Chef Claus 

 

Francois Minot said, "Anybody can make you enjoy the first bite of a dish, but only a real chef can make you enjoy the last."

Some individuals have attained excellence in the field of cooking. The knowledge of food, the preparation, the flavors used and the presentation are all factors that make the truly great chefs stand out from the crowd.  With over 35 years of experience, Chef Claus Hjortkjaer is one of these extraordinary chefs.

Culinary Successes:

- 11 years as General Manager of the historic oceanfront Hotel Laguna in Laguna Beach, CA

- 12 years as Executive Chef and co-owner of Le Café Miche where he guided it to a rating by

  the Zagat Survey of Southwestern Restaurants as the "Best French Restaurant in New Mexico".

Educational Accolades and Honors:

- Honor graduate of the Culinary Institute of Denmark, a six-year traditional European chef and

  waiter apprenticeship program.

- Chef of the Year, 2005, by the New Mexico Restaurant Association.

Other Key Accomplishments and Skills:

- Created wine lists that won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence eight years in a row.

- Hosted a local TV cooking show; hosted a 30-minute radio show on food, wine and the state’s restaurant scene; and

  produced and hosted a three-hour telecast featuring top chefs as a

  fund-raiser for KNME public television.

- Invited to be a guest chef aboard the six-star Regency cruise ship S.S. Voyager for the past three years.

- Culinary Arts Advisor and guest teacher at the Central New Mexico Community college.

- Earned a four-star rating by the Albuquerque Journal, and favorable reviews by Local Flavor, Albuquerque the Magazine,

  Local IQ and other local media.

I am truly passionate about my craft, and proud of my ability to prepare and present food of the highest quality. I love interacting with my patrons, front of house staff and my amazing kitchen staff. Its through this communication that I am able to constantly hone my skill and bring you the food experience that is my life’s passion.

Thank you and I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely, Chef Claus