Sandra‘s Closet

Somebody has answered my prayers: meet Paul & Lulu, an online shopping destination that delivers amazing dishes directly to your table and the only thing you will need to do is to add some finishing touches. But I am not talking about fast food! Embracing the next generation of modern gastronomy, Franzoli’s Catering have brought their mission to a new level  by producing honest, high-quality convenience food, delivered quickly and easily from their kitchen to yours. Based on their passion for perfection, the dishes are handmade with market-fresh ingredients, carefully selected from their tried-and-trusted suppliers, then arranged and prepared in a way that gives you more time to enjoy your meal.

The minute I looked at the website, I was sold. The pictures are beautiful, showing all the ingredients. Especially if you are following a certain diet, you will appreciate the vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, nut-free, lactose-free, halal descriptions.

Paul & Lulu will deliver the best that their pots, pans and experience have to offer straight to your kitchen – quickly and at short notice.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Paul & Lulu

We have a new hot spot in Zurich: the 80-seat restaurant LOUIS’ located on the lakeside in Wollishofen. The new place to eat  offers a unique view of the Zurich’s skyline along with a gastronomic experience at the highest level by chef Christoph Eisner and his team. Lars Krauss (pictured with me above at the opening last Thursday) has fulfilled his dream of owning a restaurant together with his business partner Verena Thalmann. Their passion for the project can be seen in every single detail.

The interior design is beautiful with white as the main color and four pastel shades that can be found in various furniture elements. The eye-catching chandeliers were specially made for the restaurant. A small but fine champagne bar and lounge area on the gallery invites guests to linger. In the summer months the urban feeling is complemented by a tastefully furnished terrace with 80 seats.

The seasonally changing menu offers special lunch dishes in the price range of CHF 25.00 to 30.00. Highlights are for example lukewarm beetroots with a mousse of smoked trout (CHF 17.00), fried duck liver with apple compote (CHF 21.00), roasted corn-fed chicken stuffed with lemon, ricotta and dried tomatoes, accompanied by vegetable couscous (CHF 39.00), sautéed fillet of sea bass with ratatouille (CHF 48.00) and chocolate mousse with milk rice (CHF 14.00).

Restaurant Louis’, Seestr. 457, 8038 Zurich-Wollishofen, Switzerland
Phone: + 41-44 221 15 15
Monday – Friday 10am – 12am
Saturday 6pm – 12am
Sunday closed

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Restaurant

There is a new hot spot in the Mediterranean Sea with the opening of the Cavalli Ibiza Restaurant & Lounge. Situated in the most exclusive area of the island, the new Cavalli experience presents his entertainment & nightlife concept in the heart of the promenade that welcomes yachts into the harbour of Ibiza Marina.

Recreating an astounding tropical garden of 2.000 square metres with a beautiful view, the property symbolises the three main worldwide renowned beacons of ‘made in Italy’ excellence: Fashion, Food, Design.

It features an open-air restaurant where luxury and innovation are merged in the décor and in the details to create a unique ambience, allowing the clients to live a ‘total experience’ in pure Cavalli style. The menu offers an incredible selection of traditional Italian recipes infused with Tuscan influences, as well as innovative new style dishes. It will also be possible to taste and appreciate, among others, the Tenuta Degli Dei red wine produced in the Tuscan winery owned by the Cavalli family.

The club & lounge embody the glamorous soul of the designer, hosting exclusive and fashionable parties and events where guests can sip on Roberto Cavalli Vodka-based cocktails. The music and lighting culminate in an experience that begins in the magnificent garden with 500 plants perfuming the Ibiza night: think jasmine, honeysuckle and magnolia…

«The pleasure of listening to enjoyable music, accompanied by great food and good company in an elegant and sophisticated setting … This is the philosophy of the Cavalli Restaurant & Lounge. I wanted to communicate all my passion for beauty and sensuality combining them in a hospitality project in Ibiza» says Roberto Cavalli.

Roberto Cavalli already owns Cavalli Caffè in Florence and Saint Tropez, while the others managed through licences are located in Kuwait City, Beirut, Dubai and New Delhi.

The next openings will be Riyadh, Bahrain and Doha. Furthermore, the Roberto Cavalli Group has also opened with licences, the Cavalli Club in Milan, Dubai and the Cavalli Miami Restaurant & Lounge.

Cavalli Ibiza Restaurant & Lounge
Paseo Marítimo Juan Carlos I 07800 Ibiza (Spain)

For reservation +34 971 192 197
www.cavallibiza.com

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

Today, Zurich’s famous food festival starts again: the 3rd edition of IL TAVOLO kicks off with the opening night at Gate Gourmet, the leading independent provider of airline catering. I feel very honored to be in the second consecutive year the ambassador of the PARK HYATT ZURICH, which is one of the host hotels besides BAUR AU LAC, EDEN AU LAC, STORCHEN, THE DOLDER GRAND and WIDDER HOTEL.

At the photo shoot for the campaign this spring

The kitchen battle is on: At the recent Il Tavolo kick-off event at Blaue Ente with Andermatt-Investor Samih Sawiris this spring.

Here you see me at last year’s opening party at Bärengasse cooking alongside Park Hyatt’s famous chef Frank Widmer, author of the cook book “The Cook and the Cowboy“. I cannot wait for our revival tonight…

Il Tavolo is taking place from 25 to 30 June 2014. Tickets are available at Jelmoli + 41 44 220 46 00 or under www.ticketino.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Il Tavolo, © Ilja Tschanen for Blick and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I had a crazy afternoon, driving back from Como to Zurich where I had literally fifteen minutes to get changed. Then I jumped in the next limousine to go to Basel to attend an exclusive gastronomic experience hosted by Audemars Piguet during Art Basel.

The famous watch manufacturer had invited the Roca Brothers, Joan (head chef), Josep (sommelier) and Jordi (in charge of the desserts), from Spain to prepare a very special dinner.

Their famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia, Spain which opened in 1986 was first located next to their parent’s restaurant Can Roca, but moved to its current purpose built building in 2007. It holds three Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world by the magazine Restaurant in 2013, after having been ranked second in 2011 and 2012.

The cuisine served by the restaurant is traditional Catalan, but with an interesting twist. Personally speaking, I find their dishes based on perfumes, and with unusual presentations, the most captivating.

They have created menus based on fragrances such as Calvin Klein’s Eternity or Carolina Herrera. This has resulted in a perfume being released by the restaurant itself, called Nuvol de Ilimona, which we were able to smell last night during the first dessert served, a lemon distillation. Smelling and tasting the food at the same time is an orgastic explosion.

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me last night

Audemars Piguet spoilt us last night with this feast for the senses! Thanks a lot for this amazing invitation! Below you can see the yummy menu…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Roca Brothers: Nacho Alegre for WSJ. Magazine

Thierry Mugler presents a new limited edition version of its most popular women’s fragrance Angel from 1992 for the summer season. Angel Eau Sucrée is a mischievous and delicious new interpretation, an invitation to indulge in pure gourmand pleasure.

Angel Eau Sucrée, developed by Dorothee Piot, retains some of its original notes as well as combining three new additions. Its pearly star-shaped bottle is sprinkled with glitter reminiscent of sugar. The packaging is inspired by vintage confectionery and it evokes memories of sweet little childhood treats.

ORIENTAL VANILLA

Top notes: Red Berries
Middle note: Meringue
Base notes: Patchouli and Vanilla

Available as 50 ml Eau de Toilette (non- refillable) starting end of May 2014.

The French delicacies house Fauchon has been fully inspired by Mugler’s newest fragrance launch and has created the “Angel Eclair“, for which the composition of the Angel Eau Sucrée has been translated into this gourmet treat that features almond praline, caramel and vanilla notes. This limited edition will be on sale at Fauchon’s Place de la Madeleine store in Paris until June 7, 2014.

The perfect union between two senses: smell and taste!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Thierry Mugler and Fauchon

Here is another outfit post from my recent trip to the US, taken on Abbot Kinnley Boulevard in Venice Beach. The weather was very weird and I didn’t see much of the Californian sun during my stay. A great place for lunch is Gjelina, a place worth its hype. Even that I am not a vegetarian, I do love my veggies and their kale salad is to die for.

My look: Wool-blend jacquard coat (fabric inspired by children’s wallpaper) by Miu Miu, two-tone stretch-jersey contour dress by Stella McCartney, Bamboo leather tote by Gucci, suede booties by Saint Laurent, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes you get a press release that feels like it is Christmas again. In this case, it was Roger & Gallet‘s newest launch GINGEMBRE ROUGE which included yummy ginger treats along with this addictive fresh fragrant water .

Inspired by a stopover in Zanzibar, this energizing Eau Fraîche fragrance brings out the sensuality and freshness of ginger in all its glory. The lush heaven of the island will enchant you with another sparkling and invigorating scent from Roger & Gallet, that I like to spray all over my body, perfect for the warm weather season.

Top notes: Ginger, litchi and orange blossom
Middle notes: Mandarin orange, pomegranate and fresh ginger
Base notes: White musk, candied ginger and cedarwood

Available in pharmacies from March 2014 for CHF 59.60 (100ml) an CHF 26.90 (30ml).

PERSONAL TIP: I love to drink freshly brewed ginger tea every day, made by steeping fresh, grated ginger root in boiling water. It is a great way to detox and to prevent a cold during winter. Ginger brew is also a great remedy for stressful moments.

Drinking it on a regular basis may improve blood circulation which helps the delivery of vitamins, minerals and oxygen to your body’s cells. To your health!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roget & Gallet and © Sandra Bauknecht

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

From now until to February 28, 2014, the Mandarin Oriental Munich invites guests to indulge in little fashion fantasy of their own with the Mandarin Bar’s Jimmy Choo Fashion Afternoon Tea.

One of my favorite heels by Jimmy Choo for the new season is the neon elaphe pump.

The tea set takes inspiration from Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2014 collection and highlights the popular clutch Charlize and the stiletto Sunday. The iconic hotel’s pastry chefs have specially created a range of dainty culinary treats, such aschocolate raspberry macaroons, Jimmy Choo handbags filled with chocolate, cucumber and cream cheese and grapefruit lemon and caviar shooters which are sure to win the hearts of every fashionista.

Whether as a gift for a best friend or as a treat after a shopping tour, this special Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Bar is a must for those with a passion for fashion who want to enjoy the sweet temptations of life.

How gorgeous is Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2014 Candy glitter-finished acrylic clutch?!

It is priced at €39.00 per person and €55.00 per person with a glass of champagne. All guests who book the tea will a special complimentary gift set: Jimmy Choo FLASH fragrant surprise. Available from Mondays to Fridays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Reservations can be made through: +49 (0)89 290 98 1929.

See you there! In case that you won’t make it to Munich, check out the Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley Hotel in London.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Munich and Jimmy Choo