Relais&Chateaux Castel Fragsburg *

Im Rahmen des weltbekannten „Merano Wine Festival“ wurden mein Kollege Daniel Egger von Travelexecutive und ich in das kleinste Luxushotel der Alpen eingeladen. Es war keine gewöhnliche Einladung, sondern eine, von der jeder Blogger der Welt nur träumen kann:

Samstagabend

5 Gänge Degustationsmenü aus der Sterneküche gekocht von Luis Haller

Sonntagmorgen

Das Fragsburger Frühstück Deluxe,welches in 5 Gängen am Tisch serviert wurde. Dieses hat bislang alles übertroffen, was ich Frühstück genannt habe.

Sonntagnachmittag

Ging es  dann hinter die Kulissen zum Kochkurs mit Luis Haller.

Sonntagabend

Wartete der Tanzboden am Open Day mit Soft Jazz und fantastischen Highlights

Nach dem Besuch der Weinmesse (hoher Eintrittspreis, aber sehr informativ) im Zentrum Merans wurden wir wieder in unser Hotel, das hoch oben am Berg liegt, gebracht. Dann genossen wir den kleinen, aber feinen gut besuchten SPA Bereich.

Das Dinner im Castel Fragsburg *

Gut erholt betraten wir das ausgebuchte Restaurant. Das Ambiente des verhältnismäßigen großen Speiseraum traf genau unseren Geschmack. Um es mit den Worten von Travelexecutive zu sagen: „Trotz der Größe des Raumes fühlt man sich als wäre man alleine in einer privaten Sterneküche“.

Wir waren Samstag Mittag schon überrascht von der atemberaubendem Aussicht - aber unser Tisch abends in der ersten Reihe direkt am Fenster übertraf wieder mal unsere Erwartungen! Die Meraner Skyline lag uns zu Füßen. Nach der persönlichen Begrüßung von PR Manager Thomas Steiner wurde uns der Aperitif serviert.

Der Vorteil wenn man in solch einem Hotel wohnen darf ist, dass man das Auto nicht mehr bewegen muss. Das heißt man darf gut und gerne einen Cocktail als Einstand in ein Abendessen bestellen ;).

Das Menü begann mit einigen Amuse Bouches: fünf Stück an der Zahl, eine britannische Felsenauster, ein Toast mit rohem Thunfisch und Gurkenbrunoise, einem Kartoffelespuma mit Jakobsmuschel und Trüffelpulver, eine Consommé, die mit einem Bierschaum vollendet wurde. Das letzte der fünf Komponenten war eine frittierte Teigtasche mit einer Füllung aus einer sehr gut abgeschmeckten Fischfarce. 

Als Vorspeise wählten wir eine Variation mit Büffelmozarella, Kalbstatar im Schüttelteig und Wintertrüffel. Die Anrichteweise genau wie der Geschmack brachte mich ins Schwärmen und machte Lust auf mehr.

Bei dem Zwischengang aus Kürbis, Risotto, Burrata und geriebenen Trüffel wurden unsere Geschmacksnerven zum wiederholten  Male komplett stimuliert. Das Risotto hätte meines Erachtens vielleicht eine Minute länger im Topf verweilen können. Dies ist jedoch kein Kritikpunkt sondern Geschmackssache.  Aber alles in einem ein sehr gut gelungenes Gericht.

Ehrlich gesagt bin ich froh, dass ich kein Vegetarier bin, sonst wäre mir das PERFEKT gegarte Rinderfilet entgangen.

Lobenswert war auch, dass der Wunsch meines Kollegen, der das Rinderfilet Medium-Welldone bestellt hat, ohne Probleme in Erfüllung ging. Serviert wurde das Weiderind mit Minimais und Kastanienpüree. Verfeinert wurde es mit einigen gut sautierten Steinpilzen.

Den Übergang zum Dessert formte ein Sorbet aus Trauben verfeinert mit einem Olivenpulver.

Nach einer kurzen Wartepause  wurde das Dessert serviert. Eine sehr mutige Kombination aus Dill und Weißer Schokolade. Hört sich im ersten Moment sehr speziell an, jedoch wenn man in den Genuss dieser Süßspeise kommt, will man nicht mehr aufhören zu essen.

Durch den gesamten Abend begleiteten uns sehr gut geschulte Servicemitarbeiter.

Als Abschluss von einem nahezu Perfekten Abendessen gab es noch einige Petit Fours.

Vielen Dank an das Hotel Castel Frageburg für die Einladung. 

Alle veröffentlichte Berichte repräsentieren ausschließlich unsere eigene Meinung.

Thank you very much to the Hotel Castel Fragsburg for the generous invitation. All above written is our personal opinion without any influences.

written by:

Felix Bantel - Food Executive

48 Hours at Castel Fragsburg

"High above the wonderful thermal town Merano, there is a dazzling star...", this would be the perfect way of how to begin this South Tyrolean fairytale. Before we headed to Merano Wine Festival we checked-in at the world class Castel Fragsburg, a place which is only known to real insider of South Tyrol or hotel connoisseurs. Recently awarded with the fifth star, this is now one of only a handful five star hotels in the most wonderful region of Central Europe (well, not THE most wonderful but it definitely made it under the TOP5 ;-) ).  

So upon driving a windy mountain road for nearly 10 minutes, we finally arrived at the gate to luxury: the entrance to the Castel Fragsburg - our autumn getaway and base for the most amazing weekend of the year! After entering the rustic door and the charming lobby we were greeted by Philip, the front desk attendant, who accompanied us to the restaurant. We were immediately offered a welcome drink, which we decided to take on the breath-taking terrace. Our server Karol was arriving with some fine finger food, a Venetiano and an excellent Rosé Sparkling wine from South Tyrol. What an excellent  start in this weekend full of Italian Wine! Beside a picture perfect view, probably the best weather of the month and excellent service, there was just one thing missing: Mr. Beverage Executive, who is normally in charge of taking the best pictures of the best drinks! So I tried myself and am not sure if it was successful or not.

When we returned to the front desk, we were greeted by the PR Manager of the Fragsburg and afterwards Philip showed us to the room, or more correct, our Suite. With 90° panoramic views, this Suite is overlooking Merano, the valley, the Fragsburg plateau and the mountain range of the hotel on the back. Upon entering we immediately fell the smell of fresh alpine air and wood. It seems that they use a very special wood throughout the property, which gives a heartwarming and traditional smell. Even more important in our today's society: we felt like we are in South Tyrol, nowhere else! This is something I hate about big chains such as Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons or Sheraton: they rarely present the local tradition inside the hotel.

Our suite had a large entree, a living room with two comfortable lounge chairs, a big balcony with two chairs next to the living room, a separated toilet with bidet, a huge marble bathroom with double basins, bath tub and a spacious walk-in shower. The wardrobe is situated in the bedroom, which boasts an amazing panorama window with sweeping views over the valley. Beside the sofa, the television, which comes out of the commode upon clicking the remote control, there is another small balcony with seating arrangements. 

The bathroom products were - unfortunately - Relais&Chateaux branded (they used to have Etro toiletries on the pictures on their homepage and I think since they have five-stars it's another reason to keep this standard). When I took a bath, I had to experience that it was the perfect size of bath tub and therefore very relaxing - a perfect option for everyone seeking for a kind of pool. The comfort of the suite was amazing. The beds are extremely heavenly, the living room is simply a place to dream and hide away, while the bath couldn't got larger to feel like at home!

Breakfast is served daily until 10.30 but when guests seat longer they keep the buffet until 10.45, which is kind of flexible as the service team has to prepare for lunch. On our first morning we got the upscale "Fragsburger Deluxe Breakfast", which is served in 5 or 6 courses and includes champagne and oysters - yes, it has its price at a surcharge of 18.00 euros per person in addition to the normal breakfast, which is normally included in the price. I would say that's the perfect start of a day when you celebrate something, because you don't have to leave the table - very relaxing. The products at breakfast were extremely good and they offer a wide range of their extensive breakfast and their breakfast menu. 

I ordered myself the scrambled eggs with mushrooms and herbs from the hotel garden -  a special creation by michelin chef Alois Haller: It was simply perfect! After experiencing the most extensive a la carte breakfast I have ever had on the first day, we had to be satisfied with just half the selection on the departure day (because we had to leave the Fragsburg at 8.00 am due to the tourism fair in Salzburg, Austria). The kind service attendant offered us an extensive selection at 7.30 am, but as you might guess, we were not in the mood for such a breakfast - not just because the great Open Day Party the night before (a review is coming soon for this amazing event) - it was simply too early for us.

Finally we had to say goodbye and Philip checked us out in a warm welcoming way, so that we are already planning for a glamorous return one day - maybe next year for the Merano Wine Festival 2015, but then with Mr. Beverage Executive!

It was the best weekend of 2014 so far and the funniest work experience for us, as Travel Bloggers, since it was the most welcoming hotel we have ever stayed at!

We would like to thank the Management of the Castel Fragsburg for the generous invitation to stay here for two nights during the Merano Wine Festival 2014. Furthermore we have to thank the whole team of specialists, which made us feel like staying at Northern Italy's Best Hotel! Congratulations!

Präsentation Ornellaia 2011

Meine Reise als Food Blogger begann mit einer Einladung des Ornelleia Weinguts aus Italien. Im Mai war es wieder so weit der Jahrgang 2011 wurde vorgestellt. Es war nicht wie ein großer „Apple Product Launch“ mit vielen Tausend Gästen in einer riesigen Halle sondern im exklusiven und bekannten Bayerischen Hof in München- auf dem erst vor kurzem renovierten Dachgeschoss. Eingeladen waren höchstens 50 Leute die sich alle gut mit Essen und noch VIEL besser mit Wein auskannten.

Zum Aperitif gab es Roederrer 2006 Jahrgangschampagner dazu servierte der Oberkellner kleine Häppchen mit Forellenmousse mit ausgezeichnetem Geschmack.

Als Vorspeise begeisterte mich das Thunfischsashimi welches mit einer feinen Kruste aus schwarzem und weißem Sesam hervorragend abgeschmeckt war.

Der Zwischengang zeichnete sich durch das perfekt geschmorrte Kalbsbäckchen aus. Die Kartoffel-Blutwurstroulade war leider nicht mein Fall das ist jedoch Geschmackssache. Die zweite Komponente des Zwischengangs war das Pochierte Kalbsfilet mit Charlottemousse und Bohnenkernen dies traf genau meinen Geschmack!

Der Hauptgang führte uns wieder in das Ursprungsland des Weingutes, Italien: Das Bistecca alla Florentina vom Chiamina Rind mit Gemüse Gratin und Rosmarinkartoffeln entsprach leider nicht ganz meinen hohen Ansprüchen. Das Fleisch war leider ein bisschen zu Zäh und die Rosmarinkartoffeln schmeckten nicht wirklich nach dem Italienisch Kraut.

Aber was einem immer in Erinnerung bleibt ist das Dessert. Von Creme Brulée bis hin zur feinsten italienischen Käseauswahl war alles dabei. Mein Favorit an dieser Extraordinarien gut schmeckenden Variation war das Schokomousse! Simple but delicous!  

written by:

Felix Bantel - Food Executive

24 hours @ Il Salviatino

                       

As a short stop between Innsbruck and Porto Ercole (Il Pellicano) we stayed in the luxurious five-star-hotel "Il Salviatino" in Florence, Italy.

Upon arrival we were already expected with a friendly smile and a delicious rosé sparkling wine. Due to the fact that the rooms weren't ready yet, the kind front desk employee accomapnied us to the terrace and explained us some facts about the city Florence.  

After we came back from the sightseeing-tour we were shown to our rooms, wich were quite beautiful and very generous. The only downsite has beed the very used floor in the shower, but otherwise the bathroom was quite beautiful with an old English basin, fresh flowers, seperated toilet and bidet, walk-in shower with rainshower head. The best part were the heavenly twin beds and the high-definition TV wich is built into the mirror with a big choice of international channels. When we experienced that they also offer free shoe shine service, we tried it out and after only two hours all three pairs were proper. 

Due to the fact that we expected three large pools we were kind of disappointed when we arrived at the pool area and recognized that it also could be one average pool. The view is also not that spectacular but therefore it is really silent and the pool service was attentive, too. Afterwards we wanted to visit the spa. The kind lady showed us one Spa Suite, which looked really generous with a free standing tub, a shiatsu bed and two massage beds as well as a changing area with steam bath. They also offer a fine selection of Men Treatments. 

Another highlight was the beautiful garden infront of the hotel. It was romantically designed with rose trees, other flowers and two fountains. In the evening they lit up the alley to the hotel with white candels.

A perfect place for a honeymoon or a romantic holiday for just the two of you!

Our stay at the Il Salvuatino was not sponsored. We came up to the whole expenses by ourselfs.

Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

written by:

Lukas Spendler - Beverage Executive

24 Hours at the Principe di Savoia

This pure Italian Grand Hotel is discretely located on Piazza Repubblica and is one of Milan's biggest hotels. I was a bit scared when I heard that they have nearly 300 rooms but this feeling was gone when I arrived and a very kind bellman welcomed me towards the front desk! Check-in was very efficient and fast, and afterwards I was accompanied to my amazing Ambassador Junior Suite. Of course, I was immediately impressed of the whole interior style of the Principe di Savoia!

Upon entering my Suite I felt that this room is completely different than all other room and suite categories, because all walls were wooden and gave this room the charme of rather staying in a luxe castle then at a huge world class city hotel. Did I already mention that I was arraving at 1.20 pm and I did nit have to wait to get to my room? This was a real exception during my trip (where I also stayed at the Hermitage Monaco and the Majestic Barriere in Cannes and they did not have the room ready when I was arriving)!

Back to Milan, I immediately fell in love with my Junior Suite and continued discovering the gorgeous bedroom as well as the famous mosaic tiled bath heaven! I can imagine that the bath was way bigger then the bedroom but I am not sure!

They also have a shuttle which runs to the center, but unfortunately I did not catch the last limousine departing on 18:30 because I went to the rooftop pool and fell asleep! Some recent guests already mentioned on tripadvisor to extend the shuttle hours, I would also agree, because Milan and its Duomo gets even more impressive at night!

The Health Club on the rooftop is quite luxurious with a proper sized indoor pool at the perfect temperature and a hot jacuzzi ensuite! Normally I am not the work-out-type but this fitness center was so impressive that even I couldn't resist - who would not spot the amazing sunset over a orange sky in Milan?

When I came back from the Spa, which is quite amazing by the way, I found myself in the living room with the most impressive welcome amentites I've ever received! Thanks a lot to the whole team of the Principe di Savoia! Another remarkable thing at this hotel is that they offer Acqua di Parma toiletries in their guest bathrooms and shaving asseccoires by AdP at the Spa, too!

To be honest, the hotel was so stunning, that I just wanted to leave this place all day!
After a very heavenly night in one of the best beds, I was hungry again and had no better idea then to have breakfast at Alcanto Restaurant! The service was very friendly and efficient, the restaurant elegant and luxurious, and the breakfast not enormous but of highest quality!

Try to get a bed and breakfast rate as the breakfast is quite heavy at 45.00 Euros per person! Also the Wi-Fi is not included and charged for 24 Euros per night!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hotel Principe di Savoia Milano for the generous invitation and I would like to express that all above written is my personal opinion and experience!

Capannelle Winery - Gaiole in Chianti

Our second vineyard was the “Capannelle” a very young winery was bought in 1974 from Raffaele Rosetti who actually didn’t want to produce wine. After a few years of producing excellent wine, the original owner sold this wonderful property to Mr. James Sherwood, the owner of the Orient Express Hotels, know called Belmond Collection. Mr. Sherwood expanded the winery and added a stunning wine cellar with a unique wine safe. After a small tour through the cellars Giulia prepared a winetasting with four different wines (one Rosé wine, one refreshing Chardonnay, one typical Chianti Classico and one Solare 2006). During this tasting we were treated with some Tuscany specialties.

Make sure that you also purchase the renowned 50&50 which is produced in cooperation with the vineyard “Avignonesi” near Montepulciano.

We wooul like to thank the Capannelle winery for the nice tour and the unforgettable wine tasting! We were completely invited by Capannelle. Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.