ASIAN TAPAS ON A TERRACE AND ELECTRO CHILL VIBES

ALBERTINE’S LOUNGE, NEW POP-UP TERRACE AT BEAU-RIVAGE, GENEVA

by Chené Koscielny

With the summer staycation in full swing, we raise our cocktail glasses to the opening of a trendy, new pop-up terrace with electro chill vibes, unbeatable views, a cool breeze and some seriously tasty tapas.

NOT ANOTHER 5-STAR HOTEL LOUNGE, PLEASE!

Albertine’s Lounge at the recently re-opened Beau-Rivage hotel is a welcome addition on the cocktail and apéro circuit on the Bains de Pâquis side of the lake.

Geneva certainly doesn’t need another stuffy five-star hotel lounge, but what the lakeside is shouting out for now, more than ever, are trendy, relaxed options – perfect for unwinding after work, chilling with friends or impressing an early game Tinder date.

Albertine’s Lounge is such a space – you could very nearly be on a terrace in the Côte d’Azur – with stunning lake views thrown in for good measure.

The modern, outdoor furniture is stylish and inviting and the breeze keeps you cool, even on a scorching day.

Even the waiters are down-to-earth and casual down to their white sneakers.

REFRESHING COCKTAILS AND SMOOTHIES

I let myself be talked into a whisky-based Youkoso cocktail with whisky Nikka, homemade green tea and mint syrup, fresh cucumber and lemon juice, even though I don’t usually like whisky! (CHF25).

I do not regret it one bit. It is deliciously fresh – like a spiked smoothie and may even become my favourite tipple this summer. The cocktail menu has many other interesting options, including non-alcoholic versions.

We also try some of the homemade smoothies – including the Feel Yourself – watermelon, strawberry and raspberry (CHF15) and the Feel Green with spinach, ginger, celery and apple. Perfect – especially if you pop in after a jog or stroll on the lakeside. The ice teas are homemade too.

The drinks menu offers all the usual suspects, of course – including superb rosé and sparkling wines.

SERIOUSLY TASTY ASIAN AND MEDITERRANEAN TAPAS

Tapas in Geneva can be bland and uninspiring with eye-watering price tags – with a few notable exceptions – also see our article on tapas in Carouge this week Designer tapas and quality gin on a terrace.

So, Albertine’s Lounge’s sharing plate menu comes as a welcome surprise.

With a strong Asian influence, the menu is diverse with some interesting and affordable options.

We try the Jussy pork gyozas caramelized with honey from the hotel’s own hives (CHF18 for 3 pieces) and Dim Sung with shrimp, ginger and chili sauce (CHF22 for 5 pieces). Both options are generous and absolutely, totally delicious. You’ll want more.

There are also lovely Mediterranean options to choose from, so we share a beautiful Fresh Salad with sucrine, avocado and grapefruit which bursts with summer flavours and colours. (CHF18) – summer on a plate!

We also like the sound of the Mediterranean food board to share a lot – with San Daniele ham, truffled country ham, parmesan, olives Taggiasche and cherry tomatoes (CHF36).

Interesting dessert options include The Chocolate nun Gianduja 2.0 of the chef – (CHF14) and Mango carpaccio with Timut pepper and fresh passion fruit. (CHF16).

The menu is overseen by Beau-Rivage’s famous starred chef Dominique Gauthier and it shows! Creative, inspiring and exceptionally good.

WHO IS ALBERTINE?

Albertine’s cocktail lounge is named after Albertine Mayer, wife of Jean-Jacques Mayer, founding couple of Beau-Rivage Genève in 1865. Albertine is the great grandmother of current owner Jacques Mayer.

The hotel, which has recently re-opened at the start of July after the forced closure during Covid_19, is believed to be the only family-owned five-star hotel in the city.

OUR VERDICT

As you know by now, we love cocktails and we’re seriously into food. We hate inflated prices, stuffiness and pretentiousness. We love beautiful venues which also offer a relaxed vibe – we treasure magic moments and authenticity. Life is too short for anything else, right?

Well, Albertine’s Lounge ticks all of these boxes – so it’s a YES! from us.