©Chris Michaud
A new gastronomic restaurant opened its doors last month on the third floor of the public zone of Geneva Airport.
Called “Le Chef”, the light and airy neo-industrial style restaurant enjoys spectacular views over the airport runways and Jura mountains, and welcomes international travellers and local residents alike.
But what makes Le Chef unique is not its lofty location with large bay windows and penthouse feel – although these certainly create a special atmosphere. Without doubt, it is the inventive cuisine, signed by Benjamin Luzuy, the leader of a new generation of passionate chefs, which sets this restaurant apart from others. Being a passionate ambassador of local produce, Benjamin has created an authentic menu that incorporates local produce from the Romand region, presented in 4 seasonal collections using 4 different cooking methods, namely raw/marinated, steam, naked flame and slow cooking.
Benjamin Luzuy hands out one of his "vapeur" dishes at the official opening of the new restaurant.
Benjamin Luzuy
When Théo Hofstetter, Head of Business Development at Autogrill Suisse SA was tasked with finding a new chef for the restaurant, he was told to “Think Global. Act Local”. After witnessing Benjamin’s concept for himself, he knew immediately that this was exactly what he needed for the restaurant – local dishes with a global twist that would appeal to both international and local guests alike.
With his own show on RTS and several Geneva establishments under his guidance, the opportunity to head up a new restaurant concept at Geneva Airport was impossible for Benjamin Luzuy to resist. He explains,
“It has always been a series of excellent encounters and opportunities which have presented themselves to me. Concerning Le Chef, I was enticed by the possibility of proposing a unique concept embracing four cooking methods. Thanks to the utilisation of local Swiss Romand produce, foreign visitors can also discover our specialities and taste the result of reinvented produce from the “terroir”, at the same time as our local clientele.”
©Chris Michaud
The menu
Benjamin’s cuisine plays on the different senses of his clientele, allowing them to choose a style of cooking that suits their current mood. So whether they are seeking freshness in the raw or marinated food; lightness in the steam-cooked dishes; exhilarating flavours in the high heat cooking; or tenderness in the slow-cooked food, you can be sure their culinary needs will be satisfied!
At Le Chef, clients will appreciate the freshness of a straw-smoked Collex-Bossy wapiti tartare, cubeb pepper house yogurt and spinach shoots with almond oil; the flavour of a grapevine canes-barbecued beef pavé, deconstructed carrots and juniper-berries juice reduction for the high heat cooking, or the smoothness of a steamed cheesecake, yuzu confit and tonka beans. You can view the entire menu for the current Winter 2016 season here: https://www.lechef-geneve.ch/site/en/menus/collections/
©Chris Michaud
One address, five locations
Le Chef is more than just a restaurant. It offers a multitude of environments for its guests. It is a destination where one can, according to one’s wishes, needs and time of day, choose the bar for a refreshing drink, the restaurant to lunch or dine, the lounge for relaxation, the terrace for a breath of fresh air or the private meeting rooms to join up with colleagues.
In addition to its creative drinks menu, the central island bar also has its own menu, including Benjamin’s signature mini-burgers, as well as a selection of salads and tempting desserts prepared by the resident pastry chef. Next to the bar there is a tiered bank of cushioned benches overlooking the tarmac. With all the action on the runway, this is a great place to relax with a drink and is certain to prove a winner with families and young children.
Ellen Wallace from genevalunch.com and Jenny Jeffreys from knowitall.ch enjoying a glass of wine at the restaurant opening.
To one side of the bar there is also a large lounge area, where guests can settle down in cozy armchairs, and read one of the many books provided on the shelves. In the morning it is possible to sit here with a croissant and latte prepared by the Barista at the bar, while in the evening it is easy to imagine how this area will become the ideal spot to meet friends and colleagues for a casual drink after work, especially with the bar menu so close to hand.
For professional meetings and family occasions, Le Chef has six private rooms with moveable walls which can be adjusted to suit the client's needs and budget. The key words here are flexibility and quality. Everything can be adapted to measure. Benjamin Luzuy's inventive menu, as well as the meticulous and attentive service of his restaurant team, completes the perfect package for a business cocktail or a private occasion.
With its wide sun shades, large bench, and white light fittings, this urban chic deck is the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air, to take advantage of beautiful weather or to watch the sunset. It is accessible from the restaurant, the bar and the lounge and offers that something extra... outdoor space.
Open all year, the terrace benefits from bar service and once the warm evenings are here, it will be possible to enjoy an aperitif listening to the music from the lounge.
Restaurant Le Chef
Route de l'aéroport 13 (3rd floor)
CH-1215 Geneva
Switzerland
022 817 46 09
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https://www.lechef-geneve.ch/site/en/
