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Restaurants around the world

Quellenhof – Austria in Rapperswil

Rapperswil – A colleague told me about this great Austrian/Swiss restaurant in the centre of Rapperswil.

The atmosphere is very welcoming and cosy as is the entire staff. We chose the house wine “Unplugged” from Hannes Reeh in Austria that is specially filled for the Quellenhof and really tasty.

For food we had Wiener Schnitzel and beef “Périgourdine” with a fantastic truffle crust. I can really recommend both dishes. When we go next time – I hope sooner than later – I think I will have difficulties to choose between these two.

Book early!
www.quellenhofrapperswil.ch

 

The Haylofts – Luxurious escape to simplicity

Chiavenna – We spent a weekend in the mountains in Italy near the Swiss border. We learned from these stunning hay lofts from a friend. He had bought the land from the local farmers who historically used them as shelter for their goats when they brought the herds up from the valley to a higher altitude in summer. The new owner of the hay lofts rebuilt the tables into to these spectacular lofts.

You should not be afraid of heights and narrow winding streets as the journey to reach the haylofts is quite an adventure. From Switzerland you take the route over Splugen pass….in itself a wonderful and breathtaking area.

Splugen Pass Switzerland

You can choose from three different hay lofts, some with a romantic view into the forest or and others overseeing the valley. All of the lofts feature panoramic windows which is unique for this type of rustico buildings which usually come with very small windows.

There is even a spa house, which again comes with panorama window and phenomenal view. Jacuzzi and sauna are heated with wood which means that you need to let the staff know a few hours in advance if you’re planning to take a hot bath….but the unique architecture of the calidarium built all from local natural material makes this a absolutely unforgettable experience.

Each hay loft features its own kitchen so that you can cook your own meals or you can ask for catering service. There is obviously no central heating but the fire places do an awesome job in making you feel cosy and warm. If you are looking for some peace, pure nature and relaxation this place could not be more perfect.

www.valde-escape.com

Interior

Exterior

Trattoria Masuelli San Marco since 1921

Milan – Do you know the feeling when you are invited for a family dinner? Now imagine you visit your relatives in Italy. If you like this feeling that your relatives cook you dinner and you just sit in the living room with a lot of different people – then you should go to Trattoria Masuelli. The nonno (granddad in Italian) and owner himself comes to your table to tell you about all the mouthwatering dishes – you will not have a problem to find something you like, but a problem to choose from the temptations.

The restaurant is very traditional and exists since many years in Milan. You can feel and see the history in the rooms with the high ceilings and picture frames on the walls.

I recommend the pasta as a first course and then the veal “Milanesa” (breaded veal chop; some might know it better as “Wiener Schnitzel” but I was told, the Milanesa was created before the Schnitzel) or taste the Saffron Risotto.

Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture from the Milanesa….I had wolfed it down already when I remembered…

We felt great and nicely fed after dinner – I would go again any time when in Milan.

www.masuellitrattoria.com

Restaurant and Pizzeria Calafuria Unione – in the center of Milan

Milan – I got a weekend in Milan for my birthday from the loveliest friends you can have!

After a day full of shopping we were due for some pizza treat. The restaurant – located in the centre of Milan – was full when we arrived at around 8.30 pm. The clientèle is very mixed from the couple from the neighbourhood that just want a quick pizza to the tourist group from Sweden who enjoy the delights of the typical Italian cuisine.

We were treated very friendly and charming as expected from an Italian restaurant. You might not find the most exclusive fine wines or the latest interior design but the food was decent, prices very acceptable and all in all we enjoyed a very relaxed evening.

www.calafuriaunione.it

 

Restaurant Crotasc and winery

Chiavenna – We went a weekend in the Haylofts, about 15 minutes from Chiavenna, on top of a quite spectacular one way road.

The restaurant is very cosy and welcoming. You get what you expect: Typically Northern Italian food from various pasta dishes to great meat and desserts. The wine was great as well. They have their own winery where you can buy the wines you just had for dinner.

www.ristorantecrotasc.com

 

 

Da Franco – Penne, penne, penne, penne, penne and great Gnocchi!

Pfaeffikon SZ – If you live in Switzerland you may have seen the TV show of gourmet chef Daniel “Bumann – Der Restauranttester” where he visits restaurants and helps them to become successful (again).

Da Franco never had a problem with the quality of the food but the owner changed due to circumstances and when Franco and his Lucia finally came back nobody really knew. After the TV show Franco’s tables are full again and people enjoy the authentic Italian kitchen.

The atmosphere is simple but you really should try the Gnocchi and the Pizza dello chef.

No own website

Equitable – Sustainable and regional top quality food

Zurich – For our anniversary my hubby and I went to Equitable. I already heard many good things about it and it was on my to do list for long.

The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was excellent as were the wines. They have a set menu from about 3 to 8 courses so you get a lot to taste what the Equitable team creates in the tiny kitchen.

Nevertheless to mention, it is a little pricey.

www.equi-table.ch

La Guingueta and Xiringuito Escriba

Barcelona (Playa del Bogatell) – As we wanted to spend some time at the beach but also have a decent lunch, we chose La Guingueta/Xiringuito Escriba – actually two restaurants working together: one restaurant at the beach, the other just over the beach foot path.

The great thing is, everything you can eat in the restaurant can also be served at your beach space. The umbrella and the sunbeds cost some extra but it is so relaxing and therefore so very much worth it.

The food was very good, if you are a frequent reader of this blog you remember my post about the other “La Guingueta in Barceloneta“. The food quality was the same high standard. Escriba is also a bakery/shop in Barcelona…so desserts should be great as well, sadly, we were full and not able to try any more….

xiringuitoescriba.com/#guingueta