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.

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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by Bonnie Carroll