When in Athens

In Greek mythology, Hermes is the Messenger of the Gods. Among other things he protects and takes care of all travelers.

It would only be appropriate then to visit the Hermes boutique at Athens International Airport prior to returning home after your August holiday spent on the Aegean Sea.  

Before diving into the attractiveness of row upon row of silk and leather know-how gird your loins with top drawer spanakopita and Nescafe at "Travel for Everest" cafe just outside the Hermes boutique in the Main Terminal #62.

Once inside Hermes you'll find the famously anticipated collection of the finest silk scarves, ties, leather accessories, watches and perfumes.  What you'll also find inside here is the inimitable, abiding Greek hospitality.  Ask for Natalie.  She will spend a most charitable amount of time showing you how to style and tie your scarfs into innumerable fashions. Never mind if your arrive with said scarves on your person...no purchase required for this lovely hospitality so emblematic of the Greek culture.

h the finest silk scarves, ties, leather accessories, watches and perfumes

Once on board as you sip your first of many Claret in a feeble attempt to dull the pain of your first few hours outside the comfort of an umbrella-shaded sun bed you'll surely take comfort swathed in l'ailes d' Hermes.  Everyone knows Hermes often helped travelers have a safe and easy journey which is the very reason why many Greeks (and now you of course) always sacrifice to Hermes before any trip.  

Great With Casual Salted Snacks

Unlike most French aperitifs, Kina Lillet was perceived by Americans as eminently drinkable on its own and remained well established throughout the 20th century.  Sales were boasted by several of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, which featured Lillet in its traditional role as an aperitif and as the primary component of the Vesper, Bond's favored cocktail.  (it called for three measures gin, one measure vodka and a half measure of Lillet, shaken and served with a twist.)

But let's be honest...the best thing about Lillet is that both the rouge and blanc are great with casual salted snacks of all sorts-olives, nuts, even a proper potato chip!  Lillet blanc also does wonders for blue cheese or prosciutto with melon.

Some winemaking pursuits, it seems, are more inspired than others! 

L’apéro!

When was the last time you had a Dubbonet on ice? A refreshing splash of Lillet? A bittersweet Suze or decadent absinthe? These traditional aperitifs are so retro they're practically nouveau. With warm weather on the way, it's a great time to indulge in the convivial heure de l'apero. All you need is some glasses, ice cubes, good friends-and the background and tips we'll provide this week.

Let's start with Dubonnet!

With a mix of botanicals that were originally designed to mask the extremely bitter taste of quinine Dubonnet was created by a Parisian chemist-the carefully guarded recipe includes coffee beans, Provencal herbs and citrus.

Pair with a lovely Spanish ham, particularly Seranno which plays off Dubonnet's richness.

The Warm Hospitality of a Multilingual European Trained Staff

http://www.malibubeachinn.com/

Perhaps your nanny is demanding full benefits. Or you've recently learned that you weren't the highest bidder for the Johannes Bosboom's "Rouen, le quai de Paris" you were convinced you couldn't complete the shore house without. Whatever has you under the weather get thee to the sun-kissed setting of lunch al fresco at the Malibu Beach Inn.

After a recent multi-million dollar renovation spending an afternoon soaking in the sun, enjoying the company of your best pal, a crisp Brander Sauvignon Blanc in hand, nibbling on the freshest of fresh crab cakes known to man and the tumbling Pacific surf of the ultra-exclusive Carbon Beach below you too will feel like you've had a multi-million dollar renovation and will depart ready to face the reality that lies beyond 22878 Pacific Coast Highway.

Malibu Beach Inn

22878 Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu, CA 92065

(310) 456-6444

*Reservations suggested

French Revolution

http://www.cazes-rivesaltes.com/

Forget populist rage and the oppressive nature of a monarchical regime. That was passé with the fall of the Bastille and Lehman Brothers.

Today’s French Revolution is taking place between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, in Rivesaltes. CAZES has become a byword for “pleasure” offering a range of wines that set the table for a substantive social summit.

Surely you’ll soon be opening up the barn at the first signs of Spring where on display will be your appreciation of what this French Revolution can teach us all. Pick up the Le Canon du Maréchal Rose, to serve with fresh asparagas, Rivesaltes Ambré, to serve with foie gras and Rivesaltes Tuilé to serve with aperitif cigars and after dinner fox-trotting, naturally.

A Place in the Sun

http://www.pellicanohotel.com/

"Wake up around ten and have breakfast in your room, brought to you on a tray; or if you are the morning sort you go down to the terrace overlooking the pool. By eleven you are sitting at the pool with your cohorts, rehashing what happened last night; the romances, the wine, the faux pas, any amusing bon mot. You don't have your cell phone, a laptop or an iPod-that would be gauche.

Listen. The birds. The bougainvillea. Nature's stillness. Sweet jasmine."* The glittering pool and glistening Mediterranean.

Il Pellicano

Cala Dei Santi - Località Sbarcatello - 58018 Porto Ercole (Grosseto)
Ph. +39 0564 858111

*copy credit to William Norwich

Bottoms up. Tops off!

Have you ever considered the possibility of skinny-dipping in a moonlit lake? Of course you have and after a few hours under the dappled Como sun flirting with glass after glass after glass of Pinot Bianco and undoubtedly seated next to a mischievous playboy of some note you'll realize anything is possible, even likely.

Tuck yourself into Harry's Bar in Cernobbio and if you're lucky you'll manage to carry out at least five of the seven deadly sins before sundown.

Harry's Bar

1 Piazza Risorgimento

Cernobbio. 39-031-334-7057

Jet Set Efficiency

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/

Will it be Vienna or Basel or Munich or lunch in Champagne or drinking champagne in Epernay? Or perhaps it will be the Venice Simplon-Orient Express?

Perhaps you'll go to Milan or Salzburg or Amsterdam-anything seems possible when looking at the destination board at the main rail station Hauptbahnof in Zurich.

A good bet is the 6:09 am to Como S. Giovanni. Arriving at 10:03 you'll have plenty of time to luxuriate in the charming streets of Como as you make your way to the Navigazione Laghi ferry to Cernobbio.

Before the morning advances too far grab yourself a table at Harry's to get involved with your first mimosa of the day and toast to your stroke of genius and jet set efficiency.

Viva la Villa

http://www.ville-esclusive.com

Travel is the frivolous part of serious lives, and the serious part of frivolous ones.


(Anne Sophie Swetchine)

Circus Circus

www.kaufleuten.ch

After almost a week in Switzerland you may find yourself craving if only for a night, a little less Cucinelli and a little more Pucci. Book at table at Kaufleuten to cure what ails you.  Theatrical curtains, dramatic chandeliers and circus-like frescos contribute to the vivacious atmosphere.   Reserve one of the tables by the mirrored wall; use the reflection to your advantage and pore over the social exploits going on around you.  While the “main bar” and “dance floor” beyond the restaurant’s main floor may appeal to a crowd more “pedestrian” than your liking the “Lounge” with it’s well thought out comfy wooden chairs strewn about is the superb place for a nightcap. 

Kaufleuten

Pelikanstrasse 18

8001 Zurich

Tel: 0041 44 225 33 40

Culinary Conditioning

www.restaurant-lumiere.ch

Switzerland has more than one official language and there is a constant verbal toggle between your best Swiss German, German, French, Italian, Swiss French, Swiss Roman-you get the idea.

Take a break from all the “lenga franca” ambivalence and fall into Lumiére. At this cosy “aide memoire” of the 6^th arrondissement everyone speaks “moules” et “pomme frites” avec Château Clerc Milon.

Of course the spécialité maison is “Ojo de Agua” – premium quality Argentinian beef. Revel in the cultural involvedness of it all and consider it a primer for your summer ski trip to Las Leñas.

Lumiére

Widdergasse 5

CH-8001 Zürich

Tel: +41 44 211 56 65

Die Kleine Bar

www.widderhotel.ch

Smoking anywhere, particularly indoors these days feels so illicit and "verboten",  it's enough to make you want a to light up.  As you order your afternoon “pick me up” from the Widder Bar’s superlative 250+ single malt scotch collection and light your first Gauloise of the afternoon the thrill and exhilaration of it all may all but swallow you up entirely.

You’ll be stirred and encouraged by the words stamped on Widder’s exhaustive cocktail menu, 

“You can never plan the future by the past but you can always enjoy the very moment.”

Go ahead and enjoy this moment.  Like the way of Armando’s Beach Club, smoking indoors in Switzerland will soon be just a exquisite memory.

Widder Bar

Widder Hotel

Widdergasse 6

Tel: (044) 224 25 26

Jugendstil Flair

 www.odeon.ch

Take an aperitif or digestif at the historic corner Café Odeon. Patronized by such figures as Lenin, Trotsky, Mata Hari, Mussolini and James Joyce you'll feel quite at ease at this Old Town legend. Tuck in, order an Armagnac and enjoy the clever tête-à-tête swirling around the air at this grand café. 

Cafe Odeon

Limmatquai 2 

8001 Zürich 

Tel 044 251 16 50 

Restaurant Kronenhalle

www.kronenhalle.com

The Swiss Bank of food. Bring money, eat well. Sit with the ghosts and works of Juan Miró, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Robert Rauschenberg. Don't dare order anything other than the famous Kalbfleisch geschnetzelt "Kronenhalle" with rosti. Oh and "dress".

Restaurant Kronenhalle

Ramistrasse 4 – 8001 Zurich

Telefon 044 262 99 00

Lu

www.lu-zh.ch/

If you want to really get to know Zurich you really need to get to know Lu. Zurich IS Lu. Lu IS Zurich. Actually Lu IS a former world-class supermodel who now owns a charming boutique selling equally beautiful and attractive things to “garnish” your home. Crystal, china, pottery, candles, frames, a lovely assortment of ideal silver-plated trays are among the fine treasures but Lu herself is the exceptionally unique offering.

Like all one-named phenoms that have gone before (Gandhi, Halston, Liberace) Lu’s inimitable spirit truly brakes the mold and you’ll wonder how you ever muddled through without her. Get to know Lu and if you’re fortunate enough she’ll not only share her favorite restaurants with you but also grab the phone and make reservations for YOU at HER best tables around town. All the while you’ll be flipping through Lu’s portfolio of work sipping the Gosset Brut de Brut she’s poured in distinctive Kosta Boda flutes.

You’ll no doubt return promptly at 10.00 the next morning to prove to yourself that Lu was not just an illusion brought on by too much Kalbsleber geschnetzelt mit Zwiebeln with Rösti and to say “Danke!” and regale her with tales of the exquisite evening you enjoyed at Kronnenhalle’s best table.

She’ll have your cappuccino waiting.

Lu

Schipfe 4

CH-8001 Zürich

Tel. 044 222 17 17

Offshore Banking & Brunch

Whether you’ve conveniently planned your quarterly appointment with your private division advisor at UBS or Credit Suisse or are just looking for a dash of urban escapade after your time in the mountains you’ll no doubt be famished after the three hour Swiss rail journey to Zürich HB.

Sprüngli is the place in Zürich. Here’s how to give the impression of being “local”:

http://www.sprungli.ch/

1. Stroll up to the restaurant on the 2nd story.
2. Give off no visual clues of being besieged by the assembly of well-heeled financiers, International Foreign Affairs Advisors and Ambassador’s wives assembling with their old friends from Leysin.
3. Order a ham & cheese croissant. It's just what you do here.
4. Place your order straightaway from either a) your waitress or b) trot up to the pastry display and order there.
5. Don't blow your cover by waiting around the counter while they melt the delicious cheese, your waitress will bring the savory delight to your table along with your bill.
6. The final potential snag. Knowingly pay your "bill" (of course you never use the word "check" while on the continent) at the cashier near the stairs.

Sprüngli’s deliciously wrapped chocolates, tuffles and macaroons are the superlative gift for everyone back home but you have an afternoon of shopping to do on the Bahnhofstrasse and cocktails with Lu to get on to. Good thing all the “locals” know there is a Sprüngli outpost just past passport control at ZRH.

Confiserie Sprüngli AG
Bahnhofstrasse 21
CH-8022 Zürich

+41(0)44 224 47 40

More Than 5 Stars

www.kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch/

It would be criminal to not plunge headfirst into the Kulm Hotel which has a 6^th star explicitly dedicated to turning your “special personal dreams into reality.”

You’d think that your “special personal dreams” would be fulfilled by a trip to The Sunny Bar, the Kulm Hotel legend. Here “suspended from the ceiling is a pair of gymnasium-style rings, for extra self-confident athletes to flex their muscles in demonstrations of prowess.” Oh mein Gott!

The Sunny Bar

You’ll find however that when getting ready to set off from St. Moritz your “special personal dream” may be finding “gratis” Internet access to pin down your dinner reservations at Kronenhalle in Zürich. After being welcomed by the congenial Kulm doormen you’ll find the computer tucked into a corner down the small set of stairs to the right. Be assured you’ll have the desk to yourself; no one else would dare suffer the indignity of being seen cruising the information superhighway here. You too will see it as just so “common” after having spent all this time tucked into the self proclaimed “Top of the World”. Promptly make your dinner reservations, review the current Navigazione Lago Di Como timetable and be on your way.

It’s Pronounced “Clo-Stirs”

The St. Moritz outpost of Loro Piana is closed on Sundays so why not spend the day messing about the rest of the Engadin Valley and scamper on to Klosters for lunch. Spend the extra 5 chf. and enjoy the generous windows of the “Panoramawagon” on the achingly clean and efficient Swiss Rail and you won’t miss a bit of the “chocolate box” quaint scenery en route.

http://www.sbb.ch/en/

Depart at 10:06 and you’ll arrive in Klosters just ahead of the noon lunch hour. Saunter through town and pick up a classic Swiss felt hunting hat - the very Klosters Swiss twist on the “cowboy hat” and THE way to keep the snow out of your eyes here.

Take lunch at Chesa Grischuna. The definition of cosy is “enjoying or affording comforting warmth and shelter especially in a small space” or “having or fostering a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere”. The exactness to which Chesa Grischuna delivers on “cosy” is almost implausible. Their lavish use of pinewood is splendid.

http://www.chesagrischuna.ch/

If possible make your table reservations beforehand and know that Chesa Grischuna also doubles as one of the "Historic Hotels of Europe" so should you find the enchanting Greübunden atmosphere too irresistible to leave or you've taken too much pleasure in the Weingut Donabaum Riesling there’s a convenient place to hang that new hat of yours for the night.

Big Choice of Cheeses from the Trolley

http://www.post-haus.ch/

Post Haus is Mathis' more "urban" outpost in St. Moritz Dorf. Deep leather club chairs and a roaring and appropriately "mod" gas burning fireplace add to the welcoming yet contemporary mood in the lounge & bar.

Feast on one of Mathis' signature white pizzas with truffle topping while you drink in the crowd of to the manor born Russian supermodels tangling with their off duty tycoon escorts and definitely a few Bichon Frises who you should expect will be wearing a mink coat and boots far superior to yours.

It is here we learned from an off duty PA (that's Personal Assistant) that it's 1.5 hrs from London to St. Moritz by PJ (that's Private Jet, of course.) A vital and critical fact that probably deserves it's own post.

Post Haus also offers more formal dining in the adjacent restaurant where they serve "Gross Auswahl gereifter Kase vom Wagen". Translated "big choice of cheeses from the trolley"- clearly the place sells itself.

Swiss Miss

Among your new Moncler jacket, boxes of Hauser's world famous truffles and of course a few token Gauloises it's entirely reasonable to expect to pick up a characteristically milky, creamy complexion while in Switzerland. This is afterall the illustrious home of the equally milky and creamy Gruyère and Vacherin-Mont-d'Or cheese.

One could easily spend an entire afternoon in a Swiss “apotheke”. Drop the dreary visions of Duane Reade, these glittering Swiss outfits not only furnish all of the effective remedies to restore you to perfect health (read: these would be buried far under the counter stateside) but are a bastion of thrilling lotions, miraculous creams and magical elixers.

These three little French words will change your life and your completion.

La Roche-Posay

http://www.laroche-posay.us

From a French "laboratoire pharmaceutique", found in a Swiss "apotheke" and available for delivery to you anywhere in world; we're bestotted.

The breathtaking results of the "Beruhigende Feuchtigkeitsmake" will have you yodeling all the way home.

N 46°30’ 46’’ E 09°49’ 12”

http://www.mathisfood.ch/

The Swiss Germans are delightfully eager to please so keep them contented by offering them the opportunity to make your lunch reservations at Mathis Food Affairs on Corviglia. We found a 14:30 reservation the ideal time to take pleasure in a hearty lunch and the day’s most vigorous and jovial crowd while allowing for plenty of time for a day of play “en piz”.

To find this culinary sparkler head downstairs at the lively yellow-colored Corviglia station and don’t be shy about making yourself known to anyone who will listen. The maître'd (who is gracious and welcoming once you catch his attention) also seems to serve as headwaiter, wine waiter, cheese cart employee and caviar attendant.

Only and unless a life-threatening allergy prohibits-start your meal with the “Bisque di Aragosta” and this is no time to consider passing on carbs; the whole grain bread induces earnest infatuation.

Because the mid-mountain Corviglia station is serviced by the Salastrains from town centre St. Moritz Dorf it is the model spot to meet up with your friends who prefer "spa" to "schuss" and have spent their day at Kempinski High Alpine Spa in town instead.

http://www.kempinski-stmoritz.com/en/home/index.htm

Bergrestaurants

Some of the most superb things about skiing on "the continent" are the on piste dining opportunities. First step, examine your piste map like Sir Frances Drake, all on piste restaurants in St. Moritz are clearly noted. Then plot your turns like Jean-Claude Killy to be sure you blaze a trail to every "Gutburgerlich" and "Chefs Table Mitten in der Kuche."

A great first stop of the day on Piz Nair (the most directly accessible piste from the city centre St. Moritz Dorf) is Turtz.

An outpost of the highly acclaimed Suvretta Hotel, Trutz serves up hearty views and among other gastronomic delights the Griscon barley soup, tortellini or polenta with gorgonzola. Or grab a "sweet temptation", snuggle into one of their delightful deck chairs, toss the monogrammed throw around your shoulders and revel in the magic moment!

http://www.suvrettahouse.ch/en/gastronomie/trutz.aspx

L'art Et Le Savoir-Faire

http://www.badruttspalace.com/renaissance

After a strenuous day watching the ponies tuck into Badrutt's Palace for an aperitif or two. Referred to simply as "The Palace" this is "das hotel" in St. Moritz. The Renaissance Bar will welcome you warmly. Whilst you sip your bellini you'll barely notice the gratis crisps and marcona almonds; you'll be too busy simply feasting your eyes on l'art et le savior-faire going on around you.

Hours: 11am-midnight

Dress code: jackets required after 7:30*

*We spotted Guy Richie heading in just past 9pm, jacket and all.

The European Snow Meeting 2009

http://www.whiteturf.ch/index_en.htm

One of the things you must do in your lifetime is find yourself lucky enough to be in St. Moritz, Switzerland in February. While technically a day of horse racing it is much more about spectacle than sport. With a serious emphasis on sipping Nicolas Feuillatte champagne in the sun (what else would you do in the so called "Champagne climate") you'll witness attractive performances and entertaining pursuits...and we're not talking about the horses.

Billed as the social highlight of the St. Moritz social season it is a milieu not to be missed.

The "Champagner-Klima" of St. Moritz is most certainly a locale well worth spending some time reveling in...this week we'll take you on a literary sojourn.

Eau De Beaute

Are the agonizingly grey January skies and offensively cold temperatures leaving your skin looking dull?  With plenty of skiing days left in Kitzbuhel and the French Open just around the corner there's no excuse to not make every effort to keep up your radiant completion.

The heroics of Caudalie's "Eau De Beaute" deliver in spades and will ensure you arrive on the continent looking luminous and resplendent.  "Inspired by the elixer of youth used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this skincare smooths features, tightens pores and provides an instant burst of radiance to the complexion."

Don't be surprised if your normally discreet fellow Business Class travelers ask for a spritz. Essential oils of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts and myrrh give it an alluring and enchanting aroma.

www.caudalie-usa.com

Big Game Hunter

In the urban jungle we so often find ourselves in, "Big Game Hunter" can take on a variety of meanings.  Good thing Beretta, a dynasty for over four centuries founded in 1526 when "Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta of Gardone received 296 ducats as payment for 185 arquebus barrels sold to the Arsenal of Venice" is still thriving; able to provide all the gear you'll need to outfit your "hunting" lifestyle.

The website could do a better job of providing more cyber-browsing options and keeping inventory lists up to date but you surely won't be disappointed by visiting any myriad of locations across the country.  Pick up a pair of their totally authentic and incredibly flattering jodhpurs before you head to the country this weekend. Sure they are worthy enough for any serious "Upland Sportsman" activity but they will also look great with your Frey Paige Cuff boots!

www.berettausa.com

718 Madison Ave.

New York, New York 10065

212.319.3235

Celebrate!

http://americanhistory.si.edu

A Question...

In what one place can you see the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers from "The Wizard of Oz", Lincoln's iconic top hap he wore the night he was shot at Ford's Theatre, the actual kitchen, including the cabinets, appliances, cookbooks and kitchen table of Julia Child from her Cambridge, MA home, AND Kermit the Frog?

They can all be found under one roof - Washington, D.C's Museum of American History.

Washington is Red, White and Blue HOT right now and thanks to the considerable generosity of The Smithsonian Institute exploring so much of America's history is FREE! 

You know they say Washington is the new New York so we say go, explore and celebrate the immeasurable delight found in our nation's capitol, Washington, D.C.

For the searching, inquisitive and curious soul this is America's version of Shangri-la.

Moliere

The allegory of virtue and vice is not a tale I spend too much time reading. 

French playwright and actor, Moliere said it best, "I prefer a pleasant vice to an annoying virtue."

www.salondelamotte.com

Get the '96 and dress up a casual brunch with friends!

Salute!

Francoise Hardy

Saturday, January 17th is Francoise Hardy's birthday.  We thought we'd celebrate a few days early so you have time to download some of this renowned French singer, actress and astrologer's ballads in time for the birthday celebration.

Start with "Le temps de l'amour" move on to "Jardinier benevole" and go from there.  Mademoiselle Hardy is available in iTunes so you have no excuse. 

Life is better with French pop!  

www.francoise-hardy.com

One of the World's Great Lunch Destinations

Oh and just one thing more about Zermatt. What an extraordinary experience to zip around the Matterhorn and into Italy!  Head directly to Cervinia, one of the World's Greatest Lunch Destinations!

Book ahead for a most memorable Italian lunch at Chalet Etoile.  All you'll need is a great bottle of Italian white and order the "fish soup".  The otherworldly view will satiate the rest of your appetite!

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

After a week of shussing on piste you'll certainly be looking for the ideal spot to renew before catching your flight out of Geneva.

The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues is a landmark on Lake Geneva and couldn't be in a better location. A lovely walk across the Port du Mont Blanc and over Lake Geneva puts you square in the center of achingly, impossibly charming old town Geneva.  Before you head anywhere however be sure to stop into the enchanting and elegant library off the lobby for complementary nibbles and a glass of perhaps Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose.

Le Bar des Bergues is the ideal haunt for a night cap.  The only regret you'll have upon departure is wondering why you didn't plan to stay on this bit of cloud nine longer.

Chez Vrony

Chez Vrony

www.chezvrony.ch

Located in the Sunnegga Paradise ski area this intimate treasure is so special you simply must schedule an entire afternoon to endulge in the elegantly appointed alpine chic of it all.  Nestled at 1900m in a real life Hansel & Gretel-like village the generous deck provides tables for larger groups, intimate corners to tuck in with a perfectly chilled bottle of Sancerre to discuss the days turns or opt for the opulent teak lounge chairs with picture postcard views of the Matterhorn.

The darling and authentic chalet also hosts a peerless and superb "winter in the Alps"dinner experience that only Zermatt can truly deliver in spades.

Go. Enjoy Chez Vrony. You'll never be the same.

Lunch on Piste

Skiing stateside is all about getting up early, grabbing some oatmeal and getting out on the freshest snow you can find. Skiing "on the Continent" is all about finding the sublime spot for a delicious lunch on piste.  

Zermatt offers some of the world's most charming, delightful and desirable on piste dining.  Have your hotel concierge make reservations before you tear off for the day.  Some of our favorites...

Fluhalp: 

www.fluhalp-zermatt.ch/

Situated on the Rothorn Peak off the Fluhalp run at 2,620 m over sea level on a sunny day nothing beats the stunning terrace views of the Matterhorn. On colder days the cozy interior is storybook perfection.  Order any of their delightful Italian reds and toast to your enchanting surroundings.

 

Othmar's Hutte:

Stop at Othmar's on your way down Rothorn for a pre Apres Ski cocktail.  It's the last restaurant before town.  In 1962 Othmar and Betty Kronig had this hut transported up from Zermatt.  Since then it has been a great place to stop off for a drink on the "home run".  Order the "Fish Water" schnapps, with hints of apple it's a delightful surprise!

Zum See:

www.zumsee.ch/

You won't believe your eyes when you come accross this converted barn off Blatten Run with a sunny terrace (about 120 seats) surrounded by typical chalets built over 350 years ago.  With delectable local cheeses, dishes making the most of the valley produce, meats and rosti and sweets are also not to be missed.  You're also close to town at Zum See so feel free to explore the depth of their wine list and make your wobbly way back down.

Gut Essend!  

Gehen Wir Zu Zermatt!

It's January 5th, 2009! 

That means it's dreadfully difficult to focus on affairs at the office where there's so much "on piste" planning to be done. Ski season is officially upon us.  This week let's focus on suave, sophisticated Zermatt. 

Retaining the atmosphere of a charmingly traditional Alpine Village  it's one of the few places you can have a  scrumptious breakfast on piste in Italy and be back in Switzerland for  yet another fondue dinner that evening.

As soon as the world's most efficient Swiss Railway drops you in town head to the Hotel Alex straightaway for a "Wolkommen!" cocktail. 

www.hotelalexzermatt.com

"Paris has its Buddha Bar, Madrid its Joy Estava, Ibiza its Cafe del Mar, and now Zermatt, the top of the Alps has the 'Alex Lounge Bar'. This exclusive lounge and bar with its many intimate corners and fireplaces is an alpine world of art and precious designer fabrics.  The "Scottish Corner" with a wide selection of whiskies, a wine bar with world renowned top wines, and cocktails. A magical Alex ambiance where mountain spirits whisper through the old larch beams..."

Jubelt Skiiers!