restaurantREVIEW - The tastes of Tyrol

The tastes of Tyrol

FEBRUARY 2007 — VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

Visitors to Sun Peaks often associate the village with those they imagine exist in fairy tales. Steep sloped roofs, gingerbread mouldings and turrets bring to mind Tyrolean castles nestled into the mountains of Austria.

According to Karl and Elisabeth Buchegger, there’s no better way to bring the romance of the Alps to life than to visit them at their Tyrolean-inspired restaurant, Servus.

Upon first glance, the eatery appears small, almost too tiny to possibly hold more than a dozen guests. But once you step through the foyer, Servus reveals itself to be intimate and well-designed, with room for couples to enjoy dinner next to the hearth, or perhaps beneath the twinkling fairy lights that adorn the room. The Bucheggers explain they want guests to be able to relax and enjoy good company and fresh, simple, flavourful food.

“I’ve always said I wouldn’t put anything on our menu that I don’t like to eat myself,” says Elisabeth. “Keep it simple, let the ingredients make the dish and prepare it with heart.”

Elisabeth and her culinary vision are at the heart of Servus’ delicious menu while Karl tends to the details of fine dining on the restaurant floor. Karl hails from Austria and Elisabeth is German-born—she completed her food training near Munich. The tastes and trends of Europe are alive and well in the restaurant, and several Pacific Northwestern items round out the menu.

“My favourite items on our menu are the rack of lamb and the Tyrolean Jaeger Schnitzel,” Elisabeth says. “The lamb is prepared with an herb crust and a rosemary balsamic reduction. The Jaeger Schnitzel is like those that come from Austria, with a creamy mushroom sauce and spaetzle.”

Elisabeth is quick to add that although these are the most popular menu items served at Servus, there are a few sleepers that visitors should definitely try, particularly the sablefish.

“The sablefish is new on our menu this year,” she recounts. “Many people have tried it and they’ve loved it.”

With Valentine’s Day on the way, Servus is looking to corner the Sun Peaks market when it comes to romance and intimate dinners. Elisabeth reveals the restaurant will be hosting a four-course dinner for that special evening in February, although the menu’s being kept under wraps for now.

“We want it to be a surprise,” she says with a smile. Above all else, the Bucheggers want their guests to enjoy their dining experience and leave Servus content. If intimacy, romance and European flavours appeal to your palate, be sure to book your table at Servus tonight.

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