2 minute read
TRAVEL Escapes
Salmon Carpaccio, whole baked Lobster with delicious Al Dente pasta, Zucchini Flower stuffed with Pike and Crayfish Sauce and King Prawns with Green Papaya. It is no wonder that The Hall of Fame is brimming with royalty and all manner of celebrity. Including Nelson Mandela, The Jordanian Royal Family and Prince Albert of Monaco. I’m more than confident to trust their esteemed opinions!
And so to the final leg of my voyage of discovery around Vaud region, the Swiss canton along Lake Geneva, Vevey and more specifically the Grand Hôtel du Lac. Vevey and more specifically the Grand Hôtel du Lac. The Hotel is an eclectic mix of styles of décor which even individually would be splendid but when combined, in this setting , achieve nothing short of magnificence! Filigree and floral chintz, original tiled flooring, vaulted ceilings, windows swathed in heavy drapes and detailed, hand crafted wallpapers illuminated by grand crystal chandeliers suspended above. During my time around Lake Geneva I have come to the conclusion that Switzerland is about the best of everything and in terms of lodgings Hôtel du Lac would challenge the best of the best.
After spending a morning being expertly tutored by Michelin Starred Chef Mr. Thomas Neeser. We proudly surveyed the delicate entrees and amuse bouche that we had constructed. Vivid flourishes of colour, contrasting textures, unique seasonings and flavours transformed familiar dishes into those worthy of accolade. A fascinating insight and more importantly a delicious treat for anyone, not just self-confessed foodies. As we surveyed the menu at La Veranda within Grand Hôtel du Lac we did so discerningly following our culinary master class. The afternoon uncovered more of Switzerland’s fascinating history.
Following another charming cruise aboard the Paddle Steamer ‘L’Italie’ we made our way to Chillon Castle which was once a highly important strategic military location and is now the most visited historic attraction in Switzerland. Montreux is synonymous with Jazz and all kinds of music but has hidden depths. Visitors can meander and mosey through the covered markets and take a ride on the funicular. As we turned every corner yet another charming experience or sight greeted us. Ze Fork with its enviable lakeside setting in Vevey was the piece de resistance. The philosophy of Ze Fork is to embrace the idea of Trilogy.
Three interpretations of the same product or theme. This may include foie gras or pork or themes such as ‘The Lake’ or ‘The Farm’. Each mouthful tantalised the senses and just as you were beginning to think you had tasted the best version of each product… the next interpretation bettered the last. Absolutely magnificent, inventive and unique.
My final morning was both highly educational and also hedonistically indulgent. Meeting with the notorious Dr Burgener who has spent over twenty years creating a portfolio of high tech skin advancements and beauty remedies as well as Spa’s in Europe and the Middle East, most notably in the Four Seasons Dubai was fascinating. The Swiss very much take an holistic approach towards wellbeing and so it seemed very fitting to embrace this and turn our attention to ‘treating’ our insides at Läderach. Again, the tour gave us a fascinating insight into the heritage of chocolatiers and the industry they have created, although by far the highlight of any trip to Switzerland, for chocoholics like myself, was the chocolate tasting and crafting session. The unctuous slabs that we carefully handcrafted and then devoured were brimming with the bounties of the region and beyond.
It’s safe to say that if you plan to travel extensively over the next few years then you should be cautious about visiting Switzerland. The reason? I doubt that any other region or country could compete or indeed compare as it is true that once you have visited Switzerland you will have been spoiled for anywhere else. It truly is the epitome of perfection...everywhere.
www.lake-geneva-region.ch