Chef Walter Staib

A third generation restaurateur with over four decades of culinary experience, Staib began his career in Europe.  He received formal training in many of Europe’s finest hotels  & restaurants before coming to the United States.
As founder and President of Concepts By Staib, Ltd. (est. 1989), a globally operating restaurant management and hospitality consulting firm, Walter Staib is currently the driving force behind one of the nation’s most unique dining establishments: Philadelphia’s City Tavern (independent), a faithful recreation of an original 18th century tavern and Concepts By Staib, Ltd.’s flagship operation.
In addition to being a top chef, restaurateur and consultant, Chef Staib has also authored four cookbooks, City Tavern Cookbook (1999),  City Tavern Baking & Dessert Cookbook (2003), Black Forest Cuisine (2006, and City Tavern: Recipes from the Birthplace of American Cuisine (2009). His first children’s book, published in May 2010 is A Feast of Freedom, tells the story of City Tavern and it’s important role in shaping the nation. Walter Staib has  made numerous appearances on local and national cooking shows, such as The Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate and Iron Chef.
Currently, he can be see on PBS bringing the 18th century to life on ‘A Taste of History.’  ‘A Taste of History’ was awarded three Emmy awards in its two seasons. The show airs nationally on PBS and its affiliates.
His passion for culinary excellence has earned him numerous awards—among them the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole de la République Française.  In 1996, was also appointed the First Culinary Ambassador to the City of Philadelphia.  In July, 2006, he was named Culinary Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  German President Dr. Horst Köhler conferred the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany upon Staib in May, 2007.
Among Walter Staib’s most recent awards are the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania 2011 Contemporary Pioneer Award, and the Top Philadelphia Chef in the Conde Nast Cadillac Culinary Challenge.  In 2010, he was awarded the Silver Medal Award by the American Culinary Federation. In 2009, he received Entrée of the Year by Philadelphia Magazine,  the 2008 Award of Leadership & Service from the German-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., the 2007 National Restaurant Association Keystone Humanitarian Award (Pennsylvania) and the 2006 Seven Stars & Stripes Award for Excellence in Hospitality.