Biography
DAMIÁN CARINI
Executive Pastry Chef, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
Damián Carini, an Argentine native with Italian roots, has been the Executive Pastry Chef at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne since 2017. His culinary expertise spans across the 12 restaurants, lounges and bars of the resort. Carini is responsible for developing all the desserts, overseeing quality control, daily pastry production, all banquets and managing a team of ten.
In 2024, Carini was named GaultMillau's "Pastry Chef of the Year", a prestigious accolade recognizing his mastery and innovation in pastry arts. Reflecting on the recognition, Carini expressed great honor and pride in achieving such recognition, especially after having left his homeland to pursue a career in Europe. Despite his success in crafting exceptional desserts, he humorously admits he is not particularly fond of sweet foods.
Carini’s career began in Argentina, where he gained his first professional experience at El Bulli (3 Michelin stars), known for pioneering molecular gastronomy. He then moved to Le Petit Nice in
Marseille (3 Michelin stars), where he shifted his focus toward more traditional culinary techniques. He has held positions at several luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants in Switzerland, France, and the UK, including Le Mirador Kempinski, Hôtel des Trois Couronnes, The Connaught in London, and Suvretta House in St. Moritz. His expertise also led him to consult for the famed Mirazur (3 Michelin stars) in Menton, France.
Throughout his career, Carini has made significant contributions to luxury hospitality, including at The Alpina Gstaad Hotel (18 GaultMillau points) and now at the Bürgenstock Resort (44 GaultMillau points). His attention to detail is evident in miniature creations, served at the resort’s sought-after Afternoon Tea, as well as in large-scale creations, such as the intricately designed, life-sized Easter eggs crafted from over 90 kilograms of chocolate, displayed in the resort’s lobby for the public
Carini's exceptional talents and refined pastries are showcased each year at Chefs United, the resort’s flagship culinary event, where guests can personally interact with him personally. His dedication to the pastry arts took center stage when he served his creations to 57 heads of states, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held at Bürgenstock Resort in June 2024. Damián’s ability to captivate the senses with his exquisite sweet masterpieces is unparalleled, making him an integral part of what defines the unique charm of Bürgenstock Resort.