Heinz J. Sowinski acquired his love of cooking from his mother who was also a professional cook. Heinz attended the Berufsschule Bad Worishofen (Professional Cooking School)
in West Germany and continued with an apprenticeship at
Hotel Neue Post, Biessenhofen, West Germany.
At age nineteen, Heinz immigrated to America, settling in California to work in Beverly Hills restaurants and resorts. In 1971, he took a position at Walt Disney World, Florida. Later Chef Heinz moved to Atlanta to work as Executive Chef at the Hilton.
In 1977, Chef Heinz fulfilled his dream of owning and operating one of Atlanta's finest restaurants: The Brass Key. During this time, he was able to become more involved in the culinary program with the American Culinary Federation in such areas as sponsoring fund-raising dinners. Chef also played an instrumental role in writing the Apprenticeship Handbook and Curriculum for the
ACF Atlanta Chapter and working with apprentices.
Chef Heinz was recommended and accepted to the
Academy of Chefs. He was the star of WQXI Radio Program "The Innovative Chef" and regularly featured on Atlanta's "Noonday" television show.
Heinz then sold the Brass Key Restaurant giving him more time with his wife and three daughters. During that time he worked as a Chef Consultant to several new restaurants in Atlanta until they moved to Augusta to purchase La Maison on Telfair in 1992.
Chef Heinz delights in remaining on the cutting edge of the culinary industry and his expertise is not bound to any continent or tradition. Simultaneously, Chef strives to preserve the Romance of classic dishes and techniques! With his understanding of wine composition, you can trust in his ability to pair food and wine.
Chef Heinz says: "The greatest reward is not medals on the wall but rather the elated guest that returns again and again!"
