Auberge du Pont de Collonges – Bocuse (Lyon, FR)

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It’s been a while again since my last post, but combining work with studying and trying to complete a master thesis turns out to consume a bit more time and energy than expected:)

201704 - Auberge Pont Collonges Bocuse 3745The two of us decided that Easter weekend was to be our chance to catch up with each other and try out two restaurants that have been on the list for quite a while. Hence, a long weekend to Lyon got booked and what a nice time it was! Apart from the sunshine and the ‘laid back’ vibe we gladly joined, our first stop was the world famous restaurant of Bocuse: Auberge du Pont de Collonges. What to say… longest running 3 Michelin star in the world (since 1965!) (PS: Auberge de l’Ill is also since a 3 star since 1967 and Troisgros since 1968: faut le faire!) I don’t think Bocuse Continue reading →

Hertog Jan (Zedelgem, BE)

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Last December I had the pleasure of visiting one of the two 3-star Michelin restaurant Belgium has to offer: Hertog Jan. Having started in 2005, Chef Gert De Mangeleer and his companion sommelier Joachim Boudens obtained their first star in 2007, followed by the second star in 2010 and the current third star in 2012. In 2014 chef De Mangeleer was voted European Chef of the Year and having enjoyed some of his creations, I am not surprised:)

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Wiget Adelboden (Steinen, CH)

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Combining work and study is proving to be even more time consuming than anticipated; luckily I manage to free up time to enjoy some great food and cuisine:) The updates do lag a bit, for which apologies!

A short while ago I took the 2hr train and bus ride from Zurich to the village of Steinen near Schwyz, the birthplace of Switzerland,  to visit the namesake restaurant of chef Franz Wiget. A very charming establishment that carries a 18/20 Gault-Millau rating and 2 Michelin stars, with the latter since 2009. …continue here for pictures and to read about the rest of my visit

Ophelia (Konstanz, GER)

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It’s been already 3 weeks, but with the hectic weeks at my study, it took a while to get a proper note down of my visit to Konstanz during the Seesucht Festival. I actually didn’t know this was actually going on and intended to go shopping for an outfit and then close the evening with a dinner at 2 star Ophelia by chef Dirk Hoberg in the beautiful RIVA hotel. As it was an impromptu visit, I called the day itself and thankfully someone cancelled as they were fully booked for a special Seesucht dinner. So… off for a 1 hour drive to Konstanz! Continue reading →

Stucki (Basel, CH) followed by Fondation Beyeler

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20160806 - Stucki - 02Upon recommendation of a former chef of mine, I found myself yesterday on the way to Basel, CH to visit the Stucki restaurant, ran by 2-starred chef Tanja Grandits.

The weather was awesome and the possibility to sit on the terrace was very welcomed (enjoy the summer while it lasts, right?:)). The reception and service throughout the lunch was friendly and attentive. There was only a choice between an 8 and 12 course menu, no à la carte or at least I did not ask. I went for the long version with wine pairing. Delicious Ruinart Rose as aperitif… Continue reading →

JY’s (Colmar, FR)

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Last weekend family and I met up in Colmar, FR to catch up and spend half a day and the evening together. With only 1.5 hrs from Zurich by car it is a great escape for a weekend (the Alsace actually as a whole… rich in culture, fantastic food with an interesting combo of French and German cuisine). They picked the hotel, the Best Western Grand Hotel Bristol next to the train station. Nice and tidy rooms, great location and they have some parking spots, couldn’t ask for more.

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View of the restaurant

It was up to me to pick the restaurant and after having visited L’Atelier du Peintre and L’Auberge de l’Ill in Jan16, 2-starred JY’s  of chef Jean-Yves Schillinger was still on top of my list, so no hesitation:) The day before they asked if we would like to sit outside and with 30+ degrees during the day, that was an excellent idea (with their terrace next to the water). So off we went! Continue reading →

In pursuit of James Bond: 4-day road trip through Switzerland

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It took a short while, but I finally managed to pen down some of my experiences of a road trip I took with a buddy of mine for 4 days. The theme was James Bond as we’re both a fan and apparently there were a few film locations right here in CH (for those who can’t wait to read the rest: Piz Gloria / Schilthorn with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the Furkapass in Goldfinger and the Contra dam of the bungeejump in Goldeneye). For the evenings we took the opportunity to (re)visit some restaurants that promised to add the cherry on the trip cake (The Restaurant @ Dolder in Zurich, Victoria in Meiringen and The Omnia in Zermatt and Arte e Lago in Lugano). Continue reading →

‘t Zilte (Antwerp, BE)

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IMG_1772‘t Zilte… For people in Antwerp and surroundings, its name evokes a sense of high class, distinguished dining, something reserved for special occasions. The fact it’s -unbelievably fantastically- located on the top floor of the iconic MAS museum in the trendy Eilandje neighborhood only reinforces that awe.

Having had already quite the nice dinner experiences in Antwerp, my two partners and food enthousiasts in crime and I decided to step up the game and let us be amazed by 2 star Michelin chef Vicki Geunes …continue here for pictures and to read about the rest of my visit

The Glorious (Antwerp, BE)

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IMG_0961In Aug15 I managed to find time during the holidays to visit the restaurant of chef Johan Van Raes (and when in Antwerp, do take some time to chill at the Zuid district).

At the time I had no clue what to expect, though heard some very good comments from friends, so let’s try… In the end I’ve been back twice in the year after, so should already say enough about how I liked it:) continue here for pictures and to read about the rest of my visit