Restaurants

Chef's Biography

Executive Chef Martin Luthi -- 'King of Cuisine'

A diversity of cuisines and international recognition mark the numerous restaurants of distinction at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Executive Chef Martin Luthi, with 30 years of experience, orchestrates culinary feats, including superb banquets served in luxurious surroundings and with undeniable panache.

Born in the small town of Brugg (Canton de Aargau), Switzerland, Chef Luthi started as an apprentice cook at the age of 17, in a small lakeside resort. He went on to learn the traditional French and Swiss cuisines at restaurant Le Dezaley, in Bern, Switzerland. Chef Luthi later joined the Bellevue Palace of the famous Swiss chain of Palace Hotels.

His career flourished and he was consequently employed as a Chef Rotisseur and Chef Gardemanger at the Hotel Intercontinental, Geneva. But over time, a craving for travel consumed him and he cruised the world as Chef de Partie with the Holland-America Line.

In 1974, he came to The Fairmont Banff Springs, and later took the title of Executive Chef in 1980. Since then, The Chef, as he is better known, has trained many young apprentices. He supervises a staff of 132 chefs and a kitchen crew of 104. For 14 years, Chef Luthi has led The Fairmont Banff Springs' three year culinary apprenticeship program, which teaches participants from around the world.

'It is essential, in this fast-paced environment, to be surrounded by a professional, dedicated team,' believes Luthi. 'I am fortunate here to be surrounded by people who share a genuine love of the kitchen.'

There are 10 kitchens and 12 food and beverage outlets that prepare meals for 1200 guests in the 770-room hotel. This adds up to a mind-boggling 4000 to 6000 meals per day or 1.3 million meals per year.

Cedar Plank Salmon, fresh salmon marinated in whisky and baked on a cedar plank, is one of Chef Luthi's signature recipes.

Chef Luthi's creativity and organizational skills have brought him international recognition. He has thrilled the palates of kings, queens and famous personalities from around the world.