Lilly Sophie Gratzfeld

Ahead of this December’s collaboration dinner with Lilly Sophie Gratzfeld, we sat down with the chef, artisan and self-described fermentationniste to chat about food and wine.

Lilly is also known as Rosa Pilpel, an itinerant project bringing together culinary crafts and the universe of art and her work revolves around, and is inspired by music, contemporary art, design and more. The art of fermentation is one of the pillars of Lilly’s menus, alongside seasonality and sustainability.

Read on to find out more about Lilly’s life in food, some of her wine memories and her love for gathering around the table with friends and family.

1. You're handed a wine list, what do you do?

First I try to figure out more about the different wines, their taste, their story, its origin and the way they’re produced , the winemaker… As a chef, of course, these informations will inspire me to create some dishes in harmony to the wine offer

2. How do you know the wine you're drinking is good?

Actually, in my opinion, it depends on the occasion you’re drinking. If the wine fits in the situation and goes with your own expectations at that precise moment, it’s probably a good one.

It’s like food, we aren’t always in the mood for a certain type of food and sometimes we’re not necessarily able to appreciate a dish because our expectation is different.

So my way to qualify if a wine is good, depends on taste (of course), mood and emotions that the wine procures me in a specific moment. And If it is able to create a memory after it lingers on your tongue.

3. What is something fascinating you’ve been told over lunch?

Very hard to tell, most of my confessions or stories, emotional burst outs, crying, laughters, world changing discussions, creative thoughts, I shared with my family and friends around a table while sharing food…

What I can say is, on the one side there is Life and on the other side there’s a table with food where you can share all these life stories

4. In whose company do you most enjoy drinking wine?

Friends, Family and good food of course

5. Can you describe your ideal combination of wine, music, and setting?

I associate drinking wine with sharing moments with friends and family, discussions, socializing and appreciate the moment you’re in.

So the ideal combination for me would be a good light setting, dim light which adapts throughout the evening, comfortable seating and some nice snacks to share.

In the beginning of the evening, music shouldn’t be too loud to allow people to talk, but later, when the ambiance gets more festive, some nice DJ sets could be nice

6. What sort of food would you add to the equation?

I would say food to share. Small nicely arranged dishes all over the table where everyone can grab something and choose between different offers and flavors

7. What is the most memorable bottle of wine you’ve drank?

Really unable to answer this question. I had many, and as I said before, drinking wine and to appreciate it, is mainly related to the situation and the people I’m surrounded during the moment. It’s a lot about emotions, mood and creating memories

8. Where did you drink it?

Restaurant, at home on the couch, on the street, somewhere in nature while watching sunset

9. Is there a characteristic you look for in a wine and in a friend?

Easy going but character, being honest and free from ego

10. What is your approach to drinking?

I don’t really drink much most of the time… I can go weeks without drinking, but if I do, I love to appreciate a good glass of wine or high quality alcools combined with a nice ambiance and quality humans while being in the present moment

11. Do you apply this approach in other aspects of life?

Yes of course, it’s probably a state of mind whether it’s about food, people, art, fashion and so on… it’s not about the quantity but the quality of what you consume.

Consummation should be done consciously, to be able to really appreciate the value of the product

12. What shall we open next?

Streetfood winebar

Previous Next