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

Bar Mut – A must in Barcelona!

Barcelona – This restaurant was recommended by a friend and he told me, even Robert de Niro was a visitor when in Barcelona. But the bar is really a must to visit in Barcelona.

The restaurant/bar is very small and has some high tables and some low tables but always packed with people. You need to reserve a table about 2 days in advance.

You can just order from the menu hanging on the wall or ask for small plates as a surprise….they will only stop serving when you say you had enough. The food is really good and the Spanish wines very selected.

www.barmut.com

 

Passadis del Pep – From the sea to the table

Barcelona – If you like sea food as calamari, lobster, mussels and shrimps then you have to go to Passadis del Pep. You will get everything you see on the local market stalls. You will probably have asked yourself if people really do eat it – yes they do!

The restaurant has no menu card. You will receive several platters of mussels, sea snails, octopus, rice in calamari ink and so on. If you think you had enough, the waiter will ask you if you want meat or fish for your main course…so keep some space in your stomach.

The wine list is very good as well.

Ask to be seated in the main room of the restaurant when you do your reservation.

Note, there is no sign that tells you where the entry of the restaurant is…but there is an open door that leads you inside the building.

www.passadis.com

Disfrutar – Enjoy with the former El Bulli team

Barcelona – When in Barcelona the challenge is to make your selection of the restaurants during your stay….as there are just too many good ones.20150906_141114

Actually we went to Barcelona to see Manà, the mexican rock band, as they not seem to ever come to Switzerland 😉 But it was a great excuse to spend 3 splendid days in Barcelona anyway.

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Now back to food:
Disfrutar restaurant was an experience! We went there for lunch as the evenings were already booked.

We enjoyed a lunch with countless courses that were all very good but we specially liked the egg in its shell. The dishes are quite experimental and a treat for people that like to enjoy various tastes and textures combined – the look of the food sometime cheated and felt or tasted differently once in your mouth.

Coffee was served in the little patio under blue sky.

If you have the chance to go, give it a try but bring some time and the big wallet.

disfrutarbarcelona.com (see also sibling restaurant compartircadaques.com)

 

The Standard High Line Hotel – Hotel, Roof Top Bar and Lounge – way above the standard…

New York – One of my favourite location during my last visit in New York was definitively the Standard High Line Hotel besides the High Line Park.

The complex is located in the Gansevoort/Meat packing area where there are other countless great places to shop or eat/drink.

On the ground floor of the Standard is a  lounge “The Standard Plaza” where you can relax outside in summer and drink or eat all day/evening long. The Biergarten also belongs to the hotel…I do not have to explain what the Biergarten is?

But my favourite spot is on the very top of the building: The BAR. “The Top of the Standard”. You have stunning views over the city and the water. But you should also look inside: The architecture, decoration…and most stunning staff with the most amazing shiny silk mini dresses I have seen as a “staff uniform”….So it does not really matter if you go during afternoon, enjoy the sunset or the night scenery, your eyes will be delighted anyway.

The also do brunch on Sunday, book in advance, cocktail attire is required.

www.standardhotels.com/high-line

Zelai Txtiki – Authentic Basque kitchen

San Sebastian – We found one of our favourite restaurants thanks to a very friendly and talkative taxi driver. He told us we could find the best food of San Sebastian at the best price…and so it was! Be aware of the opening times (see below).

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We went at about 8 pm and of course we were the first customers while stuff was still cleaning the terrace. It was a very hot day with temperatures of about 35 degrees Celsius. When we arrived at the restaurant and drank our apero on the beautiful terrace, the Biscayan wind started to blow very strong, so we chose to sit inside. The food was absolutely delicious and if we would have been capable, we would have eaten much more. The croquetas (that I love anyway) were one of the best. And I still dream of the “Begi Haundi” tagliatelle of octopus (calamari) with shitake mushroom and creamy pepper sauce, tasty, tender and mouth watering as anything!!! Actually one of the best dishes I ever had in Spain. As wine we chose the Mauro V.S. 2009, it was definitively worth the price…..

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restaurantezelaitxiki.com

La Viña del Ensanche – Bar, shop and restaurant

Bilbao – The Basque Country has so many good restaurants, but the “La Viña del Ensanche” is one of my favourites in Bilbao! The venue has a bar, a shop and an elegant restaurant with a set menu. The menu contains 7 courses for 50 EUR and changes regularly.

When I go next time, I will probably have the apero in the bar or do one evening with pinxtos in the bar and the other in the restauant.

To reach the restaurant you need to walk through the shop. The delicatessen look great and is full of the best of the Spanish and Basque kitchen…

 

The dinner itself was just great and we took some ideas home to try to cook at home as for example warm green fettuccine pasta nicely arranged in gazpacho soup.

www.lavinadelensanche.com