Timeless indulgence

Mediterranean gourmet cuisine meets Alpine mountain air in the restaurant ‘zeitlos’ in Hopfgarten, Chef Tamara Lerchner combines traditional dishes with southern flair and her grandmother's unique recipes. It's definitely worth trying and you should allow yourself the time to do so too.

Tamara Lerchner's cooking career began early. At the time, no one knew that her first, childhood efforts would one day evolve and turn her into a true pioneer of traditional and Mediterranean cuisine. "As a young girl, I enjoyed going to the local mountain pastures with my grandparents. I was a real Granny's pet. She was my everything." In the forest, they searched together for fresh chanterelles and picked ripe blueberries. Through the closeness to nature and the appreciation for regional food, Tamara got to know all these values at an early age and regrets that this is largely neglected nowadays: "I think we should show and teach our children the value of food again." The throwaway society is a thorn in her side, as is people forgetting old traditions: "The word food contains the concept of life and it should be treated in the same way. It is the most important commodity we have, in every respect.”

Tamara herself started her career after successfully graduating from the Tourism School in St. Johann and a few short detours at a ski hut high up in the Tyrolean mountains above her hometown. This soon became a Kaiserschmarrn hot spot as Tamara developed her very own recipe, which even attracted guests from Kitzbühel. "This led to us using up to 2,500 eggs per month." It was there, alongside Kaiserschmarrn and Hüttengaudi (mountain hut parties), that Tamara met Monika Pirchmoser, who later became her business partner. Together, the two were already making plans for their own restaurant back then. "Years later, when I had already turned my back on the kitchen and taken another career path, Monika approached me and said she had found a suitable property to finally make the old dream a reality. Together they set off to view the property and as soon as Tamara entered the premises, it was clear to her, "I'm in, let's do it." The foundation stone for the restaurant "zeitlos" in Hopfgarten was laid, and today it is a meeting place for everyone who appreciates traditional dishes with regional ingredients and a Mediterranean flair, and for those who don't want to miss out on classics like the traditional Wiener Schnitzel from veal and the tried and tested Kaiserschmarrn. The two power women manage the restaurant alone, with seating for a maximum of 40 guests. "Finding good personnel is becoming increasingly difficult, so good preparation is the most important asset." As well as their own health.

To maintain her strong immune system, Tamara regularly undertakes mountain tours, either on foot or on her bike. "I'm a typical Tyrolean in that respect, skiing in Winter, hiking and cycling in Summer." Anyone who would like to accompany her on her excursions is welcome to do so. "Through the company Berg & Radl, (Mountain & Bike), I offer an e-bike rental service as well as selected pleasure tours around Hopfgarten." Together, we explore the most beautiful vantage points around the Tyrolean panoramic mountain, the Hohe Salve. Tamara's huge rucksack also contains delicious items for extended breaks. "This is another kind of enjoyment." Many guests often tell her, in the restaurant as well as on the mountain, that holidays here feel like a kind of homecoming. "Guests who come to us don't need a 24-hour entertainment programme. These guests come because they long to spend time in the mountains. They are welcomed with open arms and we all strive to make unforgettable experiences possible for each and every one of them, so that they can recharge their batteries for everyday life.

#Kitzbüheler Alpen | #LebenswegeTirol