The Culinary Journey of Chef James Gaag at Hangar 7 Restaurant Ikarus

4 mins read
chef residency international cuisine

Chef James Gaag, the Executive Chef at La Colombe in Cape Town, has been chosen as chef-in-residence at Red Bull’s Hangar 7 Restaurant Ikarus in Austria. Throughout March, he will be showcasing his culinary talent and unique gastronomic vision at this highly respected establishment, joining other renowned chefs who have previously delighted the restaurant’s customers with their culinary artistry. This opportunity is a chance for Gaag to elevate South African cuisine to international renown and share the enchantment that has made La Colombe a gem in Cape Town’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

James Gaag, the Executive Chef at La Colombe, has been appointed as chef-in-residence at Red Bull’s Hangar 7 Restaurant Ikarus in Austria. Throughout March, Gaag will showcase his culinary talents and unique gastronomic vision at this highly respected establishment, joining other renowned chefs who have previously delighted the restaurant’s customers with their culinary artistry. The collaboration between Gaag and Ikarus is a celebration of culinary artistry and creativity, forging a universal language that connects all of us.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

In an eagerly-awaited gastronomic event of the year, James Gaag, the Executive Chef at La Colombe, has been honored with the appointment as chef-in-residence at the prestigious Red Bull’s Hangar 7 Restaurant Ikarus in Austria. This opportunity is rarely given, reserved for a small, exclusive group of chefs annually. Throughout the month of March, Gaag will be displaying his unrivaled culinary talents and unique gastronomic vision at this highly respected establishment.

Gaag’s International Debut

La Colombe, situated in the bustling heart of Cape Town, has crafted its own unique space within the international culinary scene. The restaurant’s selection of Chef Gaag further magnifies its well-established prestige for superiority and innovation. The brilliance of this acclaimed kitchen has now crossed the South African borders, ready to make a lasting impact on the discerning clientele of Restaurant Ikarus.

The unifying factor among the select few chosen for this residency isn’t determined by geographic location or the specific cuisine they excel in. Rather, their dedication to excellence and diversity sets them apart. The array of chefs graced by Restaurant Ikarus is akin to a hall of fame in the culinary world. Now, Gaag joins this distinguished assembly, sharing the honor with renowned chefs such as Dominque Crenn, Ana Roš, Tim Raue, and Pierre Gagniere, who have previously delighted the restaurant’s customers with their culinary artistry.

For Gaag, this residency is more than just recognition; it’s a chance to elevate South African cuisine to international renown. As the sole chef from Africa chosen this year, he is enthusiastic about revealing the wealth of South African flavors, offering a distinctive gastronomic journey that embodies the spirit of La Colombe.

The Innovative Concept of Restaurant Ikarus

Since its establishment in 2003, Restaurant Ikarus has been a pioneer in the sphere of international haute cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Martin Klein and patron Eckart Witzigmann, it initiated one of the most daring projects – the guest chef concept. This revolutionary idea invites the most imaginative and accomplished chefs from around the world to Salzburg each month.

However, it’s not solely about the cuisine. The entire experience at Restaurant Ikarus is designed to stimulate all senses. Amid the unique glass architecture of Hangar-7 and the historic airplanes of the Flying Bulls, the dining experience is ascended to a multi-sensory journey. In this exceptional environment, Gaag will demonstrate his culinary skills, merging his personalized style with the superior standards of Restaurant Ikarus.

Gaag’s Culinary Mastery Takes Center Stage

This extraordinary opportunity is a tribute to Gaag’s impressive culinary career. His story is one of relentless passion and commitment to his craft, a tale that will now be woven into the rich gastronomic history of Restaurant Ikarus. As the chef-in-residence, Gaag is prepared to provide the world with a hint of South Africa’s flavors, sharing the enchantment that has made La Colombe a gem in Cape Town’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

The collaboration between Gaag and Ikarus is a celebration of culinary artistry and creativity. It’s a testament to the power of food in surpassing cultural and geographic barriers, forging a universal language that connects all of us. As Gaag embarks on this thrilling new stage in his career, it’s hard not to foresee the amazing fusion of flavors that will result from this unique partnership. The world is eagerly awaiting to savor the symphony of South African flavors, conducted by the maestro himself, Chef James Gaag.

Indeed, the month of March is set to be a sensory feast at Restaurant Ikarus, a singular experience that will unquestionably leave its customers yearning for more. But for now, the stage is set for Chef Gaag; the world is his oyster, ready to savor the pearls of his culinary expertise.

1. Who is Chef James Gaag, and what is his role at Hangar 7 Restaurant Ikarus?

Chef James Gaag is the Executive Chef at La Colombe in Cape Town, South Africa, and has been chosen as the chef-in-residence at Red Bull’s Hangar 7 Restaurant Ikarus in Austria. Throughout March, he will be showcasing his culinary talent and unique gastronomic vision at this highly respected establishment.

2. What is the guest chef concept at Restaurant Ikarus?

The guest chef concept at Restaurant Ikarus invites the most imaginative and accomplished chefs from around the world to Salzburg each month. This is an innovative idea that has been initiated by Executive Chef Martin Klein and patron Eckart Witzigmann.

3. How does Restaurant Ikarus offer a unique dining experience?

Restaurant Ikarus offers a unique dining experience as it’s not solely about the cuisine. The entire experience is designed to stimulate all senses. Amid the unique glass architecture of Hangar-7 and the historic airplanes of the Flying Bulls, the dining experience is ascended to a multi-sensory journey.

4. What is the significance of Gaag’s appointment as chef-in-residence at Restaurant Ikarus?

Gaag’s appointment as chef-in-residence at Restaurant Ikarus is significant as he is the only chef from Africa chosen this year. This opportunity is a chance for him to elevate South African cuisine to international renown and share the enchantment that has made La Colombe a gem in Cape Town’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

5. Who are some other renowned chefs who have previously delighted the customers at Restaurant Ikarus?

Renowned chefs such as Dominque Crenn, Ana Roš, Tim Raue, and Pierre Gagniere have previously delighted the customers at Restaurant Ikarus with their culinary artistry.

6. What can customers expect from Gaag’s residency at Restaurant Ikarus?

Customers can expect an extraordinary culinary experience as Gaag showcases his culinary talents and unique gastronomic vision at this highly respected establishment. This collaboration between Gaag and Ikarus is a celebration of culinary artistry and creativity, forging a universal language that connects all of us.

Zola Naidoo is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting politics and the lived realities behind the headlines. A weekend trail-runner on Table Mountain’s lower contour paths, she still swops stories in her grandmother’s District Six kitchen every Sunday, grounding her reporting in the cadences of the Cape.

Previous Story

Unleashing the Potential of Self-Commitment: The Inspiring Story of a South African Educator

Next Story

A Vibrant March in Cape Town: A Blend of Culture, Sports, and Literature

Latest from Blog

A Teenager in a White Coat: How One Student Shattered South Africa’s Medical Age Record

{“summary”: “Imagine a whiz kid, David Obagbuwa, who started high school at 11 and became a doctor at just 21! He shattered South Africa’s medical age record, proving that a sharp mind and hard work can achieve amazing things. From classrooms in KwaZuluNatal to intense medical studies, David tackled every challenge. Even during lockdown, he quickly mastered his courses. Now, he’s ready to help people, showing that big dreams can come true, no matter how young you are.”}

Martian Dust, Carbon ankles & a R4-million Promise: Inside the 2026 Cape Epic’s Mobility Rebellion

Get ready for the 2026 Cape Epic, but this isn’t just any bike race! Three special teams, using amazing robotic legs and carbon ankles, will tackle the tough trails. They’re racing to raise R4 million to buy 200 new prosthetic limbs, 150 wheelchairs, and 50 sports blades for people in South Africa who need them. Every pedal stroke helps someone gain freedom and move again, showing that movement is for everyone, not just a few. This epic journey turns sweat into hope, changing lives one kilometer at a time.

Cape Town’s Shadow State: How Extortion Became the New Township Taxman

Cape Town has a big problem: bad guys are shaking down businesses and projects for money. They act like “taxmen” in townships, making building costs shoot up and forcing small shops to close. These criminals cause fear, stop important work, and even kill people who get in their way. It’s like a shadow government taking over, making life hard for everyone and costing the city tons of money. People are scared, and it’s unclear how this dangerous situation will ever truly end.

The Woman Who Taught Cape Town to Breathe Under Fire

Arlene Wehr taught Cape Town how to fight fires like a boss! She was one of the first women firefighters and totally changed the game. Arlene created cool new ways to find water, like “Operation Liquid Grid,” and made sure everyone had a chance to become a firefighter, even women. Because of her, Cape Town is safer, and the fire department is much more welcoming to all.

Morea House: Where the Atlantic Meets Art, Granite and Ghost-Nets

Morea House is Cape Town’s first fancy Marriott hotel, born from an old 1960s building. It shines with blushpink walls and art made from old fishing nets, making it feel truly special. This hotel is all about local beauty, from its design to its food, and even how it saves the planet. Imagine rooftop pools, unique spa experiences, and rooms where you wake up to amazing views. It’s a place where every detail tells a story of the ocean and the land, making your stay unforgettable.