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Stuttgart, Germany 1944

Prize Day at Friedrichsbau Restaurant, Stuttgart 1944
Prize Day at Friedrichsbau Restaurant, Stuttgart 1944

Here we have a remarkable photograph that captures the starting point in a great chef's career. It was taken during a tumultuous time when the world was at war. One month after this photo was taken the restaurant and Trade School where young Hubert first learned his trade were no more. They were destroyed by incendiary bombs. We are glad that Hubert survived and along with him this photograph which he tells me is the only one that he has from that time.

Hubert attended a Trade School in Stuttgart while working as an apprentice at Friedrichsbau Restaurant. The photo captures a moment of achievement. This was his very first competition. He took the top prize. Hubert is at the center of the photograph holding the platter. He was then 15 years old.

Standing next to him is the Restaurant Head Chef Herman Beck. Chef Beck was a Master Chef and had published two books on mushrooms. Hubert explained why Chef Beck's jacket and those of his colleagues are so dirty. There was no soap available in Germany during that time.

This photograph was taken in June 1944. In July 1944 Stuttgart was bombed by the Allied Forces. Subsequently Hubert wisely travelled to his home in the Black Forest. Thereafter he worked as a cook in camps of the American Occupation Forces. His final stint with the Occupational Forces was in 1950 in Bayreuth.

Hubert's career path took him to Switzerland where he worked in Berne for some four years. Thereafter in 1956 he moved to America.

Hubert became actively involved with of the American Culinary Federation. He won an individual gold medal in the 1960 IKA in Frankfurt. Later he was a member of the US Culinary Team at the 1964 IKA. Subsequently he served as President of the Pittsburg & Harrisburg Chapters of the ACF.

Joseph Konig; Hubert Schmieder; Ruth. Erfurt 2008
Joseph Konig; Hubert Schmieder; Ruth. Erfurt 2008

The young Lad survived and became a Man. His journey has been rewarding and his life fulfilling.