Love and Culinary Excellence: Balancing a Four-Star Marriage
Demanding work hours, constant pressure, demanding guests – top-class gastronomy is a difficult place to thrive, both personally and professionally. But Maria and Josef Steffner believe they’ve found a recipe for success. This power couple not only runs the Mesnerhaus, a beautiful and gourmet-driven hotel in Mauterndorf, where they create innovative dishes in their four-hatted kitchen. They’ve also managed to cultivate a happy and deeply connected relationship, even amidst the hustle and bustle of their successful business.
Kitchen Chemistry: Starting the Day Strong
A day at the Mesnerhaus begins early, but not without warmth and connection. They start their busy schedules with a kiss, then work together preparing breakfast for guests, enjoying stolen moments amidst the clattering of pans and the scent of fresh baking. “It’s not about constant chatter,” clarifies Maria Steffner. “Sometimes we just work side-by-side in comfortable silence.” It’s this quiet understanding that creates a strong foundation for their busy day. Business meetings and administrative duties follow, but once the lunch rush is over, their day shifts into something special. It becomes couple time.
Finding Balance: The Importance of Downtime
For the Steffners, breaks and days off are actively protected, essential for their personal and professional well-being. They know the realities of the demanding restaurant industry – early mornings, late nights, and challenging demands. “You learn to dance on this dance floor,” says Josef Steffner, smiling. But tangoing with stress can only last so long.
“You have to intentionally nurture your connection,” Maria adds. That’s why vacations are devoted to recharging, exploring new places together. “We may surprise each other with trips for a change of pace, a chance to clear our heads, and Zusammenhalt.” It’s these little things, the small acts of love, that keep their bond strong.
“Our Relationship is Our Foundation: Coaching for a Thriving Partnership
They know their achievements aren’t just about talent and hard work. The Steffners actively nurture their relationship with a coach, a secret weapon, they believe, in navigating the complex world of a shared”.
“Without support in both business and in our relationship, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” they both agree. This commitment to growth isn’t just for the kitchen. Maria admires Josef’s generous heart and supportive nature. “We celebrate each other’s successes big and small,” Maria clarifies. “Laughter is essential,” she adds.
Overcoming Differences: Always Finding the Recipe for Happiness
What happens when disagreements arise amidst the demands of a four-star business? Communication is key, they say. “Before Josef heads into the kitchen for a busy evening service, we always make sure any differences are aired out. Otherwise, I can’t cook with my heart, and our input vanishes. Clients feel the energy with which I prepare food,” explains Josef. Though they strive for harmony, they know that conflict is inevitable. “Even when opinions differ, we are grateful for insightful conversations.
We appreciate our journey and make sure to enjoy time together. We don’t take each other for granted.
What strategies do Maria and Josef Steffner use to navigate stressful situations in their high-pressure kitchen environment?
## Love and Culinary Excellence: Balancing a Four-Star Marriage
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re joined by Maria and Josef Steffner, the power couple behind the renowned Mesnerhaus, a gourmet-driven hotel in Austria. You’ve not only achieved culinary excellence with your four-hatted kitchen but also built a thriving, loving relationship amidst the demands of the industry. How do you do it?
**Maria Steffner:** Thank you for having us. It’s definitely a balancing act, but we’ve learned a few things along the way.
**Interviewer:** Many couples struggle to find time for each other when work is so demanding. How do you manage to maintain that connection?
**Josef Steffner:** For us, it starts from the very beginning. Our day begins with a kiss even before tackling the breakfast service. We work side-by-side, stealing moments together amidst the hustle and bustle.
**Maria Steffner:** And sometimes, it’s just about the comfortable silence. We understand each other without constantly needing to speak.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’ve built a strong foundation. What about those inevitable stressful moments that arise in any kitchen?
**Josef Steffner:** Of course, there are challenges, but we’ve learned to navigate them as a team. We communicate openly and honestly, and we always remember that we’re in this together.
**Interviewer:** What’s your secret to maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
**Maria Steffner:** We protect our days off fiercely. They’re non-negotiable. We know how demanding this industry can be, so we need that time to recharge and reconnect as a couple. It’s essential for both our personal and professional well-being.
**Interviewer:** Wonderful advice. Many aspiring chefs and couples in the industry will be inspired by your story. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today.
**Maria & Josef Steffner:** Thank you for having us.
