Hotel of the Month, Norway
Destination gourmet Located in Kvinesdal valley in the southern part of Norway, Bølgen & Moi Utsikten Hotel is the personal achievement to co-owner Trond Moi who grew up in the area. The award-winning chef has competed and won at national and international level, including the prestigious Bocuse d’Or.
a gourmet restaurant, Utsikten Hotel offers a destination that lives up to the concept.
By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Peder Austrud
“The heart of the hotel is the kitchen, and the aim is to ensure that all food preparation is pure, healthy and mainly from local produce,” Moi explains. “That’s my inspiration.” All dishes, therefore, are prepared from scratch with no additives. To achieve this, the hotel has herb and fruit gardens and a good local sourcing network for other products – as well as a regiment of chefs that are passionate about their art.
“One of my lifelong dreams has been to return to my hometown and establish a gourmet hotel,” says Moi. “A place where the emphasis is on good food, good drink and good company.”
Destination view The hotel has 85 comfortable rooms, 24 of which are suites with balconies facing the spectacular view of the fjord. It is also the country’s first motel, which adds a sense of uniqueness. “We are not just 80 | Issue 90 | July 2016
a place of accommodation,” Per Kristian Nystad, the general manager, explains. “We are a destination.” Bølgen & Moi are renowned for their restaurants across the country. Their concept has always been about the discovery of experiences and tastes, while offering a sense of playfulness and engagement in the process. From panoramic views and a golf course next door, to a house filled with art and
Gourmet delights
Besides the legendary Sunday brunch, it is perhaps the gourmet weekend package
