Greetings from the kitchen
Text: Gregor Ladenhauf • Photography: Zanshin Kuge
What could be more delightful than to place oneself trustingly in the hospitable hands of genuinely friendly hosts for a day or an evening? Ruth Heusch and Christoph Mandl offer a modern, seasonally inspired cuisine, grounded in the solid foundation of French culinary arts.
What goes on the menu is largely influenced by the availability of products, whether regional or supra-regional. In harmony with nature, dishes are continuously created to connect rather than provoke. Just as important as an obvious and honest use of resources at Saziani is the relationship between aesthetics and taste. Only dishes that both look good and satisfy the palate are served.
Christoph Mandl sees his creations as comfort dishes, reflecting quality and respect for the basic ingredients, which remain recognizable even after processing. This high standard is met with expertise and sensitivity, as charming and elegant as it is restrained.
The well-thought-out dishes have aromatic depth and balance – vegetables, meat, or fish are equally significant here. In the end, the happy smile and the guests’ delightful amazement count. The compositions can be profound and intricate, yet also juicy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Sometimes, the seemingly simplest combinations can be the most wonderful thing that can happen.
To cook like Sashimono. Which does not refer to a chef or a dish, but to the Japanese art of wood joinery, characterized by clarity, efficient elegance, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Christoph Mandl is as familiar with the classical French school as he is with a grounded approach, having trained in various international restaurants and served as head chef at Taubenkobel for many years. However, as in any other establishment, everything is just the sum of its parts. Just as important as the presentation at the table is the atmosphere in the kitchen and the operation in general. This is also a significant concern for Ruth and Christoph, contributing to the experienced warmth at SAZIANI. The host couple does not want to place too much importance on themselves. What matters more to them is the happiness and experience of the people they have the pleasure of indulging with their culinary passion.
At Saziani, taste is paramount! This is virtually certified by many enthusiastic guests and restaurant guides 😉 But what else would you expect from someone who jokingly says he wants to cook like Sashimono. And this does not refer to a chef or a dish, but to the Japanese art of wood joinery, characterized by clarity, efficient elegance, and high-quality craftsmanship.
