BANGLE MAG - Magazine - Page 21
Exploring Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen in search of an affordable
youth hostel, I found myself staring up at the only glacial waterfalls
in Europe, Trümmelbach Falls The discovery was a spiritual
awakening of sorts. Mother Nature in all her sublime glory, inspiring
a mix of awe and fear, in the true Romantic model.
Returning to the region nearly twenty years later, I was glad to
embrace some luxury at the Victoria-Jungfrau Hotel in Interlaken,
the perfect hybrid of old-world charm and cutting-edge design.
Boasting balcony views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain
ranges (which magically disappear in certain weather conditions),
the hotel is home to Stefan Beer’s spectacular, green-starred
restaurant, Radius, where regional produce is sourced within fifty
kilometres.
The hotel was originally built in the middle of the
nineteenth century, a little too late for Lord Byron to enjoy,
although I’m certain he would’ve stopped in for a full body
massage and a bottle of Bernese pinot noir.Truth be told,
it’s worth travelling to Switzerland for the sole purpose of
dining at Radius, even if that goes slightly against the point
of an eco-consciousestablishment. It’s earned all its badges both a red and green Michelin star - and there’s a beautiful
theatricality to many of the dishes on the local 8-course
tasting menu.
Centre stage is a weeping fig, but in terms of the food, this
place is more greenhouse than hanging garden. Even dining
alone, I enjoyed the science-lab vibes of smoky garlic lamb
and a milky digestif served in a test tube. I couldn’t help
noticing one of the dishes on the vegan menu was dubbed
“Filip’s Watermelon Experiment,” again showcasing the
playful and interactive feel of Stefan Beer’s restaurant.
Friedhof Lauterbrunnen Cemetry with a view of Mürrenbach Fall, the
highest waterfall in Switzerland.
Champagne is the only exception to the strict regional rules
here, with both house-owned and more established vintages
available. The Steiner Summerrode Sauvignon Blanc is
a good bet for white drinkers, with a creamy nose not
dissimilar to Mersault.
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