providing support to families with terminally ill children. Additionally, he works alongside WWF Germany to promote initiatives aimed at reducing food waste.
He currently lives in Hamburg-Othmarschen.
TV
Rach has been featured on various television programs and has hosted his own show focused on evaluating restaurants.
Awards and publications
He has received several accolades related to television and media and has published multiple cookbooks.