The Chedi, Andermatt, Swizterland

Consumed in the lobby of The Chedi in Andermatt, Switzerland.

It was a breath of fresh air to leave the intoxicating heat of Zurich and head into the Swiss Alps, literally and figuratively. YES, I absolutely loved Zurich, but 95 degrees in a convertible while driving through urban congestion doesn’t exactly exude elation.

Switzerland’s infrastructure has to be some of the best in the world, and the winding roads, tunnels, and bridges that took us up into the mountains were a testament to excellent engineering.

Our guide, Josh, brought us to the Burgenstock Resort for lunch, high above Lake Lucerne. WOW, what an epic destination, its ambiance, service, and views almost trumped everything we had experienced prior. But this layover would be short lived, as we hopped in our cars and headed deeper into the Swiss Alps, our final destination being Andermatt.

Everything in Andermatt had been booked just a few days prior while we were already in Europe, finalizing the details of each leg of the trip. A big kudos to Josh for some last minute itinerary modifications, because we ended up with rooms booked at The Chedi Andermatt, an epic, modern hotel and spa literally nestled into the base of the Swiss Alps and the start of our next drive.

Most of our rooms weren’t ready upon arrival, but I personally didn’t mind at all – this hotel had epic, sweeping views of Andermatt coupled with modern, Swiss design that emanated warm comfort in a way that slowed me down and ensured I appreciated the moment. And this moment called for a club sandwich.

The Chedi’s lobby lounge boasted a “Club Sandwich Classic,” and I sat down by the fire to patiently away the CHf44 meal. My expectations were running high due to The Chedi’s unctuous presence and attitude towards literally everything.

Well layered, well plated, and a lot of fun to eat, the Club Sandwich Classic at The Chedi Andermatt delivered delicious ingredients in a nicely-sandwiched format. The cucumbers were a fresh, whimsical addition that subtly referenced the hotel’s elaborate spa. The crisp yet moist chicken and a perfectly fried egg paired well with the toasted and sauced bread.

I found the two layers of lettuce a bit intriguing and half unnecessary, but what puzzled me most about this club sandwich was the fact the bacon had been balled up and skewed by a toothpick on top the bread. This was a first for me. Why take this layer and scrunch it up so it cannot be consumed easily with the rest of the meal? I was perplexed, to say the least! An avant-garde twist on what they defined as a classic, I couldn’t make sense of it.

Beyond the bacon, I loved The Chedi and their club sandwich. The French fries were spot on, and the “secret sauce” they came with was delightfully delectable. They should shmear that sauce on everything, including the club sandwich!

As soon as I was done with the club, my room was ready – and an hour later, we were traversing the same roads Sean Connery did in Goldfinger, wrapping around hillsides and leading up and down canyons and taking in the stunning, overly invigorating, beyond-my-expectations, Oberalp Pass, Furka Pass and Grimsel Pass.

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