Sandra‘s Closet

If you have ever enjoyed the exquisite gastronomy by Andreas Caminada, you will understand how much passion goes into it. Therefore it seems so obvious that he is the new chef in the Hublot brigade. Both share spirit and determination for what they do. It is this quest for perfection that brings together the Swiss watch manufacturer and its friends!

In the kitchen with Andreas Caminada to the left and Ricardo Guadalupe to the right.

Last week, I was invited by Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, to an exclusive lunch at Schloss Schauenstein, home of Andreas Caminada, to celebrate this new collaboration in Fürstenau, the smallest village in Europe.

Some impressions of the beautiful lunch I enjoyed last Thursday.

Andreas Caminada looks more like a rock star but in his heart he is a countryman who works with local products, grows some of it, and whose cuisine has absolute watchmaking precision. He likes simple and natural things. An international reference, at nearly 40 he is the youngest chef in Europe to have won a third Michelin star, which he did 7 years ago, and his 19 Gault & Millau points and stars have launched him to the firmament of gastronomy. He skilfully combines audacity, innovation and tradition. Eating at his table is like sitting down at the family table, so convivial is the atmosphere he cultivates. I can absolutely recommend a visit to his restaurant which has been voted as one of the best restaurants in the world for eight years. The beautiful castle Schloss Schauenstein has also rooms where you can stay overnight.

There are destinies that life brings together. 2004, the year that changed everything for Hublot and for Andreas Caminada, the year that marked the start of their dizzying rise. For Hublot, it was the arrival of Jean-Claude Biver as CEO and the birth of the Big Bang, unveiled a few months later in 2005. For Andreas Caminada, it was his first Michelin star.

Hublot & Andreas Caminada – the taste for excellence fused.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

Nespresso‘s limited edition festive collection for 2016 is absolutely divine, sending me as a caffeine addict into a coffee shopping frenzy. It is a sweet treat with no calories!

Each flavoured espresso results from the sweet marriage of Livanto’s balance and roundness with different ingredients that are all inspired the rich coffee house traditions and elegance of Vienna, each with a comforting and indulgent aroma that is set to delight the coffee lover in your life.

Variations Sachertorte – Austrian Sachertorte, a glazed chocolate cake containing a thin layer of sweet apricot jam.

Variations Apfelstrudel – Variations Apfelstrudel is inspired by the classic layered puff pastry dessert which contains a sweet apple filling delicately spiced with cinnamon.

Variations Linzer Torte – Nespresso pays homage to the popular Austrian Linzer Torte: a tasty redcurrant tart topped with a recognizable lattice design.

All three Variations coffees have an intensity level of six (on a scale up to 12) and will be available for a limited period during the festive season in a box of 10 capsules for CHF 5.70.

If you are still looking for the perfect coffee cup to enjoy this sophisticated treat of caffeine, I recommend this beautiful Lustre set.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso

One question I have been asked many times in my life is how I can stay slim while enjoying food so much. I think the key to success is to listen to your body and mine tells me constantly to feed it with Japanese food when possible. It is the best, it is healthy and you always feel light after, but full of energy.

Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa brings his delicacies to Munich.

When I was in Munich for Oktoberfest, I couldn’t wait to visit the Mandarin Oriental that has undergone an extensive refurbishment of the public areas in 2015 and has opened its doors to a new and innovative gastronomy concept, by introducing the award-winning cuisine of internationally celebrated chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa to the Bavarian capital, and to Germany.

The restaurant follows the successful format of the chef’s original Matsuhisa Beverly Hills and his five other exclusive outposts around the world.

 Having arrived on the first floor, atop the new curved staircase, on my way to Matsuhisa Munich.

Offering Nobu Matsuhisa’s renowned New Style Japanese-Peruvian cuisine as well as individual creations by Chef Loris di Santo the menu has an emphasis on seafood, featuring signature dishes such as the legendary Black Cod and Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with jalapeños, alongside grilled lamb cooked over tealeaves with Peruvian Anticucho sauce, as well as traditionally prepared sushi.

One of my favorite starters: Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi with jalapeños.

So yummy! The iconic Blad Cod.

The sushi bar.

My all time favourite food – I could eat it every day.

The semi-private dining section.

The restaurant accommodates 95 guests including eight seats at the exclusive live cooking counter. Moreover it offers a semi-private dining section with space for up to 10 people. In this intimate setting, guests can experience Omakase, a bespoke culinary experience exploring the chef’s choice of tailor-made menus. Matsuhisa, Munich will also feature an exclusive eight-seat live cooking counter where skilled chefs will prepare a variety of Nobu’s famous Japanese-Peruvian dishes.

Designed by Amsterdam-based FG Stijl, Matsuhisa, Munich reflects Nobu’s Japanese origins. The luxurious and timeless decor provides provide a warm and inviting atmosphere in brown and gold, using natural materials including stone, leather and wood.

 Matsuhisa, Munich opens daily from 7 – 11:30pm (Mon-Sun). For reservations, call
+49 89 290 98 1875 (available from 10am to 6pm).

Great news for my Swiss readers, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy this very special cuisine. The hotel Baur au Lac celebrates 10 years Nobu Matsuhisa at Rive Gauche! The world-renowned kitchen of Nobuyuki „Nobu“ Matsuhisa will join the iconic restaurant until November 13, 2016.

Two seatings per evening – 6pm and 9pm. Reservations: +41 44 220 50 60.

I will be going and am looking forward to enjoying a fabulous dinner there…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Munich and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week during the Zurich Film Festival, I was guest of NESPRESSO to see the Swiss premiere of «Bridget Jones Baby», the continuing adventures of British publishing executive Bridget Jones as she enters her 40s, starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey. «What if» is a major question in this movie that is so much fun. I was laughing through the entire film. The good vibes of the evening continued after the screening with the delicious plates prepared with passion and originality by the young and talented chef Ralph Schelling.

My look: Lace-paneled stretch-silk cady gown by Alessandra Rich, palladium-tone, crystal and Plexiglas® necklace and earrings, both by Miu Miu, padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag by Alexander McQueen and cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Greetings from NYC where I am at the moment for a new amazing project coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso, © Andrea Monica Hug (event and me at the event) © David Biedert Photography (photos of me outside in color)  and © Sandra Bauknecht

A year after the opening of Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 on Via Montenapoleone, the historical pastry shop controlled by the Prada Group opened the doors to its new stylish location in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on Monday.

Housed in the same building as the Prada menswear store, the inauguration of another iconic Marchesi pastry shop is the second phase of a major project in which the prestigious Galleria location of the Prada Group will become a genuine hub of its many facets, where fashion, food, art and a wide range of cultural activities will harmoniously coexist.

Stefano Cantino

Towards WWD, Stefano Cantino, Group Strategic Marketing Director, said that Prada, which became a majority shareholder with an 80 percent stake in March 2014, will expand Pasticceria Marchesi outside of Italy. “We’ve had requests from international malls, but we are defining the timing. In the medium-term, we will open in Shanghai and Dubai. We are not doing franchised banners and we want to guarantee high standards,” explained Cantino, adding that “maybe” some Prada stores could also house the pastry shop. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

I love the green interior design that is elegant and so reminiscent of the Prada stores around the world.  Part of the space in the new store is used as an elegant tea room which serves a variety of dishes throughout the day: breakfast, lunch, tea, and an evening aperitif.

Open one in Zurich, please!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

evian® x Christian Lacroix Limited Edition bottles in 2016

10 years ago, some people might have asked what were they drinking? In 2007, the disruptive vision shared by the two brands brought together the purity of water with the creativity of fashion paving the way to a saga of collaborations with the greatest designers and launching the fashionista drink of choice.

evian® x Christian Lacroix Limited Edition bottles in 2007

To celebrate this success story and to mark the 10th anniversary of the project, the House of Christian Lacroix pays tribute to evian®’s live young spirit, by reinventing the Paseo pattern. Born to Haute Couture, the delicate embroidery design was used for the first time outside the Christian Lacroix fashion collections on the initial evian® Limited Edition bottle in 2007. It has since become an iconic design of the House. This new colorful Paseo Limited Edition version is the pure expression of today’s Christian Lacroix creative universe: flamboyant, Parisian, and with an ever young spirit. It comes in a set of two bottles: a pink and a blue one.

“The evian® x Lacroix collaboration is just like a wonderful dream come true and we had the chance to collaborate twice… which makes me a very lucky designer!” Sacha Walckhoff.

The famous red bride at Christian Lacroix’s F/W 2002 Couture show.

Sacha Walckhoff, Creative Director for the House of Christian Lacroix, who succeeded the founder following the shuttering of the couture house and its transformation into a licensed business, revisited the iconic Paseo pattern that Lacroix used for the red wedding dress that capped his F/W 2002 couture show, and famously worn by Madonna in a Steven Klein shoot for W Magazine in 2003. Its skirt was based on a bullfighting cape with a pattern mixing swirling garlands, flowers and curlicues.

2003 – Madonna photographed in Christian Lacroix by Steven Klein.

The evian® x Christian Lacroix bottles will be available in 75cl glass bottles and rolled-out in Prestige PET, and for the first time in facial spray. Available worldwide in selected hotels, cafes, restaurants and retailers from September 2016.

Drinking water has never been so stylish…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of evian®, © Christian Lacroix, © Antoine Tempe and © Steven Klein

Hurray it is Friday! Did you know? A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance. Probably because of the shocking jolt of brilliant color?

With a flamboyant box from Moët & Chandon arriving at my doorstep, I seem well prepared for my weekend ahead. Moët Rosé Impérial has launched a new limited edition look for this summer season: a bold splash of bright pink flamingos.

These flamingos are perfect way to add glamour to a #moetmoment shared among friends. In French, “osé” means daring. And the Moët Rosé Limited Edition with flamingos puts the “osé” in rosé with the whimsical dares found behind the label of each bottle.

Open the label, find your dare, make it happen:
Do you dare to kiss the person to your left?
Do you dare to hug a stranger?
Do you dare to say “je t’aime” out loud?

Moët Rosé Limited Edition with flamingos is available exclusively in trendsetting boutiques in the regular bottle (750 ml) and stylish Mini Moët sizes (20 cl).

Dare to live more and love more with pink flamingos that can be found even on the most flamboyant fashion accessories!

Leather-trimmed appliquéd floral-jacquard shoulder bag with flamingos by Miu Miu

Claudie embellished metallic textured-leather shoulder bag by Sophia Webster

Flamingo Frill leather sandals by Sophia Webster (50% off)

Happy weekend in pink flamingo style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Two weeks ago, I accepted a lovely invitation by Silvio Denz, CEO and President of LALIQUE, to join him for an amazing dinner experience at Park Weggis, the partner hotel of Villa René Lalique, that was constructed in 1920 and brought back to life by my host in September 2015. Today, it boasts six exclusive suites and an up-scale gourmet restaurant. Manning the kitchen is none other than two-star chef and autodidact Jean-Georges Klein who had come to Weggis for this evening to spoil us with his dishes that are colourful and rich in contrast, for the eyes, the palate and the bite.

Silvio Denz to my left and Jean-George Klein to my right.

In terms of fashion, I went for an outfit that sported cascading layers of soft silk chiffon with a ‘trompe l’oeil‘ illusion of voluminous, layered ruffles. The feminine colours ensured a party-ready appearance.

My look: Feather cape by Balmain, sequined-bow tiered silk-chiffon gown, fringed cracked-leather pumps, feline earrings with crystals, fringed cracked-leather pumps, gold-tone crystal bracelet and crystal embellished ring, all by Gucci, envelope bag by Céline and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Penhaligon’s has unveiled their very first gourmand fragrance, EQUINOX BLOOM, inspired by the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, and the transitional moment when day turns to evening and when cold winter yields to spring.

Created by Master Perfumer Olivier Cresp, Equinox Bloom plays with an olfactory palette inspired by the delights of high tea, accompanied by the heady bouquet of the first sweet spring flowers.

Perfumer Olivier Cresp

“During one of my recent visits to London, I enjoyed an incredible brunch in a smart, refined place, where the magnificent atmosphere of the rooms, furnished with opulent floral compositions, ensnared my senses almost at once. While admiring the floral scenery, my brunch included delightful toasts topped with honey and marmalade and these gourmand facets inspired me to bring to Equinox Bloom a trendy, modern inflexion to the generous floral bouquet. To me, this luxurious and abundant refinement reflects Penhaligon´s generosity in fragrances in a perfect way.” – Olivier Cresp, Perfumer.

A subtle, sweet treat from Penhaligon’s, Equinox Bloom plays on the country’s favourite traditions and pleasing transitions – day to night, winter to spring – offering up a delicious and distinctive blend of gourmand and floral infusions to truly delight the senses.

GOURMAND FLORAL

Top Notes: Neroli Bigarade Essence, Violet Leaves Absolute, Chantilly Accord
Middle Notes: Frangipani, Orange Blossom Absolute, Jasmine Sambac Absolute
Base Notes: Ambrox, Benzoin Siam Absolute, Brown Sugar Accord

Equinox Bloom is available now as Eau de Parfum 50ml (€ 139.00) and 100ml (€ 189.00).

And if you are happen to be in Hong Kong, please enjoy Penhaligon’s special afternoon tea at The Four Seasons Hotel.

The hotel’s pastry chef Ringo Chan designed a new selection of treats inspired by the new scent Equinox Bloom, among them jasmine lemon cake pops, rose and pink praline éclair, and aqua sphere and white peach verrine, as well as a selection of afternoon tea buffet items.

The Lounge, G/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196-8820

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Four Seasons, © Penhaligon’s and © Conor Beary 2016

A bridge between East and West, a bridge between the past and the present – something that perfume and tea share.

How can we overcome the transience of the body? How can we cross the boundaries between time and space? At Shui Tang in Zurich’s Niederdorf I learn more. The place has something magical, just like the owner Ms. Meng-Lin Chou, who transports me into her world with a wonderful ceremony of the traditional infusion beverage. The painstaking preparation is enough to make my to-go cup of morning coffee feel Philistine.

Creating rare moments for sharing and pleasure, tea is considered an alchemical and Taoist bridge. Life is a river with two banks, yin and yang, one side is male, the other female, one reflects the material, the other the spiritual world. Both are polar opposites to each other, yet related forces that form a whole perpetual cycle. Tea is like a ship that helps you float from bank to bank. While doing so, you can forget the time.

That’s what I’m doing at Ms. Chou. I am glued to her lips while I sip a delicious infusion. «The more cultivated a Chinese household is, the smaller the cup,» she says. «Many customers have claimed that sitting at the antique Chinese table, sipping the traditional Chinese Gongfu Tea is enough to infuse a magical power.» As I watch her when she prepares the tea, I believe that too, because time seems to stand still. Rare and precious moments that we easily forget in our fast-paced world.

Perfume used to be like tea a sacrificial offering in the past in order to manipulate the gods. Fragrance reflects the alchemy of the exterior, tea the interior. In Bulgari‘s latest creation, they become one.

In the most hidden corners of the province of Yunnan at an altitude of 3000m, the rare black tea, that is used for the fragrance, is harvested between 2000-year old trees. Just like in the 11th century it is produced without electricity from the village farmers. Hand-harvested at precipitous elevations and carefully dried in the sun, those tea leaves can fetch more money per ounce than gold.

Today, tea is a product in our affluent society, which stimulates thinking. 3000 years ago, it was used exclusively as medicine.
During the early ’90s, nobody would have thought that the traditional infusion could also be a perfume. But Bulgari has never followed current trends and launched in 1992 «Eau Parfumée au thé vert», inspired by the idea of ​​hospitality. First, the novelty was intended not as a traditional fragrance, but as refreshing ceremony for customers in the Bulgari shops.

The unisex revolution was a huge success and can now be found in many hotel rooms as amenities. Other tea inspired scents have followed (see the complete collection above). The new «Eau Parfumée au thé noir», a powerful interpretation of the exclusive type of tea from Yunnan, enriches the collection with a different olfactory territory and promises to become another bestseller.

Inspired by millennial Chinese black tea, it is an intense luxury fragrance for men and women that imprints itself indelibly on the skin with its floral and woody notes. The top notes are as palpable as those of a rose. The fluid and woody notes of black tea accord and patchouli strongly interact with the sensual and captivating harmonies of oud. Like yin and yang, an interplay, sensual and captivating.

EAU PARFUMÉE AU THÉ NOIR

WOODY – FLORAL
Top Notes: Rose Absolute – Bergamot Essence
Middle Notes: Black Tea Accord – Magnolia Essence
Base Notes: Oud Wood – Patchouli

Eau de Cologne Intense Spray
75ml (CHF 104.00) and 150ml (CHF 169.00)

Home & Bath Collection
200ml Body Lotion (CHF 63.00), 200 ml Shampoo & Shower Gel (CHF 52.00), 3 x 150g Soap Set (CHF 69.00), 15 x 12 gr Refreshing Towels (CHF 50.00), 325g Candle (CHF 99.00) and 600g Candle (CHF 168.00)

Guest Set
75ml EdC + 75ml Shampoo + 75ml Shampoo & Shower Gel + 75ml Hair Conditioner + 75ml Body Lotion + 75g Soap + 12g x 2 Oshibori (CHF 128.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari and © Sandra Bauknecht