Tag Archives: Kempinski hotel

Edvard Restaurant, Vienna

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It seems fitting that in a prestigious city like Vienna there are many restaurants to suit a cultured clientele. Edvard is one of the top in this category, located in the outstanding Kempinski Hotel, this One Michelin starred restaurant serves immaculate dishes using the finest local meat and fish.

Sashaying through the ornate lobby, we made our way to the dining room and were seated at a table near the front, behind us the other tables were all full. We found the waiters to be discreet and charming which ensured the dining room mood was civilised and sophisticated at all times.

Immaculate tiny amuse-bouche tasters were brought to us, arranged with the utmost care, followed by wonderfully warm crusty bread, and indulgent canary yellow butter. A tempting tasting menu offers 4 or 7 courses, which can be paired with wine. We opted for the extravagant a la carte menu which features fresh and exciting flavour combinations. I loved the simplicity of the menus, decorated with lovely little food related illustrations.

After a glass of extra bubbly Champagne, our complex starter arrived. We both ordered the Beets with cream cheese, herbs, pumpernickel and malt – a dish that arrived on two plates each. The food was a rich palette of reds and maroons, with varying textures and shapes. I particularly liked the oriental style beetroot rolls which were presented entwined in an alarming snake-like jelly. Then on the slate plate, a thin malt biscuit topped with vibrant beetroot sorbet and pretty edible flowers; a group of unusual tastes that tasted light and herbaceous.

For main course we tried two opposite recipes. The codfish with white carrots, black rice, mussels, yuzu and coriander was an ethereal dish. Clean and healthy, a perfect option for a dieter. The fish was perfectly cooked and the green vegetables and sauce gave a kick of seasoning. My venison with topinambour, apple, hibiscus, brussel sprouts and cacao was a sinfully luxiously option on the other side of the table: silky smooth meat and vegetables paired with sweet chocolatey crumbs and apple puree – it looked as beautiful as it tasted, a rainbow of hues.

And for dessert, some serious chocolate. Described as ‘Textures of Valhrona Chocolate’ I knew this would be focussed on one ingredient. The pastry chef had fun with this dish creating as many textures as possible: chocolate jelly, mousse, ice-cream and biscuit. It was a powerful and rich pudding and I was glad we had only ordered one to share. The intense flavour was contrasted slightly by red berries, though I still craved a dollop of thick cream.

Edvard is an occasion restaurant, ideal for smart business meetings or special celebrations. The food here is innovative and interesting, a treat for the tastebuds. Chef Philipp Vogel offers a range of dishes that are far less traditional than the restaurant appears.

More information and book a table here.

Many thanks to the Vienna Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Kempinski Spa, Munich

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Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten, Munich is found on Maximilianstraße, one of the city’s four royal avenues along with the Brienner Straße, the Ludwigstraße and the Prinzregentenstraße. This luxury five-star hotel was built in 1858 and belongs to the Kempinski chain and is also part of the prestigious Leading Small Hotels of the World group. After entering through the grand regal entrance, we were directed towards the lifts weaving our way through the smartly dressed guests.

The Kempinski Spa is hidden within the depths of the hotel, with inconspicuous signposting and little corridor lighting. Bizarrely the reception desk is situated in the main swimming pool room, I immediately got the impression they were lacking in space. It is certainly a boutique spa with small changing rooms and only a few treatment rooms. However they utilise the space well, with sun loungers and a tiny bar area giving variety for visitors.

The team here offer a large range of treatments, which are carefully and thoughtfully chosen to ensure the needs of all guests are met. I was amazed to learn about the HydraFacial options, a high tech treatment which works miracles on troubled skin. This spa was the first hotel spa in Europe to offer the HydraFacial, evidence of their forward-thinking approach. Other spa treatments focus on the seasons: massages and facials specially designed for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

We tried two of the body massages between us, the detoxifying Spring in Your Step for me, and more traditional Classic Massage for my friend. The classic body massage is well suited to male guests who are in need of a relaxing treatment without the faff. Using richly moisturising oils the massage calms every muscle in the body leaving you feeling lighter and brighter. I was delighted to be trying a more specialised massage… using a brushing technique, the body is stimulated and revitalised. Kathrin was one of the best therapists I have met in a long time, stopping frequently to check the pressure on each area of my body and ensuring that the massage was tailored to my needs. This massage particularly works on the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and impurities from the body. The dry brushing is designed to awaken a sluggish system before the muscles are nourished and soothed with an oil-based massage. Kathrin worked hard on my upper back and neck to iron out my tension and knots, and left me feeling relieved and in a state of total relaxation.

Hot tea and a quiet nap by the pool completed our time at the Kempinski Spa. Considering my first impressions of this unusual spa, I found the treatments to be memorably beneficial, and the staff here definitely proved  that this is not just another hotel spa, but one which deserves to be acknowledged in its own right.

More information on the Kempinski spa here.

Many thanks to the Munich Tourist Board for their help with this trip.