Alexander Kumptner is the new coach at "The Taste". In an interview, he explains how he was received by his fellow jury members.
The Austrian professional chef Alexander Kumptner (37) is the new coach and juror for "The Taste" (from September 2nd, 8:15 pm on Sat.1). In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he reveals how his colleagues Frank Rosin (54), Tim Raue (46) and Alexander Herrmann (49) reacted to the newcomer and what advantage he has as "the new one". In addition, Kumptner tells how the Corona requirements on set make the cooking show "even more exciting" and why he can score points with his Austrian roots in the challenges.
How did you experience your entry into "The Taste"?
Alexander Kumptner: In the beginning I was a bit awestruck and worried that I might get lost between my colleagues. But everyone welcomed me so warmly, it was a lot of fun. It had nothing to do with work, more like a competition among friends.
Do you have advantages or disadvantages as a new coach?
Kumptner: A Herrmann or a Rosin, who are there from the start, of course already have previous knowledge and an idea of how best to combine and serve everything on a small spoon. I sat for nights thinking about how best to approach the matter because I really wanted to make up for the deficit. You can say I was afraid of failing completely as a coach. This is an illness of us cooks, we are perfectionists and have a big ego. My advantage is that I have nothing to lose between the big zampanos and I don't feel any pressure. To be the hunted is more and more difficult.
Did you miss a woman on the jury?
Kumptner: When you have a lady around, there is of course always something charming. With us, the mood can now be described more as "four boys on a school trip". We had dinner together before shooting and that broke the ice, the chemistry was right immediately. From then on we could say everything in front of and behind the camera and throw everything at each other, nobody was angry with the other. This also allowed me to be myself much faster than, for example, in other formats.
Have you had any quarrels with your colleagues?
Kumptner: Of course, at the beginning my colleagues joked a bit about me, the young newcomer. But when you counter a Frank Rosin, it's fun and I have no problem at all laughing at myself. As a new coach, you shouldn't think you're the chosen one, you have to deliver. I had to find my role quickly and learn to respond to the candidates individually. You have to deal with a sensitive hobby cook very differently than with a professional cook trained in drill.
How was the shooting under Corona conditions?
Kumptner: For me, the adjustments in the studio were probably less bad than for the others. I've now got to know the show, the others may have had to adjust more. For example, we coaches do not intervene directly because we stand on podiums behind the cooks, which means we have to coordinate everything verbally. If you still have four candidates and you don't like the topic or the ingredient, then you sometimes get blown away. I think the space required has made the format even more exciting. The coaches' emotions come even more to the fore – which is sometimes funny. For example, if I think of Frank, who goes through the ceiling to my right and Tim, who puts on his demon gaze to my left. Great (laughs).
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Kumptner: My weakness is that I'm impatient, which is probably work-related. My strength is that I can be very attentive to people and that I work on an equal footing. When it comes to cooking, I love to make sweets and desserts differently from other chefs. The Austrian in me comes through. My grandma left me great recipes, for example her cream pancakes. The best thing you can achieve with a dish is to arouse emotions and memories. And that is often associated with desserts in my home country.
After a hard day at the stove: How do you prefer to relax?
Kumptner: When I come home and my dog Phoebe is at the door, then I'll be fine again and I forget everything around me. I am an incredibly cerebral person and find it difficult to switch off after work. Netflix doesn't help, just a round with the dog.