RitzCoffier, a restaurant at the Bürgenstock Hotel & Resort, showcasing a modern interpretation of classic French cuisine under the direction of talented chef Bertrand Charles, has earned its first star from the international Guide Michelin.

The prestigious designation was announced at a gala celebration at the Kultur-und-Kongresszentrum Luzern.

Among the innovative creations on the RitzCoffier menu are Ribelmais Poularde, which is smoked in front of the guest with pine cones and hay from Bürgenberg.

Another unique treat is the Sunrise over the Bürgenstockwald, a raclette variation à la RitzCoffier with smoked duck, black truffle and La Ratte potatoes, served with fir sprouts, moss and pine cones from the adjacent forest.

“This award from Guide Michelin is a great honour and motivation for me as a young Chef de Cuisine to continue my culinary journey without losing sight of the classics of French cuisine,” said Charles.

The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is part of the Bürgenstock Selection, based in Zug, Switzerland.

The resort comprises four hotels ranging from three-star to five-star superior, with 383 rooms and suites, a health centre, ten restaurants and bars, 67 Residence Suites, a 10,000 square meter Alpine Spa, and a wide range of leisure activities.

Robert Herr, general manager of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, added, “I am very happy for Bertrand Charles and the whole team at Restaurant RitzCoffier to celebrate this achievement, which follows the 16 GaultMillau points RitzCoffier has already earned.

“The cooperation and regular interaction with our culinary mentor, French cooking legend Marc Haeberlin, has produced special fruit.”

Bürgenstock Hotel is considered the World’s Leading New Hotel by World Travel Awards.

Culinary director, Mike Wehrle, observed at the Guide Michelin Ceremony in Lucerne: “At only 31 years old, Bertrand Charles is a master of the classic dishes of Escoffier and reinterprets them without distorting the French origin.

“We are delighted that he can express and develop his talent here.”

Image courtesy: Bürgenstock Hotels AG