As a globally important trade fair, ProWein aims to appeal not only to established retailers, somms, restaurateurs and hoteliers, but also to newcomers to the industry. And, of course, to the trendy cuisine scene. After all, it is precisely the young, wild and vibrant scene that regularly provides new impetus, which then also has a major impact on conventional sales. In order to discover precisely these trends and use them effectively for our own biz, we have developed Urban Gastronomy, which also offers beginners in the catering sector and young vinophelic waiters additional guidance and greater confidence in their work. In other words, exactly the kind of professional support you need.
Added to this are new perspectives on the hospitality industry itself and exciting new pairing possibilities that trade visitors may not have been aware of before. And all this in a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere. This is precisely what makes this concept so interesting for old hands in the industry. Because new ideas help to continuously develop one's own profession. It therefore also provides a refreshing contrast to the classic cuisine formats, which are usually very informative, but also a little stiff. Here, thinking ‘outside the box’ is not the exception, but the rule!
Urban Gastronomy for Restaurateurs & Restaurants
If you are a chef, somm or host, then a visit to this lounge is definitely worthwhile for you. Because here, you will finally find a fresh perspective on the traditional work. Be inspired by unusual pairings or find out why it can sometimes make sense to create a dish to accompany a particular wine – and not the other way around. Relaxed beats can also inspire completely new combinations.
And best of all, you can directly adopt many of the pairings from the tasting for your own biz, because here you can watch the cooks create new menus! Added to this is the informal and relaxed exchange with wineries, and other industry colleagues. Sometimes the focus is on cooking, sometimes on wine. Forget the classic culinary classes and take the opportunity to network even more deeply with the heartbeat of the gastronomic scene and benefit from the synergies that result. If you want to surprise your own guests with unusual combinations, unforgettable wines and savory creations, then Toni Askitis' lounge and his courses are the place to be for you!
Toni Askitis – host of Urban Gastronomy
Toni Askitis and cuisine simply belong together – just like him and the hashtag #weinistunkompliziert (wine isn't complicated), which first made him an Instagram phenomenon and then one of the most sought-after winefluencers in Germany. But unlike many other influencers, Askitis' knowledge is based on a very solid foundation. A fourth-generation graduate in business administration, skateboarder and hip-hopper, he has been working in cuisine for 20 years – and is correspondingly experienced.
Always with him: fresh beats and a great enthusiasm for vinophile discoveries. This makes him not only competent, but also impressively approachable. He can unravel complex topics in a simple and entertaining way. With Pommes und Wein, he currently runs a fusion location combining a chip shop and wine bar in Düsseldorf, when he's not inspiring his more than 41,000 Instagram followers with exciting vinos and unusual flavour combinations as asktoni. And he also has plenty of tips up his sleeve.
No wonder, then, that Rolling Ping named him ‘Sommelier of the Year’ in 2024. With his unbiased perspective on the wine and cuisine scene and his penchant for communicating wine and cuisine in a relaxed yet knowledgeable manner, he has been a real asset and a great addition to the trade fair in Düsseldorf for several years with his Urban Gastronomy. Don't miss out on Toni Askitis' modern take on enjoyment!
