In addition to being world famous as Voralberg’s top winter sports destination and the birthplace of alpine skiing, in recent years Lech Zürs has also succeeded in becoming an attraction for gourmets, epicures, wine connoisseurs and bons vivants. The increasing number of awards highlight the culinary expertise of this resort in the Arlberg, which features a concentration of Gault Millau toques, Michelin stars and expert sommeliers equalled only by the world's great cities.
Throughout the year, well-known publications in the sector are full of praise for the culinary delights on offer in Lech and Zürs. The Falstaff Gourmet Guide, for example, referred to the resort as “probably the most-awarded gourmet village in the world,” as six out of ten top restaurants in the Voralberg are located in Lech and Zürs, a figure as was established at the “Best of Austria” gourmet gala.
The Chef of the Year 2008 also works in a restaurant in Oberlech. The three-toque chef, Thorsten Probost, was named Chef of the Year by Gault Millau at an awards ceremony and was praised for his “modern, international cuisine, enriched with a generous pinch of individuality and characterised by the use of high-quality, seasonal produce” (quotation from the Managing Director of AGRANA, Johann Marihart).
A few of our other local restaurants were also presented with awards for their high-quality wines.
In July 2008, the Wine Spectator presented its Best of Award of Excellence to three restaurants. To be nominated, wine lists must feature 400 or more ambitiously-presented Auslese wines along with a multitude of vintages of a wide range of top wines or an excellent selection from several viticultural regions. An especially good way to become acquainted with the high-quality wine culture in Lech Zürs is to attend the Wine & Firn Weeks, held every spring.
This is a special event for more casual skiers who wait for the end of the season and the warmer, sunnier days so they can ski in the firn snow in the morning and look forward to a great culinary experience in the evening. Cult wines, rarities, new discoveries as well as unusual offerings await spring skiers, always accompanied by a magnificent gala dinner.
The Löffelweise series of gourmet events combines the above-average culinary expertise of Lech and Zürs with top-quality service, which guarantees that you will spend enjoyable evenings which will be an all round success and fulfil your every wish.
Bon appetit!
Gerhard Walter
Director of Tourism for Lech Zürs
