We find: Martin Dalsass and his Talvo are a stroke of luck for the Engadine! Located in a time-honored Engadine house in the tranquil village of Champfer, the Michelin-starred restaurant offers the ideal backdrop for a first-class dining experience. For one that fills not only the palate, but also the soul. We take a seat, breathe in the fine smell of Swiss stone pine and order an aperitif. The fact that the house champagne is that of Jacquesson seems to us to be a good omen. The first delicacies follow immediately – fine olives, olive oil, grissini and Datterini tomatoes. The bread basket is richly filled with Schüttelbrot, Focaccia, Pergamena di Pane (Yammi!) and various rolls. We dare to take a look at the wonderful wine album, which offers a wide range and many trouvailles for connoisseurs. At lunchtime there is a lunch menu, from which we can warmly recommend the freshwater fish & vegetable tempura (42 francs). But because game season is underway on our second visit, we order the dish of the day – a gem pepper served with napkin dumpling thalers and autumnal garnishes. The game cubes (venison and gems) on mashed potatoes with chanterelles may also be fully convincing, though we expected nothing less after the amuse bouche – an herb curry soup and a zucchini petal stuffed with mascarpine cheese. The flavors are round, sophisticated, not too overbearing, and just a joy to eat. We fully enjoy the appetizers – including a venison tartare with pickled mushrooms and a lentil salad with avocado, burrata and cilantro. Perhaps also because we are allowed to enjoy a Pinot Noir – the Monolith from the Obrecht Winery in Jenins.
We like how high quality cuisine and hospitality are lived here. Martin Dalsass’ son Andrea, a passionate hunter – and his wife take care of us charmingly and put the finishing touch to a successful meal. The same goes for the homemade chocolate and the frozen pralines that are served with the espresso. We let the homely ambience have its effect on us once again, dare a look into the probably smallest Cigarren-Stübli of the Engadin and thank you for this wonderful lunch.
Talvo by Martin Dalsass
Via Gunels 15
7512 St. Moritz/Champfer
www.talvo.ch