Switch mode

Sustainable alpinism

Fresh goat’s cheese with mountain herb brioche, Brussels sprouts with nut cream, knöpfle with roasted yeast and truffles: Sven Wassmer’s dishes look pure and elegant on the plate. The culinary director at Grand Resort Bad Ra-gaz describes his style of cooking as sustainable alpinism.

Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 Sustainable Alpinism 01 Sven Portrait 40
Swiss Deluxe Hotels Stories Summer 2023 Sustainable Alpinism 02 Mockup Svenwassmer
Meine Alpenküche, AT-Verlag

Ninety percent of the ingredients used in his creations at the critically acclaimed Memories restaurant are sourced regionally, are in season and inspired by the traditions of the Alpine region.

His fastidious preoccupation with techniques such as fermentation and smoking, his unwavering commitment to regional produce and quality, and his love of experimentation have earned Wassmer the highest recognition: Memories was awarded three Michelin stars for the first time in 2022, one of only four Swiss restaurants to receive the honour.

Anyone who comes to taste the char with burnt Sennenrahm and fir oil (one of his signature dishes) is immediately spellbound by a multisensory and emotional experience. Memories of a walk in the forest, still wet from the summer rain under the sun; or trying to catch trout by hand in a stream. It’s amazing what memories taste can evoke. To relive these at home, Sven Wassmer has published a culinary tome offering insights into his memorable cooking style and gastronomic universe.

Words Titus Arnu
Photo Lukas Lienhard

Related Stories

Behind every plate at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zürich lies a story: tomato fields at dawn, olive groves in the heat of summer, pasta machines from the 1970s and, above all, people who work with devotion. Together with chef Marco Ortolani, we visit two producers without whom his cuisine would not be the same.

Discover more

A good wine deserves the right glass. When choosing glassware, it pays to rely on established producers – those with a legacy of expertise and innovation. Whether you opt for machine-made or handcrafted models depends on your budget and how and where the glass will be used.

Discover more

Zurich may be known for its precision and alpine elegance, but it’s also emerged as a rising star on the global culinary map. The city’s dining scene blends haute cuisine with creative fusion – where Mediterranean classics meet Nikkei flair and historic guild houses echo with bold, modern flavours.

Discover more

Paolo Rota holds one of the most unusual roles in European fine dining. For just a few months each year, he runs the two-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio restaurant in St. Moritz. The rest of the time, he devotes himself to what may be the world’s most famous pasta dish – Paccheri alla Vittorio – and his enduring passion for it.

Discover more

Paolo Rota holds one of the most unusual roles in European fine dining. For just a few months each year, he runs the two-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio restaurant in St. Moritz. The rest of the time, he devotes himself to what may be the world’s most famous pasta dish – Paccheri alla Vittorio – and his enduring passion for it.

Discover more

If you want to discover the culinary highlights of the Canton of Bern, begin your journey at Radius by Stefan Beer, the fine-dining restaurant of the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken. Chef Stefan Beer and his team serve a menu that feels like a gourmet tour of the region.

Discover more

In summer 2025, top chef Stefan Lünse took over the culinary reins as Executive Chef at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof– and promptly confirmed the Michelin star. His gourmet menu launches like spectacular fireworks with a bold statement: ‘My team and I are eager to go full throttle.’

Discover more