HOTEL PRESIDENT WILSON GENEVA – BRUNCH
by Chené Koscielny
One of the best ways of feeling ‘normal’ this summer is to enjoy a lazy, boozy brunch by the poolside, while also overlooking the lake in one of Geneva’s prime spots – the Hotel President Wilson. One of the few ‘positive’ spin-offs of Covid_19 is that us locals get a chance to enjoy usually ‘touristy’ hangouts and this gorgeous poolside terrace will make you feel like you’re on holiday!
FUSION BRUNCH
Known for its excellent Japanese fusion cuisine at Umami Restaurant by celebrated chef Michel Roth, the hotel restaurant offers only one menu across the entire terrace this year spanning Japanese, French and Lebanese dishes.
This year instead of a buffet brunch, you can enjoy a set menu – also spanning the three different cuisines mentioned – on Saturday and Sunday.
STYLISH AND RELAXED WITH A LAKE VIEW
The pool garden terrace is huge with stunning views over the lake, a little water feature and, of course the stunning pool, which you could use during your visit – for a fee.
The atmosphere is relaxed, yet stylish without being pompous.
It’s the ideal venue for whiling away a few lazy hours with family and friends on a Sunday.
WHAT IS ON THE BRUNCH MENU?
We start with a coup de Champagne, of course, before being totally blown away by the impressive spread of starters:
- Foie gras and bresaola mini sandwiches
- quinoa Greek salad
- the freshest avocado and salmon Uramaki
- a Lebanese Moutabal and tabouli salad
- exotic prawn cocktail
- and the ubiquitous Swiss ham and cheese plate
For the next hour we work our way through this collection with gusto – and every small dish is a delightful discovery of fresh tastes and flavours.
Our favourite is definitely the sushi, but foie gras is always a good call too!
FRESH BIO LOBSTER FOR MAINS
I’m super excited about my main course – a bio baby lobster with herb butter, potatoes and aigrelette sauce. It’s been a while since I’ve had lobster and I’m not disappointed. The flavour is excellent and the lobster meat is delicious and fresh.
Alana goes for the beef fillet piccata (beef sliced and covered with flour and sautéed in a sauce) with girolles mushrooms, fava beans and artichoke. The meat is tender and very tasty. The main courses are not too heavy, which is very a good thing – considering what’s coming up next!
PURE INDULGENCE
Next up is a tray with the most delightful and mouth-watering assortment of desserts.
There are two of each. After taking some gorgeous Instagram shots, we are ready to dig in.
It’s hard work eating your way through this selection, but we try our best 😉
- We start with the frozen macaroon, vanilla and chocolate cookie – as it melts quickly.
- Then the decadent Duchesse Dulcey – a light creamy chocolate in a shortbread crust.
- The coffee tiramisu – light and yummy!
- Finally, the plum far Breton Far– a classic French dessert: a rich, dense custard with fruit and imbibed with Armagnac.
- Finally, a raspberry puff pasty.
Our favourite? Hard to say, but we did LOVE that frozen macaroon.
This dessert tray is pure indulgence and an experience in itself
THE COST
ADULT / CHF 88.- (non-alcoholic drinks included)
CHILDREN (6-12 ans)* / CHF 45.-
*Note that we temporarily do not offer kids area with baby-sitter
Mineral water, sodas, juices and hot beverages included `
OUR VERDICT
The brunch at the Hotel President Wilson’s poolside terrace garden is a lovely experience.
Take your time, go with some friends or family and savour every course and dish.
It’s a great way to celebrate your holiday or staycation in Geneva in a stunning venue.
The food is excellent – as you’d expect – and the service can’t be faulted.
NOTE:
Our meal at Poolgarden Terrasse was sponsored. We only write about restaurants we like and which we think our audience will appreciate.
MORE INFO
Poolgarden Terrace
47 Quai Wilson
Geneva 1
1211
CALL: +41 22 906 65 24
