Asado: Grilled to perfection
By
Chef Mauro Colagreco
Bringing Argentina to the Alps
What makes the Asado events at Kulm so unique is its special atmosphere of togetherness around the fire. It’s a moment of connection, where guests of all ages come together to enjoy simple, authentic flavors in a relaxed and festive setting. The centrepiece of these events is the grill, which is based on the ritual of the Argentine parrilla and the strong traditions of the Asado. While the tradition itself comes from Argentina, the emotions it inspires – joy, togetherness, a sense of community – are truly universal.
Here, we aim to recreate that same feeling. Guests can expect an unforgettable culinary journey, with beautifully grilled meats and seasonal accompaniments, all served in a convivial, open-air environment. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring a little piece of Argentine soul to the Alps, and to create memories that go far beyond the plate.
“This event is really a celebration of joy and friendship...”
The preparation of our Asado experience is truly a labor of love. What makes it unique goes far beyond just the cooking – it’s about the philosophy behind it. This event is really a celebration of joy and friendship, and that feeling is reflected in every ingredient we choose and every detail of how we prepare the meal.
Traditionally, Asado is known for its grilled meats, and of course we honor that, using only the highest quality cuts cooked slowly over a wood fire to achieve a tenderness and depth of flavor that only time and care can produce. But we also go a step further; we believe in showcasing the beauty and diversity of all ingredients, not just the meat.
Our love for plants and the natural world plays a big part in how we approach the menu. We incorporate a wide range of vegetables and less conventional ingredients, giving them the same attention and respect as the meats. The long, slow grilling over wood smoke brings out incredible textures and flavors – rich, smoky, caramelized – and creates dishes that are both surprising and deeply satisfying.
Tradition and values
The tradition of the Asado is a marker of the deep heritage of my Argentinian roots, and the grill promises a solar cuisine, full of flavour and generosity, in the image of the Argentinian tradition of sharing and conviviality.
At the heart of my cuisine are some very strong values that mark my identity as a chef and the signature of my creations: the joy of sharing, respect for the rhythms of nature and local producers who respect the environment, and the celebration of biodiversity.
This concept, known as circular gastronomy, is expressed in everything we do, on all our menus, in all our establishments and the events we organise. My inspiration and that of our teams comes from these values, and the entire creative process is based on respect for them.
With nature, and to reconcile the mastery of cooking techniques with a genuine commitment to society. In this quest, I’ve come to understand the importance of reconsidering the world of food as a whole, and of making as many people as possibly aware of the impact of our choices on our environments.
At Kulm, we seek to create experiences and concepts that bring us closer to this vision, in the joy of sharing and marveling at the beauty of nature. Bringing people together around the table for an experience that appeals to all our senses and touches our emotions is a precious opportunity to raise awareness, and that’s what motivates me most in my job.
“It’s much more than just food, it’s a way of life.”
Asado is the most emblematic meal in Argentina – it’s much more than just food, it’s a way of life. For me, it’s also something deeply personal, a family tradition passed down from my father and grandfather, who were both true masters of the grill.
I still remember being eight years old and receiving my very own asador knife, with my name engraved on the blade. It was a special gift, and to this day, I keep it close – it holds a lot of sentimental value.
Some of my fondest memories are of those long afternoons and evenings back in Argentina, gathered around big tables with family and friends, the fire crackling, and the delicious aromas filling the air. It was always about much more than the food – it was about connection, about being together, and enjoying the moment.
Today, whenever I host friends or cook for my family, I do my best to keep that tradition alive. I share it with my children now, and each time it becomes an unforgettable moment of joy and fraternity. This tradition, this approach to life, is something I carry with me, no matter where I am in the world.
About the author
Mauro Colagreco is the visionary chef behind the Kulm Country Club and the chef-owner of the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur, which was named the “World’s Best Restaurant” in 2019. Known for his innovative approach to sustainable gastronomy, Colagreco infuses his culinary creations at Kulm with the same passion and artistry that have earned him global acclaim.