Media Q & A
What inspired Carlyn to write a cookbook with her mother?
Carlyn's inspiration for the cookbook came when she bought the Berghoff restaurant from her family. She wanted to return to the Berghoff's roots and document both the restaurant's history and her family's history. She hopes it inspires readers and customers to study their own family history and document their own traditions.
How does tradition remain a central focus at the Berghoff?
Carlyn maintains tradition at Berghoff Group by keeping alive some of the customers' favorite classic recipes. She also maintains tradition by providing a value-priced meal and a family-dining experience. As Carlyn always says, Berghoff Group provides “tradition with a twist”—which to her, means keeping alive the beauty of the past, but combining it with the importance of the present.
What drives Carlyn's passion for food and entertaining?
Carlyn’s passion comes from a wealth of reading, traveling, and creativity. She loves to be “in the know” about the latest cooking and entertaining trends—it fuels her to stay motivated and imaginative.
What is Carlyn's favorite dish to prepare in the cookbook?
She could never pick just one favorite! Carlyn loves to return to the cookbook and cook something different each time. As she says, she hates to be caught in a “food rut!” Indeed, she often finds herself modifying, adding and subtracting to the recipes each times she cooks something.
What triggered Carlyn to start Artistic Events by Carlyn Berghoff?
Carlyn loves the unique challenges of catering. As she says, no two parties are alike! She loves the excitement of new and different menus, décor and customers—it helps her stay creative and ambitious!
How does Carlyn's family and children contribute to the success of Berghoff Group?
Carlyn’s family contributes to the success of Berghoff Group through their patience and support of Carlyn’s long hours. Of course, they are also Carlyn’s official taste-testers for all of her new recipes! Her husband also contributes by also keeping an eye out for new recipes and creative entertaining ideas.
How did the great tradition of Berghoff beer begin?
The great tradition of Berghoff beer began in 1882, when German immigrant Herman Berghoff opened his own brewery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After experiencing success as a brewery owner, Herman decided to open a restaurant/bar in Chicago, Illinois. In 1898, Herman opened the Berghoff restaurant, where he served traditional German favorites and Berghoff beer. The restaurant flourished, and the Berghoff restaurant and the Berghoff beer became a part of Chicago’s culture. To this day, Berghoff beer and Berghoff root beer continue to be served by the Berghoff descendants.