Xperience: Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville

By / Food / August 6th, 2013 / 5

The Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville is located in the town of Crissier near Lausanne, Switzerland. This grand old lady of the restaurant landscape of Europe has much to celebrate. Its roots go back to 1953 where it took its first tentative steps along the path towards being named “the best restaurant in the world”. Frédy Girardet, at the time, a highly respected veteran of the restaurant industry, had one goal: to ensure that his restaurant served nothing but the finest French cuisine. He began by hiring some of the best chefs in Europe and encouraging them to use the freshest ingredients possible. A close friend and mentor was none other than Paul Bocuse. Together they set the bar high for themselves and everyone else working in the restaurant. In 1986 Girardet is awarded the title of “meilleur chef du monde” (world’s best chef), followed in 1990 by the title of “cuisinier du siècle” (cook of the century).

One of Girardet’s goals was to train each new team member according to his own tenets. In the years that passed, he succeeded in teaching many up-and-coming chefs who have gone on to lead other restaurants in Europe and North America to success. Girardet passed his extensive legacy on to Philippe Rochat who, in 1998, won the restaurant three stars from the highly regarded Red Book.

Today, the Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville de Crissier continues its impressive legacy under the leadership of Chef Benoît Violier and his wife, Brigitte. Together they have led the restaurant through a renaissance that focuses on giving customers a full sensorial experience, from the smell and taste of the food to the look and feel of each room.

Planning a visit to Switzerland? Make sure you do like the regulars and stop in for an unforgettable meal. Contact them here: Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosemary Mantini has always loved words. When she isn't working as the Associate Editor at Tidings Magazine, she's helping others achieve their writing dreams, and sometimes she even relaxes with a good book and a glass of wine.

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