2_1_DiscoverGermany_March2014_Issue12:Scan Magazine 1
14/2/14
16:36
Page 26
Discover Germany | Restaurant of the Month | Austria
Restaurant of the Month Austria
A beautiful landscape and fabulous food The award-winning gourmet restaurant Bootshaus, situated by the scenic lake Traunsee, is one of Upper Austria’s gems. Wherever guests take a seat, they are sure to have a fantastic view of the lake whilst indulging in local cuisine.
Main image: Fine al fresco dining. Photo: Christof Wagner Above, right: Spectacular lakefront location. Photo: Christoph Wagner The Bootshaus team. Photo: erlas Bottom: Head Chef Lukas Nagl. Photo: Christof Wagner
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: BOOTSHAUS
Surrounded by green mountains, lake Traunsee is simply as beautiful as it gets. Swans pass by, fish jump playfully in and out of the water and the white sails of boats can be seen in the distance. An air of tranquillity makes this the ideal place to rest and let your lungs be filled with a fresh breeze. Right on the shore of the lake nestles the newly refurbished restaurant Bootshaus. It is part of the well-established four-star hotel Das Traunsee, which is run by the fourth-generation hotelier family Groeller. It is the only hotel with direct access to the lake and even has suites with private access. Bootshaus head chef Lukas Nagl creates dishes with the mottoValues are Changing, meaning that vegetables, fish and meat are of equal importance. This is particularly interesting for vegetarians, who can choose from a variety of dishes. Being only 26 years old, Nagl is one of the youngest head chefs to have been awarded
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two hats by the prestigious Gault-Millau. With 15 points, the restaurant was selected as ‘Newcomer of 2013’ and received 16 points by Gault-Millau in 2014. And the awards keep coming in! “We are proud to be one of the top five restaurants in Upper Austria and the best in the Salzkammergut!” says owner Wolfgang Groeller. “Our chef interprets traditional, local dishes in a contemporary way. We only use organic regional produce. Local farmers deliver our meat, and fish comes from nearby wild-caught stocks. For our cheese selection, which we exclusively receive from small dairies, we even visit our next-door neighbour Switzerland.” It goes without saying that the restaurant is home to a fantastic wine cellar and employs outstanding sommeliers. Julia Grashaefl and David Sitz competently assist guests and gracefully round off the culinary adventure. The interior is designed to draw attention to the lake, while equally giving room to contemporary art.
For a more casual experience the attached award-winning See Side Lounge comes highly recommended. Simple culinary pleasures and an easy-going atmosphere invite guests to relax by the lake. The Groeller family combine tradition with a modern attitude, creativity and passion – and this is something you can feel in all their venues. www.dastraunsee.at