Ah, my first and very long overdue trip to Switzerland. A country I’ve always wanted to visit and I finally plucked up the courage. We were staying at the Hotel Schweizerhof in the capital of Switzerland, Bern and it was the perfect resting point. A cosy five-star hotel in the centre of the city with a restaurant that’s known for being more of an institution.
The legendary Jack’s Brasserie offers pure and utter Brasserie indulgence. Serving mainly French cuisine, there’s also the Schweizerhof classics – such as its famous wiener schnitzel which we later went on to enjoy. Inside it’s looking fabulous too with that classic French/Venetian brasserie grandeur.
Of course there was no way we were visiting Jack’s Brasserie and not trying what they were most famous for – that wiener schnitzel. Thinly pounded veal, coated in a golden crumb. By far the best version of this classic I think I’ve ever tried. Puffed up just the way it should be and perfectly crunchy. You then have the difficult choice of choosing a side of either fries or the more traditional warm potato and lambs lettuce salad. If there was ever a reason you should all be visiting Jack’s – it’s for this dish.
And it’s not all about the schnitzel. The kitchen here is very capable of cooking an extensive menu of all things Brasserie, fish included. One of my dining companions ordered this lovely looking piece of grilled tuna steak. Served with a chilli-tomato compote, baked chickpea cake and garnish of sugar peas. The menus also change with the seasons so you can expect something new each time you visit.
Something I love eating when in France after almost every meal is chocolate mousse. Every restaurant has their own recipe and each offer different levels of indulgence and richness. Here it was a perfect balance. Light, chocolatey and very aerated – but still rich and oh-so satisfying.
But the star of our desserts was the classic mille-feuille. A textbook example of why this dessert is so great and what it can offer when made well. Crunchy and flaky layers of puff pastry, alternating with two layers of rich and creamy crème pâtissière and then dusted with icing sugar – plus some fresh fruits.
I really enjoyed my dinner at Jack’s Brasserie and for our first trip to not just Bern, but Switzerland, it left such a lasting impression. The city of Bern is such a beautiful place to visit and I highly recommend to anyone – as long as you don’t miss out on Jack’s Brasserie. It’s the locals, local.
NB: My meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.
