(October 2006) St. Moritz, Switzerland "“ There will soon be a new destination for superb French cuisine awaiting sojourners to the Swiss Alps this winter. It's Le Bistro, the cozy new French restaurant opening at Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz. Occupying the former space of Trattoria, Le Bistro will be a banquet for the eyes and the palate with sleek design from Italian designer Maurizio Argenti and a simple spin on contemporary French Cuisine from Executive Chef Frédéric Breuil. Opening along with the hotel for the winter season on December 5, 2006, Le Bistro is certain to sizzle as one of the village's "must-dine" spots all winter long.
Designer Argenti has held little back in creating a soft yet distinctive atmosphere for Le Bistro. Lime green walls, exotic furnishings and colored windows bounce off of fur upholstering and touches of stainless steel. Tables of golden-hued zebrawood and dark wengé wood from Africa create a strong impact, especially topped with red, cinnamon-scented candles. Guests entering the 65-seat restaurant are rewarded with aperitifs and nibbles from snack consoles by the door. And a stairway lined with wengé wood shelves stoked with bottles creates an inviting entrance to the wine cellar. Argenti's previous restaurant design work includes Il Tazio and La Frusta (with Adam D. Tihany) at the Hotel Exedra in Rome, the Bar Anglais and restaurant (with Maurizio Papiri) at the Beaurivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne, and Restaurant-Bar Dona Pepper in Salerno, Italy.
In his new and original menu for Le Bistro, Chef Breuil draws a straight line to eminently pleasing contemporary French cuisine with creations such as Salmon tartar with potato cream or Seabass fillet with nicoise vegetables, fried artichokes and balsamic sauce. Trained in Dijon and a veteran of two Michelin 3 Star restaurants, Chef Breuil joined Badrutt's in summer 2005 and promptly earned renown from guests for his take on modern French cuisine dressed up with international flavors. A three-course set menu chosen from a la carte dishes at Le Bistro will run CHF 85. Mark your winter calendar for special events at Le Bistro, too, including the Seafood Spectacular (January 9-13, 2007) and Burgundy Specialties & Wines (January 21-25, 2007).
Badrutt's Palace has long been a revered destination for creative and memorable dining in the heart of St. Moritz. The legendary grand palace hotel boasts a host of dining and drinking venues: from Nobu @ Badrutt's Palace, featuring the internationally renowned new-style Japanese cuisine of Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, to the elegant Le Restaurant and the causal offerings of the rustic farmhouse Chesa Veglia. The legendary Renaissance Bar and the equally legendary barchef, Mario, serve the best Bellinis and hottest après ski scene in the Alps. And culinary events can be anticipated throughout the season, including Christmas dinners (December 24-26, 2006) and the 14th St. Moritz Gourmet Festival (January 29 "“ February 3, 2007).
Winter rates start at CHF 450 for a deluxe double room. For more information or to make reservations at Badrutt's Palace Hotel visit www.badruttspalace.com.
For more on Switzerland at ITKT
