Casa Caminada

Fürstenau, Switzerland - map
www.casacaminada.com

Tucked away within the idyllic landscapes of Fürstenau, known as the world's smallest city, Casa Caminada emerges as a haven of tranquility and a celebration of culinary delights. It is not merely a collection of stones and timbers; it is a sanctuary of peace, an homage to culinary traditions, and an arena for delightful discoveries. This retreat stands as a harmonious blend of earthiness and cosmopolitan charm, meticulously designed and fervently managed. Its true luxury lies in the expanse of space it provides, offering a canvas for dreams to unfold and relaxation to thrive—an ode to simplicity and a heartfelt homage to the canton of Graubünden and its people.

Nestled harmoniously beside the acclaimed Schloss Schauenstein, an establishment adorned with 3 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points, Casa Caminada occupies a position of exceptional distinction. In the realm of guestrooms, a symphony of comfort and luminosity is orchestrated. Each room is a unique masterpiece, marked by an atmosphere of serenity and adorned with the tactile allure of larch wood. The architecture speaks of calm lines and an unspoken invitation to a sensorial journey.

The dwelling provides an array of experiences, each resonating with a distinct charm. A nest-like double room captures an intimate ambiance, cocooning guests in a realm of personal sanctuary. On the other hand, a generously proportioned family room, boasting its own alcove for relaxation, invites visitors to linger, enticing them to extend their stay. These chambers serve as portals to Fürstenau's enchanting streetscapes, which reveal hidden corners and regal castles. Alternatively, the vistas open up to embrace the valley below and the majestic peaks that enfold it.

Yet, it's not just the visual tapestry that enchants; it's the olfactory journey that unfolds alongside the rising sun. The aroma of freshly baked bread becomes an indispensable morning companion, infusing waking moments with warmth and comfort. Such gestures symbolize the commitment of the hosts to a holistic sensory experience, forming the foundation for a stay that transcends mere accommodation.

Within the culinary haven of Casa Caminada's restaurant, an orchestra of flavors and textures dances on the palate, crafting a symphony that pays homage to the region's culinary legacy while embracing the modern nuances of gastronomy. Here, the act of dining transcends the utilitarian nature of cutlery; it evolves into an intimate conversation with the spoon. The dishes presented are a fusion of the uncomplicated and the exquisite, mirroring the essence of Graubünden and the passion of the culinary artisans behind them.

Amid this culinary journey, tradition intertwines seamlessly with the contemporary. The menu beckons exploration of local treasures such as Capuns and Maluns, poultry from Val Lumnezia, and dried pear ravioli adorned with nut butter, sourced from the very garden of the castle. The mastermind behind this symphony is Chef Mathias Kotzbeck, whose culinary journey resonates harmoniously with Casa Caminada's philosophy, a resonance nurtured during his tenure at Schloss Schauenstein and IGNIV St. Moritz.

Central to Casa Caminada's ethos stands its wood-burning oven, a living artifact that carries within it the whispers of 300 years of craftsmanship. Meticulously assembled by the skilled hands of the Heuft family, seventh-generation stove builders from the Rhineland, this wood stove is a living testament to tradition, imparting its character into every loaf it bakes. The decision to embrace this time-honored approach to breadmaking emerges as a tribute to the legacy of baking, and a dedication to flavor that can only be wrought by direct wood-firing.

As the sun sets, and summer's warmth gives way to autumn's golden embrace, Casa Caminada's commitment to preserving nature's bounty takes center stage. In a heartfelt homage to the region's culinary heritage, the castle garden becomes a treasure trove of preserved flavors. Much like storerooms of yore, this pantry stocks the harvest of the land, ensuring the taste of summer and autumn persists. Apples and potatoes, staples of the region, find their place alongside delicacies preserved with a nod to the art of cheesemaking and the finesse of butchery.

As winter unfurls its icy tendrils, this pantry becomes the heart of the restaurant, a treasure trove that allows the flavors of warmer days to grace the table even amidst the chill. With winter's arrival, the pantry transforms into a symphony of tradition and localism, a showcase of the inseparable bond between the land and the culinary creations it inspires.

Casa Caminada beckons travelers not merely to a temporary abode, but to a narrative woven with the threads of heritage, innovation, and an unwavering ardor for culinary exploration. It's a retreat where time takes on a more deliberate pace, where the fragrance of freshly baked bread welcomes the dawn, and where elegance is entwined with simplicity. With every spoonful savored, every gaze held, and every sigh exhaled, Casa Caminada weaves its tale—an enchanting narrative that extols the art of living, savoring, and discovering the abundant treasures of Graubünden and its people.