Chef
Thomas Neeser Cooks, Hotel Fond Du Lac
Favorites Features
It
may be true the best places to enjoy Swiss food and
wine is in Switzerland, but I recently had the opportunity to
savor this experience close to home in Beverly Hills, where
a delightful gourmet dinner paired with fine Swiss wines was
on the menu thanks to a group of charming Matterhorn and Geneva
Switzerland hosts. Tourism stars attending included Geneva Tourism
& Convention Foundation Mr. Philippe Vignon, Mr. Francois
Michel Lake Genev Region Tourist Office, Mrs. Marcelline Kuonen
Valais Wallis Matterhorn Region, Ursula Beamish-Mader NY and
Maja Gartman LA.
Obviously,
it was a highly coveted and greatly appreciated opportunity
to enjoy delightful plates and wines at the Lake Geneva &
Matterhorn Region Cooking Extravaganza where Chef Thomas Neeser
of the 5-star Grand Hotel Du Lac in Geneva was providing VIPs,
including LA Consul General of Switzerland Jean Francois Lichtenstern,
and a bevy of media guests an opportunity to cook their gourmet
dinner with the chef. The Swiss event was held at Williams-Sonoma
in Beverly Hills. Guests were also graced to enjoy several fine
Swiss wines including a Pierre Latine Yvorne white wine and
a 2012 Rouge d'Enger from Maitre de Chais during the Swiss culinary
delight event.
Executive Chef Thomas Neeser
The
evening provided Switzerland Tourism officials an opportunity
to highlight the region from Lake Geneva to the Matterhorn,
as well as share upcoming activities and events for 2016. The
Zermatt Unplugged held April 5-9 includes music at the base
of the Matterhorn, The Geneva Festival from July 28-August 2
attracts 2 million visitors each year and has a finale of amazing
fireworks. The Geneva Cellars Day is May 28, and offers attendees
some fantastic sips. A Hot Air Balloon Festival Jan 23-31 looks
like something I would adore, as a seasoned balloonist.
Switzerland's
wineries are many and dot the landscape beginning in Lausanne
that can be visited by train or by boat. Some of the river cruise
companies include these wine areas in their itinerary. It was
amusing to imagine having photos taken on the ski slopes by
a drone while coming down the mountain, but this is now happening.
Sounds like great fun.
For
information on all the food, wine and fun happening in Switzerland
go to #InLoveWithSwitzerland for a full schedule of fantastic
things to do in this fabulous country during 2016. Visit www.myswitzerland.com
ABOUT
GRAND HOTEL DU LAC AND GUEST CHEF NEESER
The
Grand Hotel Du Lac
Hotel Fond du Lac
The
Grand Hotel du Lac is a stunning example of where the past meets
the present. This historic Art Nouveau building was designed
by Swiss architect Ernest Burnat, and recently renovated with
interiors from renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. A Relais
& Château property located on the shores on Lac Leman
in the beautiful city of Vevey. The grounds invite summer guests
to linger in the garden, outdoor pool and for long lunches or
dinner on the sun terrace of Restaurant La Véranda.
In
2006 under the direction of Pierre-Yves Rochon, known for his
ability to mix classical and contemporary styles, the renowed
property went through a complete face lift that preserved the
old and emplemented the new. Many nostalgic gems have been preserved,
including the ballroom, in the Viennese Art Nouveau style. Ideally
located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the hotel offers an exceptional
view of the harbor of Vevey, lake Geneva and the French Alps.
The hotel is situated 1.5 km from Vevey city centre, Vevey train
station and 90 km from Geneva airport. 16 parking spaces are
available at the hotel.
The
50 rooms and suites offer views of the lake or surrounding mountains,
and are finished in soft pastel tones of blue or yellow, accented
by ample sunshine through the large windows. These lovely accommodations
offer state-of-the-art amenities, and in a restful atmosphere.
Les
Saisons Restaurant
Les Saisons Restaurant
Dining
at the hotel is intimate, with refined service and a focus on
local products in two restaurants and lounges. Les Saisons,
a restaurant with 25 seats is a blend of refined decoration
and exquisite cuisine, highlighting inspiration from the Vaudois
terroir and great classics of French haute cuisine. The restaurant
has been awarded with 1 Michelin star and 16/20 Gault Millau
points. Chef, Thomas Neeser, 37 years old, has learn from the
best and he has worked with renowned Chefs such as Herbert Langendor,
Peter Liebold, Michel Chabran & Christian Willier. Sous-Chef
of the "L'Auberge de l'Ill.
Asian
Bar
Asian Bar
La
Veranda with its 28 seats inside and 60 seats in the terrace,
offers regional food and a spectacular view of the gardens,
the harbor, the lake and the majestic French Alps. The two bars
in the hotel are welcoming for relaxing, and offer items from
the restaurant menu. The full bar also offers some of the wonderful
wines from Switzerland to enjoy with bites.
Grand
Hôtel du Lac
Rue d'Italie 1
1800 Vevey, Switzerland
P +41 21 925 06 06
F +41 21 925 06 07
info@ghdl.ch
By Bonnie Carroll
About Bonnie Carroll
Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since
1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll's
Life Bites News - www.lifebitesnews.com,
does travel and food reporting on KZSB1290 radio, and contributes
to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle
publications. Her first children's book C.C. Charles was published
in 2002 and she is currently working on a second book. Contact
her at Contact her at writebc@aol.com.
