Peter Kromberg 1941-2008-An Obituary
The sad passing of a hotel legend…
Just a word on the sad news of the passing of Peter Kromberg, former executive chef at the Intercontinental Park Lane hotel, London.
I didn’t know Chef Kromberg personally but he was one of the leading lights in the hotel industry when I was training as a young chef. He was renowned for the quality of his banqueting operation at the Intercontinental as well as being chef-patron of its Le Souffle restaurant for over 35 years.
He was up there with Anton Mossimann as a chef who ran a huge kitchen brigade with precision, he wore the uniform with pride and his influence will have been felt around the country for many years.
I write this post for two reasons; he stood for everything that was good and right about classical hotel cooking when I first started and secondly, given all he has put into my profession he barely had chance to enjoy his retirement. A timely reminder for yours truly at the moment.
It is one less of a unique generation of chefs who gave more than he will ever get credit for. In a world of TV hungry celebrities he was a man who remained loyal to his employer, customers and staff for many years and will, I am sure be remembered by them with affection. This will be his legacy, not a 1,000 crappy tv shows or half price books on his auntie’s favourite cup cakes.
Peter Kromberg Obituary
June 26, 2008 @ 7:18 am
Miles,
We hear of so many people who work hard all their lives and yet when the free time comes along, they haven’t the heart or mind to deal with it. Has anyone really discovered why this is…. is it the excitement, stress or sadness at having to go…. who can say, but it seems to happen across the board.
Never mind working excessive overtime… health comes first. Taking time to smell the roses as it were is very important and money….. well its nice but largely unspent by those who leave us prematurely.
Cid
June 26, 2008 @ 8:36 am
Miles,
It is thoughtful of you to write an Obituary on Chef Peter Kromberg.
I echo Cid’s comments. I have had personal experience of former colleagues who had worked very hard, passing away either before or shortly after retirement.
It is not worth waiting for a wake-up call - we might not get to hear it.
Elsie
June 26, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
All,
Certainly a reminder to us all. As for me, well I shall be putting feet up for a week in the very near future.
Miles
June 26, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
dear miles
i was one of his first commis at the Portman when it opens in 1971
it was a delight to work with him he was and still is one of my mentoir of cooking
yes i was not easy at that time but when he was elected president of toques blanches international
he teached me how to make omlette as i was not the best with it so i had to do it for the staff one day just a fork, eggs and pan and the food so he was
in truly memory
July 29, 2008 @ 4:59 am
Kurt,
Welcome to the blog and thankyou for a great comment. This is the reason behind my post, it shows how a man like him is still remembered from all of those years ago.
I too remember being shown how to make an omlette by my first Head Chef. It was a fundamental part of learning to cook, it had to be perfect, slightly undercooked, no marks from the pan and perfectly seasoned. Chefs used to use that as a test during an interview. Nobody does that anymore.
Thanks again Kurt
With best wishes
Miles
July 29, 2008 @ 6:55 am
I wanted to let you know that Peter’s Memorial will be held on:
Wednesday the 24th of September, at 12.30pm at the Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley Street, London W1K 2PA
Refreshments afterwards at the InterContinental Hotel – Hyde Park Corner.
You might not be able to attend, but you are welcome if you can.
Kind regards,
Nicole Kromberg
September 15, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
Nicole,
Many thanks for that, I saw the date in the Caterer magazine and I am sure the chef world will be well represented.
I hope you can draw some comfort from the legacy Chef Kromberg left my profession.
I wish you luck on the 24th and thankyou for sharing this with all of us.
With kind regards
Miles Collins
September 15, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
I worked with Peter in the early to mid 1980s when I was Personnel Manager at the InterConti. He was a true gentleman, a delight to work with and, unusually, not just an excellent chef but an excellent manager too. I was enormously fond of him and I am very sad to hear that he had such a short retirment. My sympathies to Nicole and his sons. I have fond memories of gatherings in the chef’s office. Celia B
September 16, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
Celia,
Thankyou for that and it is a shame you have come across this blog under such sad circumstances.
I am glad that readers of this post can, through comments like yours see what a great chef and man he was.
kind regards
Miles
September 17, 2008 @ 6:23 pm