As the autumn breeze begins to rustle through the streets of Zurich, there's a new reason for the city's residents and visitors to celebrate. Veuve Clicquot is set to unveil a unique culinary experience that promises to ignite the senses and elevate the spirit. Introducing The Solaire Café by Veuve Clicquot, a pop-up gastronomic concept that marries the effervescence of their Champagne with an exceptional dining affair. From September 1 to 23, 2023, this temporary haven of taste and luxury will grace the Tischbankstuhl & Co showroom at Fraumünsterstrasse 2 in Zurich. Let's have a first look!

Where Solaire Culture meets Culinary Art

For over two centuries, Veuve Clicquot has radiated their "Culture Solaire," a sun-kissed ethos that has adorned their iconic champagne bottles since 1877. The unmistakable Clicquot yellow, a symbol of joy, optimism, and the sun's embrace, is not just a color – it's a statement. The Solaire Café stands as a testament to this very spirit of audacity, creativity, and innovation that has characterized Veuve Clicquot for generations.

Nestled in the heart of Zurich, The Solaire Café boasts stunning views of Bürkliplatz and the shimmering waters of Lake Zurich. This picturesque location provides an idyllic backdrop for enjoying the fleeting moments of late summer. The synergy between the café's position between Lake Zurich and the Limmat River and Veuve Clicquot's legacy of positivity and vivacity is palpable, creating an ambiance that invites guests to revel in the present.

A Harmony of Flavors and Bubbles

What truly sets The Solaire Café apart is its dedication to crafting an experience that blends culinary artistry with the effervescence of champagne. Enter Marco Pfleiderer, a celebrated fine-dining caterer whose culinary mastery has earned him a reputation in the city. For this venture, Pfleiderer has curated a menu that harmoniously complements the flavors of Veuve Clicquot champagnes. From delectable Tuna Burgers adorned with avocado and miso to delicate Moules Frites, every dish carries the touch of Pfleiderer's creativity and devotion to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Of course, the star of the show remains the Yellow Label Champagne, its silkiness and freshness making it an ideal companion for both aperitifs and indulgent small bites. To add an extra layer of excitement, The Solaire Café introduces the "Solaire Cocktail," a bespoke creation by Dirk Hany, the visionary founder of Bar on the water, an iconic local establishment next door. The cocktail is a harmonious marriage of innovation and tradition, just like the Café itself.

Capturing Memories and embracing Joy

In the spirit of sharing and creating memories, The Solaire Café offers a vibrant social scene, enhanced by the musical rhythms of DJane Zoe B and her team every Thursday to Saturday from 18:00 to 21:00. For those seeking a more introspective touch, Zurich artist and illustrator Silvan Borer will be present on select days, capturing the magic of the moment with live portraits that guests can take home.

In our view, The Solaire Café by Veuve Clicquot is not just a gastronomic journey; it's an ode to life's simple pleasures and the boundless joy they bring. It's an invitation to extend the warmth of summer well into September, all while basking in the golden glow of Veuve Clicquot's Yellow Label. So, mark your calendars and join us in raising a glass to the spirit of celebration, optimism, and the art of savoring life. The Solaire Café awaits, ready to create unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Zurich's vibrant energy.

For 250 years, Veuve Clicquot has spread its solaire culture across the world, standing out for its boldness, creativity, and innovation. For the new cuvée La Grande Dame 2015, the champagne house continues to assert its culture of optimism, this time through a collaboration with the Italian designer Paola Paronetto and master chefs around the globe. Join us as we attend the official launch in Switzerland at the table of Michelin-starred Chef Dario Cadonau.

The Legacy of Madame Clicquot

The story of Veuve Clicquot is one of constant reinvention, and yet it remains closely linked to the destiny of an exceptional woman: Madame Clicquot. Within just a few years, “la grande dame de la Champagne,” as she became known, created the first vintage champagne (1810), the riddling process, which is still used in Champagne today (1816), and the first known blended rosé champagne (1818). In homage to this grande dame, Maison Veuve Clicquot created its eponymous prestige cuvée.

Today, the cuvée La Grande Dame acts as the signature and showcase for Maison Veuve Clicquot’s wine making excellence and its savoir-faire. Madame Clicquot was particularly fond of Pinot Noir. She used to say:

Our black grapes give the finest white wines.

Madame Clicquot

This versatile grape variety expresses itself differently according to its terroir and the year in which it is harvested. It requires the finest expertise from the Cellar Master and his teams. Consequently, Veuve Clicquot decided to use at least 90% in their La Grande Dame cuvées.

La Grande Dame 2015

A solaire vintage, La Grande Dame 2015 is faithful to Madame Clicquot’s vision. Pinot Noir finds its greatest expression in this blend (+90%), enhanced by a touch of Chardonnay (10%). This cuvée is a feat of winemaking, with an immense aging potentiation of more than 15 years. It reveals its exceptional verticality thanks to the Pinot Noirs from the historic Crus of its terroir, which is among the most prestigious in Champagne: Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Ay.

2015 was an exceptional year for Champagne. After a very mild winter, spring began with a particularly cold period, followed by high temperatures. In the month of June, plenty of sun and little rain produced a homogeneous flowering. The grapes harvested in mid-September, in the coolness of fall, have given birth to a great vintage.

La Grande Dame 2015 is all about tension and elegance. It offers freshness and minerality on the nose, with light floral notes of jasmine and acacia that evolve towards fruity notes of pear and clementine. In the mouth, its texture is subtle and silky.

Marie Charlemagne, Winemaker at Veuve Clicquot

For the new cuvée La Grande Dame 2015, Veuve Clicquot continues to assert its culture of optimism, this time through a collaboration with the Italian designer Paola Paronetto. A master of color, she has created a new collection of six gift boxes for Maison Veuve Clicquot in hues from her unique personal palette of more than 86 shades. Imbued with emotion, optimism and commitment, the whole is a symphony of colors that harmoniously blend together.

The Giganti

Internationally renowned artist Paola Paronetto is inspired by nature to create her works of art. She combines stylistic innovation and the traditions of ancient art with those of pottery. Over time, she has perfected an innovative technique that she calls Paper Clay, combining clay, cellulose fiber, and water. Always inspired by the beauty of the nature that surrounds her, Paola Paronetto sees colors as full and opaque, and has devised a palette of 86 tones that are her very own. The irregular shapes and raw texture of her objects create a graphic play of light that exalts the carefully chosen colors.

To accompany this collaboration, Paola Paronetto has also created a sculptural work: the “Giganti”, composed of three colored sculptures in the form of standing bottles, which express the meeting of nature and materials in a poetic and tangible way. They also accompany a unique three-bottle vertical comprising three exceptional vintages of La Grande Dame (2008 / 2012 / 2015).

The Giganti are the ultimate expression of La Grande Dame’s message of optimism for the world. The largest and most majestic of the three Giganti is in Clicquot yellow – a symbol of the sun and of new days dawning, conveying optimism and the conviction that anything is possible. In Switzerland, the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau is the only place where the Giganti can be admired.

Interpretation by Dario Cadonau

Veuve Clicquot has teamed up with some of the world’s greatest chefs for a unique Garden Gastronomy experience: colors, textures, verticality, and gigantism are at the heart of the menu, reinterpreted for the occasion. In Switzerland, Michelin-starred Chef Dario Cadonau was invited to devise dishes where the combination of colors partners with the simplicity of the ingredients, always with fruit and vegetables taking center stage.

Together with his wife Tamara, Dario Cadonau runs the smallest 5-star superior hotel in Switzerland. The IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau is also home to one of the largest Veuve Clicquot cellars in Europe. Here, in the beautiful Engadin valley, we are invited to experience his culinary interpretation of the verticality and gigantism of Paola Paronetto’s artistic works.

The evening is all about generosity, conviviality, and abundance. While enjoying wonderful dishes, we listen to Marie Charlemagne, winemaker at Veuve Clicquot. She explains what sets a prestige cuvée like La Grande Dame apart from other champagnes and how the climate in 2015 impacted their approach to crafting the latest vintage.

Reflecting the optimism of Veuve Clicquot, an immersive and convivial table has been specially designed for the occasion. The lavish decoration of the VIVANDA restaurant reminds us of a local farmer's market. In this beautiful setup, the joyous, vividly colored dishes reflect the vision of a confident and sustainable gastronomy straight from the garden.

Cheers to grand cru grapes, locally grown grand cru vegetables and a great vintage 2015!

An aura of warmth and pleasant fragrance surrounds you when stepping into the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. Here, you can throw off the ballast of everyday life and turn to the beauty and purity of alpine nature with all your senses. Are you ready to discover what the smallest 5-star superior hotel in Switzerland has to offer?

Stepping inside the In Lain Hotel Cadonau

"In Lain" is Romanesque and means "in wood". One immediately feels that this noble material determines the character of the hotel. Around the building, centuries-old pines, larches and fir trees nestle gently into the magnificent mountain world. Inside the hotel, a unique world made of local wood opens up - a pure place of strength and inspiration. The perfect setting to experience warm hospitality and wonderful moments all year round.

Dario Cadonau and his wife Tamara are the caring hosts at IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. You might also see their two children Jan and Xenia around the place. Always with a smile on their faces and ready to help in the kitchen or the garden on the property.

Since opening in 2010, the family earned a lasting reputation. In just a decade, the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau rose to become the smallest 5-star superior hotel in Switzerland. Dario is an ambitious hotelier and chef and has received numerous high-ranking awards from jurors from the luxury hotel and gastronomy industry. The hotel is currently ranked 14th in the top 20 winter holiday hotels in Switzerland in the 5-star category.

Chef Dario Cadonau

Dario's path to becoming an independent hotelier began with an apprenticeship as a chef at the 5-star Hotel Suvretta House in St. Moritz. After that, he worked at the cooker of many top chefs. Among them 19-point chef Philippe Rochat in Crissier, Bumann's 18-point gourmet restaurant Chesa Pirani in La Punt and finally in Germany with 19-point chef Harald Wohlfahrt from the Traube Tonbach. He then successfully graduated from the Belvoirpark Hotel Management School in Zurich. After graduating, he is returns to his birth place of Brail in the valley of Engadin. Here, the family starts the ambitious project of turning the over 400 year old housein which his mother grew up, into a 5-star hotel.

Overall, the hotel is home to three restaurants offering different cuisines. But whether in the gourmet restaurant VIVANDAwhich boasts a Michelin star and 17 points in GaultMillau, or in the cosy restaurant Stüvetta or in the rustic cheese dairyDario Cadonau always wants to bring the best that the local soil, forests, meadows, and waters has to offer on the table.

Garden Gastronomy by Veuve Clicquot

Flooded with light, the gourmet restaurant VIVANDA offers a magnificent view of the national park and the hotel garden. In this setting, guests can enjoy an exclusive surprise and tasting menu, accompanied by a selection of fine and rare wines. The magic begins as soon as you enter: In the vaulted cellar of the traditional building, the cosy lounge now awaits you for the aperitif. It's a romantic ambience by a crackling fireplace. In summer, you can also enjoy the apéro on the restaurant's sunlit terrace. For the next courses, guests head on to the modern area of the hotel and step inside the newly designed gourmet restaurant. VIVANDA.

Dario sources all ingredients from local producers, offering a true alpine experience to guests. The team even produces their own traditional Swiss cheese inside the hotel's own dairy. A spectacle not to be missed!

Inside the traditional building, right opposite the open kitchen, is a wine vault. Here, guests can select their own wine to pair with Dario's dishes. Something we definitely recommend doing. Among the many bottles you will also find some bottles of La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot. Dario is one of few global ambassadors of this prestigious champagne maison.

For their Garden Gastronomy experience with La Grande Dame, Dario Cadonau created a Signature Dish based on a seasonal ingredient: the carrot. The dish is composed as follow: carrot steak, carrot cream, carrot tops, carrot mousse, carrot ice cream and malt powder. All components of this dish go wonderfully well with the freshness, silkiness, elegance and minerality of La Grande Dame 2012.

Wellness

No matter if you have been hiking, mountain biking, skiing or just eating the whole day, wellness is always a good idea! At the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau, you will find a wonderful outdoor spa area. A floor-to-ceiling glass garden sauna facing the Inn Gorge is certainly one of the highlights. While relaxing, you can take in a breathtaking mountain panorama.

Next to it, a hot tub offers pure relaxation. It is filled with 38 °C warm pine infused water. It is even heated with local wood. An organic swimming pond in the hotel garden let's you finally cool down. In summer at least. The pond is filled with water from the hotel's own natural spring. Heaven on earth.

We also attended the Rosé Together event by Veuve Clicquot at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. Click here to read more.

It's time to revive Zurich’s wild side. Join us for a stay at FIVE Zurich, a new luxurious lifestyle hotel and nightlife hotspot. As such, it boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Are you ready to detox before you retox?

Inside Five Zurich

At the foot of Zurich's famous Uetliberg, a new luxurious lifestyle hotel has recently opened its doors. It is the first hotel of the Dubai-born hospitality brand FIVE outside the emirates. Boasting 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite-sized lifestyle rooms with glittering skyline city view or mountain view, the hotel is also home to seven food and beverage outlets. Among them are restaurants, bars, a nightclub and the illustrious social pool. For us, it is the perfect place for a staycation in our home country.

Lunch at Soul Street

An excellent place for lunch is FIVE’s award-winning restaurant brand Soul Street. Here, the art of street food is celebrated. A vibrant mix of street art, created by some of the most talked about international street artists, can admired as well. While listening to buzzing tunes, we get to enjoy amazing dishes from the Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Latin American cuisine.

In Dubai, Soul Street has also made a name for itself for their global street food party brunch, as well high energy dining events. We can't wait for them to also make an appearance in Zurich.

Relaxing at the Social Pool

After a delicious lunch, we head down to the enormous social pool. Here, we learn that FIVE Zurich's property can already look back on a rich past. The pool has always played a crucial part. Apparently, legends from Rihanna and Elton John, to Grace Jones and The Who have partied here before. We can understand why. It's hard to find a pool at a 5 Star Hotel in Switzerland with these dimensions. The whole setup is simply captivating.

As we're relaxing under Zurich's scorching summer sun, we enjoy Champagne and talk about our favorite topic: Watches! Which steel sports model would you wear at FIVE Zurich's social pool?

Maiden Shanghai

For dinner, there are several excellent options to choose from at FIVE Zurich. One is certainly the Maiden Shanghai. Here, Chef Luo Bing invites his guests to enjoy organic gourmet Chinese dishes. They are inspired by four renowned Chinese cuisines: Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing.

While the restaurant's terrace offers magnificent views over Zurich, its interior design is inspired by Shanghai's roaring 1920s. In this wonderful setting, Chef Bing takes us on a culinary journey through China.

The Penthouse

If you prefer fusion cuisine, then The Penthouse is your choice. Besides sushi, we order many other dishes inspired by Asian cuisine. We recommend to start the evening outdoors on the terrace before moving inside to immerse yourself in the opulent décor.

As the sun begins to set, The Penthouse gradually transforms into an exclusive nightclub. With live music as a regular fixture, guests can vibe to some of the world’s hottest DJs. There is even a mysterious bathroom bar that you just have to experience yourself.

Mixing Cocktails at The Vault

Every good night ends with a cocktail. And this is best enjoyed at The Vault. It features a classy bar and also boasts a versatile selection of Swiss wines. The in-house sommelier is happy to recommend the right wines and also cigars. Meanwhile, the skilled bar team is preparing cocktails - both classic and contemporary.

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Vintage cars parading through the streets of Monte-Carlo? That means it's time for the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco! During this thrilling yet classy event, collector's cars revive all the glory of old-style motor-racing and compete on Monaco's legendary track. Join us for an unforgettable weekend and discover the latest watch launched by TAG Heuer in collaboration with Gulf.

Historic Grand Prix of Monaco

Organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco, the Monaco Historic GP is a true testament to the Principality's passion for motorsports. The first event dates back to 1997, when it marked the 700th anniversary of the Dynasty of the Princes of Monaco. Held semiannually, the Monaco Historic GP is usually held two weeks before the famous Formula 1 GP. At the event, visitors can admire cars from the pre-war era up to the 1980s. All of them have taken part in international races. The lineup includes Ferraris, Maseratis, Bugattis, Lotuses, Matras and more. Pre-war voiturettes, front- and rear-engined GP cars, sports cars, F1 & F2 models, and more are divided into 7 or 8 series. The rare, and often iconic, motorsport vehicles have the privilege of competing on the famous race track. Today, it still uses almost exactly the same route as when it started in 1929. At 3.3 km it is one of the shortest, most technical circuits in motorsport, with a tricky narrow track.

On Sunday, the first race starts at 9am. Single-seaters compete for a maximum of 45 minutes in each series. From 1950s sports cars to 70s F1 racers, every engine roars and every tire squeaks in its own unique way. Beyond the competition and its winners, the Monaco Historic GP is first and foremost a great opportunity to share good times around motorsports' most beautiful feats of engineering. We love to discover legendary cars in this unique atmosphere. The Monaco Historic Grand Prix manages to bring together everyone who loves motorsports!

TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf Special Edition

Few brands have a connection to motorsports as strong as TAG Heuer. Within the racing community, the brand has a strong bond with Gulf. Their relationship dates back to 1971 when the movie Le Mans was launched that famously starred Steve McQueen. Apparently he insisted on wearing a blue dial Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Ref. 1133B. In the movie you can see him drive a Porsche 917K. The car was painted in Gulf's color scheme: light blue with orange and dark blue stripes.

TAG Heuer now brings back this famous color scheme on its iconic Monaco timepiece. On the dial, the watch features a large 60 applied at 12 o'clock. This is a much appreciated nod to the racing number on the Porsche Gulf racing cars. The 12-hour counter is silver opaline, while the 30-minute counter features Gulf's three colors. Surprisingly, the Gulf logo on the dial is totally white. Personally, we like this subtle co-branding.

Inside the timepiece ticks the Calibre Heuer 02 with an in-house integrated chronograph movement. It is visible through a sapphire case back and offers up to 80 hours of power reserve. For the TAG Heuer Gulf Special Editionthe movement was personalized. It comes with a blackened rotor, a column wheel and special engravings colored to match the Gulf color scheme.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne

No racing weekend without champagne! Or at least not for us. We were delighted to see Veuve Clicquot partnering with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco. The brand set up lounges in the paddock and in front of the iconic Hôtel Hermitage. The perfect place to settle down and enjoy a glass of champagne while learning more about the cars and drivers competing in the Historic GP. Santé!

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Great watches have stories that never end, they just get better with time. That's why we decided to invite some of our Instagram followers to spend an unforgettable evening at the newly opened Bucherer Gallery in Bern. Here, like-minded ladies and gentlemen discovered the fascinating world of certified pre-owned watches and many more. For the event we check in at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern. Let us give you a glimpse behind the scences!

Staying at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern

We arrive in Bern a day before the event to handle all the preparations. Hence, we check in at the Schweizerhof Bern Hotel & Spa. Rich in tradition, this iconic hotel has been welcoming guests from all over the world since 1859. Ever since, they made sure that guests experience an unforgettable stay in the heart of Switzerland's charming capital city. One of the premier hotels in Bern, the Schweizerhof Bern offers five-star luxury and comfort, as well as the most exclusive spa in town.

The Schweizerhof Bern offers 99 charming rooms & suites, that are all elegantly furnished. It is truly a luxurious, five-star accommodation that strikes the perfect balance between flawless & functional. For us this is the ideal home-base for our event preparations.

Enjoying Culinary Delights

From signature cocktails to fine dining, there is much to enjoy at the Schweizerhof Bern Hotel & Spa. The iconic Jack's Brasserie with 14 Gault Millau points is a particularly nice place. It is well-known in Bern and is said to offer the very best Wienerschnitzel in town. People looking for a fine dining experience won't be disappointed either. The in-house brasserie-style restaurant offers a classic menu featuring seasonal and modern interpreted brasserie dishes using regional ingredients. Dining here is a real treat for us!

Once the event preparations are done, we settle down at the Lobby lounge bar. Here, signature cocktails & light meals are awaiting us. We once again realize that The Schweizerhof Bern is an unrivaled destination for food & drink in Switzerland's capital city. That's also true for cigars. Their Cigar Lounge offers a wide, carefully curated selected range of cigars. An outstanding variety of selected spirits is also available with helpful staff ready to recommend the ideal pairing to enjoy in a stylish atmosphere.

The Artworth at Bucherer Event

Inspired by the spirit of a concept store, Bucherer has launched the new Bucherer Gallery concept. At selected Bucherer boutiques, entire floors are dedicated to the creation of an exclusive environment filled with inspiring events for design and watch aficionados. The latest opening of a Bucherer Gallery took place here in Bern. The ideal place to host our second ARTWORTH AT BUCHERER event.

The evening is dedicated to certified pre-owned watches. These are timepieces that already have an exciting history and are looking to be worn and enjoyed further. Bucherer has an excellent offering in that category. Aficionados can find sought-after models like the Rolex GMT-Master II, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso or Omega Speedmaster. All in different variations!

While talking about watches, our guests get spoiled with an outstanding catering by the talented team of the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern. They treat us to salmon tartar with caviar, foie gras parfait and much more. With it, we enjoy excellent champagne by Veuve Clicquot. Wine enthusiast Sandro Sarbach from the Maison even lets us taste the rare cuvée La Grande Dame 2008. What a delight!

There is also an "Italian Corner" at the event. Here, our tailor Monograms is presenting some of the latest trends in men's fashion. Next to him, guests can enjoy a Negroncino. Cheers!

The next morning, we enjoy a rich breakfast at Jack's Brasserie. Time to reflect on the past night. It was amazing to have met so many like-minded people. We can't wait to host another ARTWORTH AT BUCHERER event soon. Where should we come next after Zurich and Bern. Let us know here!

The smallest 5 Star Superior Hotel in Switzerland can be found in a small Engadine village, home to only 100 people. Here, a wonderful mountain landscape sets the scene for a beautiful inn: The IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. It has preserved its classic Engadine style for over 450 years and is the work of the Cadonau family. Top Chef Dario Cadonau has made a name for himself with his fine cuisine. Lately also as global ambassador of Veuve Clicquot and their La Grand Dame cuvée. Join us for an unforgettable stay in the Engadine!

Dining with Dario Cadonau, Veuve Clicquot Ambassador

We arrive at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau for a very special event: Rosé Together! Top chef and host Dario Cadonau, together with his wife Tamara, have invited a group of friends and guests to join him on a culinary journey featuring some of his finest dishes and paired with exclusive Veuve Clicquot Rosé creations. The evening starts on the newly opened terrace with a wonderful wooden lounge and beautiful views. Here, the team of Dario Cadonau, who was awarded 1 Michelin Star and 17 Gault&Millau points, treats us with some mouth-watering appetizers. With it, glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé are served. It is a champagne with a dosage of 60 g/L, which enhances the blend's aromas. It tastes wonderful on ice. We are off to a great start!

Once it gets a bit colder outside, we are in the middle of the Swiss Alps after all, the guests head inside where the pleasant evening continues. We are seated on two large tables. A familiar atmosphere and genuine happiness unfolds as more delicacies are served. The starter, a wonderful creation with foie gras and a dish with veal on a salmon sauce, is paired with a Veuve Clicquot Rosé poured from a magnum bottle.

We then continue with an incredible creation made from tomato essence, followed by perch fillet. Both paired with the incredible La Grande Dame 2004 cuvée. Just as everyone thought that it couldn't get any better, the next course arrived. It is dedicated to the quail. This delicacy gets served in three variations, all paired with La Grande Dame 2006. We're in heaven!

A lesser known fact about the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau is, that they produce their own cheese. Lots of it actually. Now we get to taste some of their finest variations. With it, La Grande Dame 2008 is served. A very full-bodied cuvée with a big of sweetness that goes wonderful with the cheese.

For the dessert, glasses are filled with the Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé again. It turns out to be the ideal pairing for the raspberry ice cream and espuma that is served. After experiencing the gourmet cuisine of Dario Cadonau and enjoying the excellent champagnes by Veuve Clicquot we understand why he was appointed ambassador of the brand. Both parties strive for excellence in their craft buy stay true to their origins. A great match!

Getting to know Dario Cadonau

We had the chance to sit down with Dario Cadonau and talk about how he became a top chef. He also tells us what influence nature has on this cuisine and what inspires his cooking style.

When did you start dreaming of owning your own hotel?

It was very early on. I was the one in our family who fell in love with gastronomy and the hotel business. As a child, I liked to cook at home; for me but also for friends. It always fascinated me. I then went on and built my career on that passion. I told myself that I would certainly like to run my own restaurant and, if possible, my own hotel. This dream has followed me from an early age. With my apprenticeship as a chef, my career finally took shape.

Who or what inspired you on your path to becoming a top chef?

During my apprenticeship at Suvretta House, I had the opportunity to follow and participate in competitive culinary art exhibitions. I was always very impressed by that. The Suvretta House has a large, classic kitchen with over 50 employees. Things got rough there from time to time. As an apprentice, you had to get down and dirty. That pushed me forward and I had the opportunity to develop a certain perfectionism in my work. I was then able to get to know the haute cuisine in the context of national and international competitions. There, it was all about the visual arrangement, color combinations and so on. I was fascinated by this kind of cooking and was shaped accordingly. After my apprenticeship, I knew that I wanted to work in gourmet gastronomy. This world fascinated me. I am a person who likes to work precisely and has certain ideas that go in the direction of perfectionism. That then followed me. I went to Philippe Rochat in Crissier, then to Daniel Bumann in La Punt, and to Germany where I worked for the 3-star chef Harald Wohlfahrt. This time shaped my current style.

What makes the gastronomy in the Engadine special?

The Engadine, a long high Alpine valley region in Switzerland, is enormously diverse. In addition, there is a hotspot for luxury hotels and top gastronomy in the central and upper part of the Engadine. In the small village of St. Moritz alone, there is an enormous density of 5-star hotels of considerable size. This is extraordinary! It was built and shaped this way because St. Moritz had an international attraction early on. Guests come from far and wide to the Engadine to enjoy the region. I think it has so many beautiful facets. From sports and museums to music. There is so much to experience! Consequently, culinary delights also play an important role here.

What influence does nature have on your cuisine?

A very important one. At IN LAIN we have geared our cuisine to it: It is very close to nature. We have many products from our own production. For example, flowers, herbs and so on. Our neighbor is also a farmer who grows many products for us. In addition, we have a large vegetable garden on our property. We also work closely with other farmers and fishermen in Switzerland who supply us. It's important to me to know where the products we process come from. When we started 11 years ago, we were also the first to include the local pine trees in our culinary concept. We started with a pine syrup that we serve with champagne as an aperitif drink. This is still the welcome drink our guests enjoy upon arrival. Then we created other dishes like fillet of beef wrapped in a pine crust. Today we serve chocolates, bread but also drinks with it. The Swiss stone pine is native up here, characterizes our cuisine and is part of our DNA.

What role do wine and champagne play in your cuisine?

For me, both are part of a good meal. We are always trying to develop our offering in this area. Especially with regard to our gourmet menu. In our gourmet restaurant, we have always offered a wine accompaniment. Now we also offer a champagne accompaniment. In Switzerland, the latter is unfortunately not as well-known as in France. There, especially in the Champagne region, you will find almost no wine on the menus. There are some, but in most restaurants, champagne is the preferred drink. It is a food companion over there. In Switzerland, that's a little less the case. That's a pity because anyone who has experienced it knows that it is something wonderful. Personally, I prefer a champagne accompaniment because I feel much fitter the next day than with wine. At least that's the way it is with me. I like that!

What does the collaboration with Veuve Clicquot mean to you?

The Veuve Clicquot team approached me and asked me if I would like to become an international ambassador for the brand and the prestigious La Grande Dame Cuvée. Before accepting, I took my time to consider it. For me, it is important that I can identify with the product and the brand in such collaborations. I'm not interested in just being an ambassador for anything. That's not my world. For me, it's about identifying with a product and a story. With Veuve Clicquot, I found a lot of similarities. Especially with Madame Clicquot, the inventor of the "pupitre de remuage" and Rosé Champagne. She was a pioneer in the industry. In terms of history, there are a few parallels between this French Maison and us at IN LAIN in Switzerland. Especially since we have built something in a very remote place that works and is successful. We must find creative ways to obtain consumers or guests for our products and services. It was the same with Madame Clicquot. That's why we found each other and started working together in December 2020. We were able to create a win-win situation for both.

What do you do to switch off and get inspiration?

I'm passionate about cars. I have a few and I enjoy taking them out for a drive. Although I like some models and brands, I would like to highlight my Corvette in particular. It is a Special Edition, which can also be driven on the racetrack. Really cool! But family and nature are just as important to me. Just like I relax during a car ride, I can also experience that during a walk in the woods where I find inspiration. Likewise, during a hike including a BBQ with my family.

Staying at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau

A wonderful mountain landscape sets the scene for the beautiful IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. It is situated just outside the Swiss National Park, home to deer, ibex, eagle and more Alpine creatures. The main building has preserved its classic Engadine style for over 450 years. New buildings have been added recently. They blend in harmoniously with modern lines and clad in natural wood. It is obvious that the architect drew inspiration from the surrounding pine and larch forests.

After a thrilling hike or mountain bike tour, guests can unwind at the natural swimming pond in the hotel garden. The water even comes from their own natural spring. Next to it, the wonderful garden sauna can be found. While sweating, the fragrance of local pine is breathed in and breath-taking views of the mountains are enjoyed. If sauna is not your thing, then the bathing tub might do the trick. Have a bath in pine infused water heated to 38°C. Did you know that local pine has many qualities which have a positive effect on health and well-being? We definitely felt its soothing effect!

One of the fascinating things about the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau is the original building's history. Many of the old elements like the cellars or the living room have been professionally restored and are now part of the hotel. This let's guests dive into a unique world. Another factor is the local pine wood used for construction, interior design and furniture. It creates a very familiar and intimate atmosphere and looks very authentic.

After a relaxing night, we enjoy a rich breakfast. There is a lovely buffet with local bread and charcuterie. Dishes like omelettes or carefully prepared eggs can be ordered too. A great way to finish our stay here at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. We hope to be back soon!

Are you more into the Scottish Highlands than the Swiss Alps? Then read this article about our visit at the Glenmorangie Distillery.

Great watches have stories that never end, they just get better with time. The same is true for high-quality whisky and vintage champagne. That's why decided to host an evening at Bucherer CPO in Zurich for like-minded ladies and gentlemen to discover the fascinating world of certified pre-owned (CPO) watches. Read on if you want to get a glimpse too!

Artworth at Bucherer CPO Zurich

As soon as we announced our event at the wonderful CPO boutique on the 5th floor of Bucherer in Zurich on InstagramMany like-minded people reached out to us and asked to participate. The guest list filled up quickly and preparations began for the first-ever Artworth event open to the public.

Finally the much awaited day is here and people start to arrive at the newly renovated building of Bucherer on the well-known Bahnhofstrasse in downtown Zurich. They get welcomed with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and quickly get captivated by the many iconic timepieces that are on display. A watch that fascinates many is the Rolex GMT-Master from 1996.

While the watches get great attention, we also have Tim from Glen Fahrn with us who invites the guests to taste some rare whiskies from Scotland, Ireland and beyond. We love the connection between pre-owed watches and a good bottle of whisky. Both get more interesting, more unique over time. A whisky we particularly enjoy is Balblair. Crafted in a small distillery in Scotland, it matured in double-fired American oak casks and offers a deep concentration of fruit notes with a hint of dark chocolate. A delight!

A bubbly surprise

As a first highlight of the evening, we surprise our guests with the reveal of five La Grande Dame 2008 bottles. This winemaking prowess with 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay, really brings the Veuve Clicquot style to its quintessence, balancing strength, and elegance. Known in her lifetime as "the Grande Dame of Champagne", Madame Clicquot was a woman ahead of her time. When her husband died in 1805, she took over the reins at just 27 years of age, at a time when women had no place in the world of business. A free and ambitious woman, her signature is recognized the world over as the seal of Veuve Clicquot. This is the story of a Grande Dame, the story of a Grand Champagne.

Created in 1962 and launched in 1972 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the House, La Grande Dame is a tribute to the inspiring Madame Clicquot. To the eye, it presents a color with bright, golden glints. The initial nose reveals a strong, aerial and delicate attack. Once opened, the wine has notes of dried fruits, ripe white fruits and finishes on subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. These notes create a perfect balance with the freshness and clarity of the blend. La Grande Dame 2008 has a silky texture on young fruits, supported by citrus. These characteristics make it the perfect champagne to spoil our guests with. Santé!

Ending the night overlooking Zurich

Another exciting part of the event is to talk with Keren from Amarcord. She runs a small boutique, offering made-to-measure tailor services and brought the latest winter fabrics for suits that will both keep one warm and look incredibly sharp. Keren has been tailoring some suits for us lately and we are impressed with the rare fabrics she offers. Moreover, she has set up her own supply chain, working with artisans based in Sicily.

As the sun sets, we head up to the rooftop of the Bucherer building to take in the magnificent views over the wonderful city of Zurich. It has been the perfect location for the first-ever Artworth at Bucherer event. In the heart of Zurich and surrounded by iconic timepieces, we talked about watches and suits while enjoying a glass of champagne or whisky. Who knows which city in Europe will be next!

Do you want to learn more about the Bucherer CPO offering? Read this blogpost about their Gallery in Geneva.

2020 has been the year of domestic tourism so far. And we couldn't be happier about this. Since we live in Switzerland, we got to explore so many beautiful places in our picturesque home country. One of which we will introduce to you in this article. Do you want to know why we think that the Kempinski St Moritz is the ultimate source of well-being? Then read on!

Arriving at the Kempinski St Moritz

As we arrive in St Moritz, we do a quick stop at the Gelateria Palace in the middle of the picturesque mountain village. While enjoying the home-made ice cream, we do some window shopping on Via Serlas, one of the main shopping streets in the town.

Next, we head to St Moritz bath. Here, at the end of the Lake St Moritz, in a sheltered location directly at the source of the famed mineral springs, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz can be found. Steeped in tradition, the hotel can look back on an illustrious past. It was built in the 1860s as the Grand Hotel des Bains. The destination originally became famous for its mineral spring, discovered some 3'000 years ago. The Grand Hotel was built right on top of the Mauritius water sourcewhich has helped people recovering and relaxing for centuries.

Set in its iconic original building, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski is offering timeless European luxury in a breathtaking mountain setting. In 2001, the hotel was completely redesigned, renewed and opened first under Kempinski This five-star superior hotel is located at the foot of the cable car with unrivaled access to the countless hiking trails of the Engadin Valley. To celebrate our arrival, we enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in the breathtaking views on the Grand Hotel.

A treat for all senses

When it comes to enjoying culinary delights, the Kempinski St Moritz has something to offer for every taste. While the Lobby bar serves contemporary delicacies such as club sandwiches or a classic style high tea, the hotel also hosts three outstanding restaurants including the Michelin star awarded Cà d'Oro. It is here where we spend a splendid evening indulging in a variety of creations with finest local and foreign ingredients. All carefully and thoughtfully prepared.

After dinner it is time to relax in a gentleman's manner. We head over to The Smokers Lounge & Library where we light a cigar, order a fine cognac and just sit back to relax. The bar offers a nice selection of whiskies, wines and of course cigars. It is the ideal place to unwind, make plans for the next day and let a perfect evening come to an end.

The next day, we get started by visiting the vast spa area. Here, we immerse ourselves in the Alpine-style environment and experience the feel of the natural elements with all our senses. On 2'800 sqm the Kempinski The Spa has four different saunas, a steam bath, a laconium, an indoor pool, a gym and a sun terrace. For us, the highlight is a large sauna decorated with upcycled local wood. It reminds one of an ancient mountain hut. This makes it extremely charming and authentic.

Another must-see is the iconic indoor pool of the Kempinski St. Moritz. Here, guests can swim in the purifying water of the famous Mauritius spring. Back in the year 1535, the doctor and scientist Paracelsus has re-discovered the manifold qualities of this natural water, that contains above-average concentrations of minerals. Don't miss out on the opportunity of treating your body with the healing qualities of this spring water.

A historically significant collaboration

In collaboration with Veuve Clicquotguests can unwind and take in stunning Alpine views from the Kempinski Park Café in front of the Grand Hotel this summer. While the champagne brand itself might be well-known, its exciting and rich history is most probably not. Just like the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz, Veuve Clicquot's roots go back centuries. In fact, it was Philippe Clicquot who founded the company in 1772. Thirty years later, Philippe Clicquot retired and left control to his son François who suddenly fell ill a few years later and died at age thirty. Devastated by his death, the young widow (veuve in French) Barbe-Nicole decided to take over her husband's business to continue his legacy. Hence, she became one of the first business women in the early 1800s to run an international business in a world dominated by men.

Madame Clicquot is credited with major breakthroughs. She created the first known vintage champagne in 1810 and invented the riddling table process to clarify champagne. Moreover, she created the first known rosé champagne by blending still red and white champagne wines, a process still used today. During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot managed to establish her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia. Thanks to her, champagne was established as a favored drink of high society and nobility.

Today, the brand is best known for its distinctive yellow label. This colorful branding gives the wonderful summer lounge in front of the Kempinski in St Moritz a friendly and welcoming touch. We love to sit down outside and share a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label on this sunny afternoon to celebrate life.

Unwinding in the Engadin valley region

Since the hotel itself has so much to offer, guests easily forget that they are surrounded by beautiful nature that awaits to be explored. No matter if you want to go biking, hiking take out a boat for a trip or fishing, you will get lucky! The region is also great for golfing, climbing and alpinism.

We decide to take our Jaguar F-Pace SVR on a scenic drive along the picturesque mountain lakes and through the lush green forests. You can imagine that the pops and crackles coming from the roaring V8 engine while driving on the winding mountain roads put big smiles on our faces.

Soon we realize that one thing one should definitely bring on a trip to St Moritz are leather driving gloves. How do you like our AW Driving Gloves in blue? They are made by artisans in Spain, guarantee a safe grip and great comfort.

While on the road, we keep on discovering new beautiful places. One can't resist and has to get out of the car to get a good long look of the beautiful landscapes surrounding us.

Way too quickly, our staycation comes to an end. It has once again been an extraordinary couple of days up in St Moritz. We feel lucky and blessed to be living in a country with such stunning landscapes and extraordinary hotels like the Kempinski St Moritz. There is no other country we would rather be this year!

Did you know that there are a number of unique events taking place in St Moritz in winter? For example the legendary horse race White turf or the exciting Snow Polo. Both take place on the frozen Lake St Moritz and captivate large crowds. We can highly recommend attending those two events!