While we had booked our hotel in Montreux - Hotel Splendid, which is located on the main lake promenade and turned out to be a very lovely little three-star hotel with the nicest staff and an even nicer view from the balcony - we decided to take a 10-minute bus ride to check out the old town of Vevey.
After walking through the old town and along the lake, we came across the prettiest of outside dining, or terraces, as they call them - it turned out to be the meal of a lifetime! We felt terribly underdressed in our summer dresses and casual attire, but the staff was so friendly and asked us right away if we'd like to see the menu - no, was our answer, just a table. They gave us the best seat in in the house.
So, this friendly hint to have a look at the menu first should have tipped us off - needless to say, the excellent surroundings came at a price. A degustation menu with approximately 20 "little" tidbits, or courses, runs about CHF200 per person... BUT, since it was our 13th wedding anniversary, we decided to stick with Chef Denis Martin's exquisite menu and order. The BEST thing I've EVER eaten: the filet of perch with a grapefruit mayonnaise and potatoes with parsley-infused oil - and, of course, this sounds just more romantic and enticing in French! So a simple bus excursion turned our trip to Vevey into an unforgettable dining experience you cannot replicate - ever!
www.denis-martin.com