Ulrich Heldmann
Your Ambassador of Good Taste for the Bergisch Three region
Ulrich Heldmann has been serving up the finest culinary experiences to his guests in the “Concordia”, his Michelin starred establishment in a listed industrial villa, since 1995.
Ulrich Heldmann, Owner of Heldmann‘s Restaurant, on good taste:
"Taking pleasure in simplicity is best."
His culinary vision is simple – nothing but the best and preferably sourced from the region. He gathers wild Bergisch herbs for his fresh and flavourful cuisine, takes strolls through the markets and is always on the lookout for high-quality, local produce, which he uses in his well-composed dishes. He compares a visit to a restaurant to a trip to the theatre: enter and enjoy the experience with all your senses. Ulrich Heldmann is the Ambassador of Good Taste for the Bergisch Three region.
Culinary enjoyment in NRW?
7 questions for ... Ulrich Heldmann
Why are you the Ambassador of Good Taste for the Bergisch Three region?
The Bergisches Land region is beautiful; nowhere else in NRW can you experience such pure, natural beauty. Bergisch products are of excellent quality and people should be more aware of this.
Your opinion: why can North Rhine-Westphalia be described as an epicurean region?
NRW has a very high population density and therefore has a huge selection of good restaurants, hotels, gourmet food retailers, greengrocers with regional products, butchers, bakers, cheese producers, beekeepers, cider mills and so on.
What trait distinguishes an epicurean?
A true epicurean should show respect – they must appreciate quality, be adventurous in trying new things and be open to different directions. In the context of a restaurant, this means they should know how to appreciate excellence in any type of cuisine, be it the simplest of dishes or a gourmet meal: excellence should set an epicurean’s heart racing.
You perform at your very best every day. What do you consider the perfect culinary start to the day?
I always begin my day with one or two cups of good tea and delicious, fresh seasonal fruit.
Your dishes inspire your guests and colleagues. Which producers in your region inspire you?
In the various seasons I speak to my suppliers about their produce and how best to showcase them. They always relish the chance to tell you about their grandmother’s recipes and I take equal pleasure in adapting these to suit modern tastes.
Do you have any personal recommendations for visitors to the epicurean region of NRW?
The Bergisch Three region offers pleasure for all five senses: exercise, nature, culture and, of course, flavour with our wide variety of restaurants.
Last but not least: what is your motto for personal enjoyment?
Taking pleasure in simplicity is best.