Cook the Mountain The Nature Around You

Explore the hyperlocal approach of acclaimed chef Norbert Niederkofler, from his home in South Tyrol in the Italian Alps to the world and back.

Norbert Niederkofler has dedicated his life and work to South Tyrol's culture and cuisine. He translates the beauty and vivid character of the mountains into his dishes at St. Hubertus, the only Michelin 3-starred restaurant with completely regional cuisine. Niederkofler's philosophy, summarized as "Cook the Mountain," is to choose local and seasonal ingredients only after talking to the producers and growers in person and to honor the ingredients by keeping food waste to a minimum. In the first volume of this 2-book set, brilliant photographs reveal both unspoiled landscapes and the agricultural and architectural changes humans have made in the past millennia. Striking portraits of locals capture the people and producers Niederkofler works with. Breathtaking food photography conveys the stunning ingredients and creations that Niederkofler develops. The second volume includes 80 of Niederkofler's recipes, divided into the four seasons to reflect his ethos of sustainability. Taken together, Cook the Mountain showcases the unique terroir and cuisine of South Tyrol through the eyes of Niederkofler, who has embraced his home and given it a new culinary identity.

NORBERT NIEDERKOFLER is Executive Chef at Michelin 3-starred St. Hubertus at Hotel Rosa Alpina and owner of AlpiNN Food Space and Restaurant, the home of the Cook the Mountain project. Born in the Ahrntal valley in South Tyrol, Italy, he is committed to the preservation of local cultural heritage.