Biography ~ Chef Peter Laufer

Chef Peter Laufer is the new Executive Chef for the InterContinental Houston and its Restaurant, Picho. Chef Peter received his first culinary experience in his grandmother's kitchen when he was growing up in Munich, Germany. She inspired him to follow his taste buds, so he began his culinary journey at the Hotel Bauer in Munich where he completed a three year apprenticeship. He then went on to take a position as Commis de Gardemanger at the Weinhaus Schwartzwaelder, where he learned to pair exceptional food with fine wines. He left Munich to take a position as Commis de Tourant at the Hotel Alpina in Garmish-Partenkirchen which specialized in Spa Cuisine & healthy lifestyle. 1989 he answered his Countries call; he was stationed in Mittenwald where he served in the officer's dining facility catering to members of NATO and parliament ministers. Upon his Military release Peter traveled to Gstaad, Switzerland and the Grand Hotel Bellevue as the Chef de Partie, promoted to Sous Chef in the 14 point Gault Millau restaurant. This experience lead Robert Speth, the 2004 Michelin Star Chef of the Year, to ask Peter to work at the 18 point Gault Millau Restaurant Chessery. Peter spent the next eight years in the luxury cruise industry refining his culinary skills in South America, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, the Mediterranean, Northern Russia and Scandinavia. In 2002, he landed at the Miami InterContinental Hotel where he catered to the Miami Social scene. Chef Peter is thrilled to have made his last stop on this culinary expedition at the InterContinental Houston featuring Picho restaurant. When he is not preparing cuisine for Houstonians, presidents, and other world leaders.