Previously used primarily as an ornamental plant or scent, Lavender is currently conquering restaurants with its slightly tart, floral notes adding exciting accents. A look at the most exciting lavender creations on current Swiss menus.
Lavender belongs to the sage family and is particularly rich in essential oils, making its taste intense and almost perfumed. Therefore, less is more. Just a pinch of dried flowers is enough to give a dish a distinctive flavor. Its aromas are reminiscent of rosemary and citrus with a subtle bitter note that accentuates both sweet and savory in an exciting way.
In France's Provence region, lavender has been an integral part of their eponymous herb blend for centuries. But it also shows its potential on its own or in combination with citrus fruits, honey and dark chocolate. Lavender can be used both fresh or dried, in syrups, desserts, or as an aromatic addition to jus or cocktails. The combination with creamy textures that elegantly absorb its floral notes is particularly harmonious.
Numerous chefs are currently demonstrating just how versatile lavender can be. In Basel, for instance, the highly-traditional Teufelhof serves Mieral chicken with an orange and lavender jus – an enticing dish with a fruity lightness and floral elegance. In Zurich, Sablier gives the classic crème brûlée an unexpected twist with a hint of lavender unfolding behind the caramelized crust. And even in the Gelateria di Berna, the herb has ist place: here, flowers from Provence are transformed into creamy ice cream that tastes like summer in the south of France.
The unique charm of lavender also makes for some highly enjoyable cocktails: Zurich's Dalí's serves a Lavender Mule with gin, lime juice and spicy ginger, while the pop-up Zebra Bistro offers a Lavender Latte – a creamy, feel-good drink for autumn afternoons. The Choupette bar, however, chooses the classy route with its signature drink Call me Choupette which combines lavender-infused syrup and gin infused with verbena tea along with seltzer and prosecco to create a sparkling, elegant cocktail.
