exclusiv in conversation with the
pioneer of the catering trade
Felix Real, Vaduz

What importance does
the catering trade have
in the Principality of Liechtenstein?

The catering trade has a high degree of relative importance for every locality and every country. To a great extent it contributes to the fact that a country’s visitors feel well and the many local guests are well cared for. We have quite a few very well managed restaurants here in our country: their reputations are well-known far beyond the national boundaries.

What importance do they contribute
in the heart of Europe?

We are a small monarchy in the middle of Europe. Every visitor to our country expects an appropriate atmosphere - a quality which we are absolutely able to offer. Our price-performance ratios correspond to the EU norm. We are a monarchy and think highly of our royal dynasty, through which many state receptions and events take place in the country. This is an opportunity for the catering trade to represent themselves outwardly.

What changes are in store
for the catering trade,
and how do you see the future?

We’ve already changed ourselves. Our trade, like all businesses in the economy, has to adapt to new requirements over and over again. The catering trade profits from the solid business activity and the many tourists who visit our country. For me personally it was never a problem for me to adapt myself. I always remained faithful to my classic, French cuisine. Every chef has his/her own «trademark». The variety in our small country is quite large as a result.

As a pioneer of the catering trade
in the Principality of Liechtenstein
you have certainly also experienced
moments which were not easy.
What is or was your principle
for consistently positive involvement,
your optimistic attitude
and the secret to your success?

My attitude. I am quite taken and happy about the fact that young cooks and businesses will carry the aspect of quality awareness into the future. Especially in somewhat more difficult times it is important to maintain the catering trade at a high standard. A major element of the success is the pleasure in the profession and in this context I wish every restaurateur lots of luck in the future. What personally pleases me is the fact that we have quite a few guests who appreciate our activity, our work and our involvement. Every success in the catering trade especially pleases me, because it contributes to the prosperity and the good reputation of our country.

The proprietor and wine grower Felix Real - who has a 600 m2 vineyard and a cellar with over 35’000 bottles of select, top-quality wines - has managed the Hotel Restaurant Real in Vaduz for nearly half a century.

Together with his wife Theresia Real - who also stems from a restaurateur family - they manage the business with an ability and charm which can only emerge from the deepest heart and with the greatest passion for the catering trade.

Felix Real has been awarded for training 52 chefs.


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