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Sonnenalp in Vail welcomes new exec chef

VAIL — The Sonnenalp Hotel is pleased to announce the addition of Florian Schwarz as the new executive chef. Schwarz will head the hotel’s various restaurants and dining experiences including Ludwig’s, Bully Ranch, Swiss Chalet and the King’s Club Lounge.

“We are so happy to have Florian as part of the Sonnenalp family,” said Johannes Faessler, owner of the Sonnenalp. “To us, he’s a talented chef and a magnetic personality. We know locals and guests will enjoy his presence here at the hotel.”

Schwarz is no stranger to the Sonnenalp; he was the sous chef of Ludwig’s from October 1998 to February 2000.



Other places schwarz worked

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Since then, Schwarz has worked in some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world, including the Parkhotel in Bremen, Germany; Hotel Villa Joya in Portugal; Hotel La Reserva Rotana ­­— Mallorca; the Alpenhof Hotel Wildental — Austria and, most recently, the Restaurant Roland in Puerto Cristo, Spain.

Schwarz also owned and operated his own restaurant, Restaurant Brauereigasthof Engel in Rettenberg, Germany for several years, specializing in creative Alpine cuisine.

“I was so excited for the opportunity to come back to Vail and the Sonnenalp,” said Schwarz. “I know the hotel and still have people that I know working here; skiing is my favorite activity. I’m actually from Sonthofen, Bavaria, very close to where the other Sonnenalp hotel is, so I’m very familiar with the Faessler family, their family style of hotels and what that means for guests. It’s the whole package that I like.”

Meet the new executive chef

Throughout the fall and early winter, there will be a number of opportunities for guests to sample a taste of Schwarz’s exceptional cuisine or to meet him in person. Schwarz will be present at Gourmet on Gore as well as Vail Oktoberfest in Vail Village, where the Swiss Chalet will be serving up Alpine cuisine. Schwarz is also working on a special menu for the Sonnenalp’s upcoming Date Night on Sept. 27 on Ludwig’s Terrace. More information on Date Night at the Sonnenalp will be available soon.

Ludwig’s, reopening for dinner this winter on Dec. 13, will truly be the showcase of his talent. Schwarz assures guests the popular restaurant will continue to focus on the freshest seafood available, though there will be some changes with the style and preparation of menu items.

For more information on the Sonnenalp’s restaurants or Schwarz, call 970-476-5656, visit http://www.sonnenalp.com or email info@sonnenalp.com. To make reservations for Date Night on Sept. 27 or dinner at Ludwig’s starting on Dec. 13, call 970-479-5429.


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