Sandra‘s Closet

In the name of the House of Krug & The Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich, I was invited to the most amazing fondue above the rooftops of Zurich and personally speaking one of the best ones I have ever had!

The Krug Chalet brings together traditional Swiss cuisine and a stunning panoramic view of Zurich at the very highest level.

With Heiko Nieder in front of the Krug Chalet

DAS Fondue is a joint creation by Heiko Nieder, Chef Fine Dining at The Restaurant and «Chef of the Year 2019», and Maître Fromager Rolf Beeler and consists of Gruyère, Vacherin from Fribourg, Raclette from the Valais and Mimolette, combined with paprika and jalapeños. A truly interesting and new taste for a fondue – I loved it!

With Heiko Nieder at the helm, the Dolder Grand’s fine-dining restaurant was awarded 2 Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points. Rolf Beeler, who truly can claim to be one of the leading cheese experts, has been turning the Swiss world of cheese on its head for a number of years. Exquisite cheese meets haute cuisine. The dishes designed to perfectly complement the Krug champagnes are true classics that offer an explosion of flavours.

Guests will be served chorizo, Iberian ham aged for 36 months, and a Spanish dried black pudding. These specialities will be accompanied by DAS Fondue, that can be enjoyed in the traditional way with bread baked in a wood-fired oven and potatoes, or with anchovies and olives for a touch of Iberian flair.

Happy faces at the Krug Chalet. 

But why is the paprika so important? Pioneers of taste: As part of the Single Ingredient programme, Krug works with culinary ambassadors across the world to select a single special ingredient that celebrates the individuality of each of their vineyards. After all, the vineyard plays a crucial role in defining the flavour of every champagne.

This year, paprika was the ingredient selected. Krug Cellar Master Eric Lebel introduced the chefs to the fascinating world of paprika during a trip to Oaxaca in Mexico. Krug and the Dolder Grand now present the results together with Krug Ambassador Heiko Nieder.

DAS Fondue The dinner comprises a trio of Spanish meat specialities, a signature fondue, half a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée, 167ème Édition, per person, mineral water and coffee or tea.

CHF 450.00 for two people
CHF 792.00 for four people
CHF 1188.00 for six people

The Krug Chalet offers reservations for a minimum of two people and can seat a total of up to six people (then you have the chalet exclusively). And for those who would like to try Rolf Beeler’s and Heiko Nieder’s creation at home, DAS Fondue is set to be available at the Dolder Grand’s Saltz restaurant and from Rolf Beeler from the end of November for CHF 28.00 (for two people).

The Chalet Krug is open now to January 31, 2020 (with the option of an extension).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Dolder Grand Hotel and © Sandra Bauknecht

In exactly one week, Zurich will have a new hot spot. Say hello to Baur’s – the new brasserie and bar is part of the famous hotel Baur au Lac.

For the last two decades, the Baur au Lac Grill Room was known as Rive Gauche, and one of Zurich’s most popular restaurants. But at the iconic hotel change is part of its DNA, and Baur’s, an all-new dining concept, inspired by the classic European brasserie, will open on September 20th.

The stunning interior design is blending contemporary chic with international grace in an artful, inviting ambience while the menu offers a fine selection of grill room-inspired dishes, modern takes on culinary classics and plant-based delicacies, paired with a sophisticated wine list, curated by the world’s best sommelier.

Opening hours Brasserie:
Monday – Sunday
Lunch 12 pm – 2:30 pm
Dinner 6 pm – 10:30 pm

Opening hours Bar:
Sunday – Thursday 3 pm – 12 am
Friday – Saturday 3 pm – 1 am

Visit baurs-zurich.ch for more information and to book your table.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Baur’s, Instagram ©baurszurich

When you come to London, I don’t want you to miss this season’s Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, the legendary designer afternoon tea inspired by the world of fashion, that sees the iconic designs of Christian Dior take to the cakewalk for an unprecedented solo show inspired by the exhibition I told you about earlier this week – Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A Museum.

The Dior Couture Collection transforms landmark pieces into exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. From the Junon Dress worn by Theo Graham at Le Pré Catalan in Paris 1949 to the Bar Jacket which has been synonymous with Dior since it took to the catwalk in 1947 as part of the «New Look,» each piece this season takes inspiration from Dior’s fashion history.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose a loose leaf tea from the hotel’s extensive collection.

Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866
Please note that the Dior Couture Collection will be served until 29 September 2019.

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £60.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £70.00 per person.
Signature Mocktail Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of a refreshing Mango & Rooibos mocktail, £70.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £76.00 per person.

We had such a great time and I hope that you will enjoy it as well!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

PRISON ART is the result of the entrepreneurial vision of Jorge Cueto, a former inmate of the Puente Grande federal penitentiary in Jalisco, Mexico. Unjustly arrested for fraud in 2012, Cueto spent 11 months behind bars before a judge determined there was no crime to prosecute and that he was innocent. Today, this organization helps former prisoners reintegrate into a normal life through creative artwork in Mexico.

Jorge Cueto launched Prison Art in late 2013 after being unjustly arrested.

This craftsmanship and know-how of PRISON ART is part of a project by premium tequila brand PADRE AZUL and tequila aficionado, PADRE AZUL co-owner and Swarovski partner Georg Weis. The new «Padre Azul Cristalino Añejo Tequila», limited to 1,000 bottles, is also a co-production with Swarovski, who have created the unique skull with an engraved number for each bottle. The bottle itself was designed for the special edition by PRISON ART and part of the proceeds will be donated to the charitable organization.

Cristalino Tequila, which uses a special process to remove the natural color, currently happens to be the new trend in Mexico. Crystal clear in the glass, «Padre Azul Cristalino Añejo Tequila» convinces on the palate with maturity and a finely honed composition of aromas.

The limited edition is an ideal gift for tequila aficionados, and once the bottle is empty, it remains a precious designer item. But that means acting fast, because only 1000 bottles are available worldwide for €1000 each. You can order your bottle here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prison Art, Swarovski and Padre Azul

Last week, I was invited by Veuve Cliquot to kick off the summer season with the launch of the new Veuve Clicquot Petit Rich! Those small 20cl bottles are currently available exclusively at Samigo Amusement in Zurich. For more information on the champagne, click here for a previous post.

Black lace is such a hot trend right now and will even be bigger for F/W 2019. Snap up a piece and make the right fashion statement.

My look: Pussy-bow lace blouse, and pleated lace midi skirt, both by Christopher Kane, wool twill jacket, red Janis pumps, and Monogram fringed shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch by Gucci, and Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Event photos and photos of me at the event: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in garden: © Sandra Bauknecht

So far, Sami Khouri and his team, aka Mr. Samigo, was known for offbeat pop-ups. Now he runs the former Quai 61 at the port Enge. The restaurant, which belongs to the city, was built as part of the garden exhibition in 1959 on 64 poles into the lake. The location offers guests a view of the Glarus Alps or the city of Zurich.

For the first time, I went there last weekend and truly loved the performances by artists, musicians and burlesque dancers, and much more – while enjoying great food among dear friends. Ordering your meal works very unconventionally.

The food menu is already fun!

At the beginning of the night, you are asked to fill in a paper with your choice of three or four courses and your name. Don’t be surprised, your fork or knife are not going to be changed during the dinner. I had the burrata, the hummus, the vegetable curry and the chocolate cake which were all very delicious. The entrecôte and the home-made vanilla ice-cream also looked yummy.

Very different from what we know from Zurich’s nightlife, it is a breath of fresh air in our hometown. You can enjoy the show while having dinner, smoke a cigarette in the bar upstairs or just go dancing later. To book a table at this crazy place called «Samigo Amusement», you have to send a message to this mobile phone number +41 79 360 20 65.
Mythenquai 59, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When I lived in Chicago, one of my favorite spots to dine was the RL restaurant. You can truly indulge in the world and beautiful interior design of Ralph Lauren. The brand’s hospitality portfolio includes four restaurants and several coffee shops, located around the globe and is a great way to engage consumers with experiential and unique expressions of the House.
Enjoy more details below:

Ralph’s Coffee
Representing the timeless American spirit of the brand with a fresh and authentic atmosphere, Ralph’s Coffee shops are located within Ralph Lauren flagship stores in New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Each location serves Ralph Lauren’s USDA organic coffees and teas alongside a selection of sweet and savory treats.

RALPH LAUREN RESTAURANTS

The Polo Bar – New York City
Inspired by classic New York establishments and Ralph Lauren’s love of gathering around the table with family and friends, The Polo Bar offers a casual yet refined setting for food and drink in the heart of NYC. From the Henry Koehler polo match–inspired mural on the exterior to the saddle leather and equestrian art inside, the restaurant pays homage to the distinguished sporting lifestyle long synonymous with the Ralph Lauren brand.

Ralph’s – Paris
Ralph’s offers an extraordinary dining experience, combining an inspiring blend of distinctly American cuisine with the allure of Paris’ Left Bank. Hidden within a beautifully restored 17th-century townhouse in the heart of Saint-Germain, the restaurant is a warm and inviting space serving a timeless American menu.

RL Restaurant – Chicago
Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant represents Ralph Lauren’s debut into the restaurant industry. Opened in 1999, the restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren and a modern city-club cuisine.

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar – London
Ralph Lauren’s first dining destination in London, Ralph’s Coffee & Bar serves coffee, cocktails, bar snacks, and shared plates. The café décor pays homage to Ralph Lauren’s trademark equestrian sensibilities with a warm, sophisticated, clublike atmosphere.

Yummy in my tummy…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

If you are living in Switzerland, you will know that fondue and raclette are traditionally served during the holiday season. As these dishes are quite filling and heavy, there comes a time when I am petrified of eating one more portion of melted cheese. Therefore I was positively surprised by this unique winter barbecue experience I had with Terrazas de los Andes, which is part of the Moët Hennessy Wine Division, on Monday at the Park Hyatt Zürich Hotel.

The so-called «Wintergrill at the Park» is an extraordinary culinary winter experience created by Executive Chef Frank Widmer in a specially designed chalet on the terrace of the well known 5-star hotel, right in the heart of the Limmat city. All dishes are paired with selected wines from Terrazas de los Andes, such as Terrazas Torrontés, served in the form of a cocktail with ginger, honey and thyme (so delicious), the classic Terrazas Malbec and the Single Vineyard Las Compuertas Malbec. The winery is located in the heart of Perdriel and at the foot of the impressive Andes mountain range in Argentina.

What can you expect? In the Terrazas chalet, meat and fish are grilled «asado style» according to the motto «rough luxury» and are accompanied by either a delicious winter salad and corn chutney or with pickled pumpkin, hazelnut polenta and Brussels sprouts. For dessert, Frank Widmer pays homage to Swiss apples. A manzana or a dulce de leche with canned and grilled fruit is waiting for you.

The «Wintergrill at the Park» is open until the 22nd of December 2018 for lunch or dinner. Please note that there are only 8 places available in the chalet. Reservations of 6 or more is possible, the dinner experience starts at CHF 150.- per person. Choose between two exquisite selected menus during the Christmas season accompanied by the unique Argentine Terrazas wines.

I loved it and find it a great alternative to fondue for a dinner invitation among friends during the advent season.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Park Hyatt and © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you a fashion-loving gourmand? Then you will indulge in this collaboration between the creativity of Dolce & Gabbana and the confectionery artistry of Fiasconaro that results in a unique recipe: the typical Milanese panettone, revisited with the flavours of Sicily.

An artisanal product that combines a stylish design with that of pastry; the panettone is produced in two variations: one 1 kg Sicilian Pistachio panettone covered in white chocolate (with a velvety Pistachio cream in a special jar); and one with Sicilian Citrus fruits and Saffron, available in both 1 kg and 100 g sizes.

Making these panettoni even more desirable are the tin boxes that contain them. Expressly designed by the most famous Sicilian artisans, these brightly coloured and illustrated boxes are inspired by the decorative motifs of Sicilian carts and the characters of the traditional puppet theatres, rendering them precious objects to collect.

Furthermore, the 1kg panettone is also available to purchase with a decorated tray. Also in tin, this tray can be kept as a collector’s item.

I am loving them. Available online and in Zurich at Jelmoli‘s food corner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and © Sandra Bauknecht

To be honest, nobody actually needs an excuse to head to Ladurée and grab some perfectly yummy macarons. Now, you have one reason more to go. A limited edition box and a sophisticated tea tin, emblazoned with the label’s signature motifs, such as the golden spider’s web and the tiger, is the latest outcome of the collaboration between the Maison’s new brand T by Ladurée Paris and English designer Charlotte Olympia.

«It was a fantastic experience going through the process of creating my unique tea and macaroon and I look forward to indulging in my dream teatime collaboration.»
Charlotte Olympia​

Charlotte Olympia has chosen an elegant and surprising gourmet tea to go with the tin. Composed of a subtle blend of Indian and Chinese black teas and flavoured with bergamot, almond and chocolate, it’s a truly delectable treat.

Leaf tea (100g): 30€
Gift Box (8 Macarons): 21.50€

Window display on 56, Maddox Street in London W1S 1AY

Available now at Thé&Beauté store 232 rue de Rivoli – Paris 1er, in Charlotte Olympia’s store on 56, Madddox Street in London and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia and La Durée
© Sandra Bauknecht