Memories Bad Ragaz

Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

89 points

Restaurant

Memories Bad Ragaz

Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

Restaurant Memories is the flagship restaurant at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland. This resort in the Swiss alpine region features a total of 7 restaurants and is known as one of the leading wellness resorts in Europe home to six Michelin stars, one Green Michelin star and 76 Gault&Millau points. It combines luxury and wellness with high class gastronomy. For more information about this great hotel, please click here.

Headed by chef Sven Wassmer, Restaurant Memories embodies a philosophy of innovation, seasonality, and a profound respect for quality produce. This approach is reflected in the cuisine served, which re-imagines Swiss alpine flavours with a minimalist touch, creating authentic and holistic taste experiences deeply rooted in nature. The restaurant’s dynamic seasonal menu offers a series of incredible taste experiences, setting Memories apart as a unique culinary destination.

Concept & Interior

Memories provides a sanctuary of comfort, harkening back to the roots of hospitality. The restaurant is a conscious oasis of serenity, seamlessly blending quality, style, and nature. The interior design epitomizes the essence of the Memories cooking style, using raw materials that are pure and unadorned, such as wood and stone that reflect local tradition and craftsmanship. The large, beautiful wooden table dividers not only offer privacy but also lend a natural dynamism to the space. With light elements, bold lines, and premium comfort, Memories offers an intimate and down-to-earth setting for your dining experience.

The focal point of Memories is its luxurious, fully open kitchen design. A unique feature of the kitchen is that it is not entirely enclosed with a counter; one side remains open. There are two free-standing kitchen counters where chefs add the finishing touches to each dish. Guests can witness all the action from a front-row seat, and they are even welcome to take a peek inside the kitchen itself. It is an experience that adds to the restaurant’s already exceptional ambiance.

The Chef & team

Renowned Swiss chef Sven Wassmer got off to an impressive start in his culinary career. After training and working in several renowned restaurants, including the famous Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau, he became the head chef of the 7132 Silver restaurant in Vals. He was named Gault&Millau’s Discovery of the Year with the highest entry ever, earning 17 points. He then received his first Michelin star, followed by a second one a year later. Wassmer was also awarded a Rising Star of the Year and 18 Gault&Millau points for his exceptional cuisine the year before becoming the culinary director of the famous Grand Hotel Bad Ragaz. In its opening year, Restaurant Memories was awarded 18 Gault&Millau points and 2 Michelin stars. In 2022, the restaurant was awarded its third Michelin star, along with a Green Michelin star.

Gastronomy

Sven Wassmer’s culinary philosophy revolves around innovation, seasonality, and a deep appreciation for high-quality produce. Inspired by the tranquil and pristine natural surroundings of Switzerland’s mountains and forests, he unlocks a treasure trove of creativity in his mind. His cooking style is characterized by a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity and elegance. The new Swiss alpine cuisine features a seasonal menu that surprises diners with a range of taste experiences. To achieve this, Wassmer employs traditional techniques such as fermentation, pickling, drying, and grilling, harnessing the primal power of fire to prepare his dishes.

The cuisine at Restaurant Memories evokes memories of childhood discoveries, the great outdoors, and a sense of wonder. But it also creates new memories and connections. The result is a treasure trove of joyful moments, savoured in one evening and etched in memory forever. With its signature tasting menus, chef Wassmer and his team combine Swiss produce with the finest ingredients from around the world, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience.

Whole Grain / Brown Butter / Belper Cheese
Beetroot / “Schlossere” Horseradish / Cassis
Buckwheat / Mustard / Caramel Miso
Pholiota Mushroom / Swiss XO Sauce / Crispbread

Oona Alpine Caviar “Memories Edition” / Muscat Pumpkin / Quince

Mountain char from “Val Lumnezia” / Caramelised dairy cream / Spruce Fir

Jerusalem artichoke / mountain cheese / dried meat / fermented sour dough bread sauce

Pike Perch from Lago Maggiore / Seabuckthorn / Paprika

“Knöpfli” Swiss dumplings / Roasted yeast / Truffle

Pork Cheek / Lingonberries / Red Cabbage

Old Dairy Cow from “Hinterhofmetzgerei” / “Röseler” Potato

White Currants from “Farm Räss”

Figleaf Ice Cream / Hemp Nougat / Beechnut

Sig “Alpler Chocolate” / Parsnip / Mountain Hay Almonds

Chestnut Bundtcake / Dried Apricot

Service And Wine

The service at Memories is laid-back and the team is enthusiastic about explaining each dish to diners. In fact, the chefs often leave the kitchen to personally serve their creations at the table. Amanda Wassmer Bulgin, the sommelier and wife of chef Sven Wassmer, is responsible for the restaurant’s wine program. She expertly pairs wines with the menu and manages the resort’s interesting wine cellar. With her experience working at prestigious European restaurants and as the wine director at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Amanda is a lecturer for GastroSuisse and sees herself as a researcher, always exploring new options in collaboration with local wine makers.

Why Go

Memories is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable culinary experience. This restaurant combines uncompromising product quality, style, and purism to create a place of culinary joy that returns to the origin of gastronomy. Chef Sven Wassmer’s new Swiss alpine cuisine offers authentic fine dining dishes that are intricately linked to nature, making for a tasting menu full of sensory impressions that will stay with you long after you leave.