If you love culinary weekend escapes, this small, family-led boutique hotel just steps away from the fairytale Rothenburg ob der Tauber mediaeval walled town might be just the place for you.
I love culinary weekend trips and this year, I have added quite a number of new locations to my ever growing list. Most of these destinations are small, family-led boutique hotels that offer unique culinary packages; and many of them produce part of their own food or wines.
Four-star boutique hotel Villa Mittermeier, located only steps away from Würzburger Tor, one of the main gates leading into the beautiful historic walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber absolutely fits that description.
Behind the concept of Villa Mittermeier is the philosophy to offer cosy rooms and gourmet food in a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s safe to say they have succeeded this goal.
As for the hotel’s history, Villa Mittermeier looks back at several decades led by the Mittermeier family. Current owners Ulli and Christian Mittermeier are at the helm of the operations since 1995 when they have taken over from Christian’s parents.
All of the four different room categories – from smart rooms (no not because they are stuffed with lots of technology but smartly designed to offer every comfort within small spaces) to comfort, superior and exclusive rooms – feature a modern design in light colours, comfy beds, on-suite bathrooms and some also have a balcony.
In case you are looking for something more quirky, I’d recommend seeking out Mittermeiers Alter Ego. It was fully booked at the time I arrange my trip to Rothenburg but the cute historic manor house located only steps away from Villa Mittermeier immediately caught my eye upon arrival; and I am very much determined to return for a weekend here.
The concept of Mittermeiers Alter Ego is best described as a minimalist luxury hotel featuring some community elements like a large kitchen including a long dining table and a little but well stocked bar from which guests can help themselves and pay for what they have used upon check-out.
But back to our culinary weekend at Villa Mittermeier.
Chef Christian Mittermeier is a member of the renowned Jeunes Restaurateurs (JRE) network; and though he is no longer part of the young chefs due to the age limit the networks sets, he still holds a membership as member d’honneur.
In case you are not familiar with JRE, it is a network that groups together young chefs offering award-winning cuisine. According to their website, participating chefs ‘combine extraordinary talent, a deep passion for cuisine, a love of local produce, and a strong sense of tradition. Their cooking expertise paired with the outstanding atmosphere of their restaurants offers a truly incredible experience.’
Having stayed at a couple of their member hotels, I can honestly confirm all of them have truly lived up to this claim.
A particular trait that distinguishes JRE is a range of various special culinary offers at quite favourable prices bookable at nearly all of its members.
We took advantage of this and booked into Villa Mittermeier’s culinary exclusive weekend package, a two-night stay including a three-course dinner on the first night and a four-course dinner on the second.
The restaurant is a lovely small space featuring a minimalist yet very elegant design and relaxed atmosphere.
If you care, you can observe the kitchen staff at work through the small open windows in the wall; which I found a great variety of the open-kitchen concept as it’s less present and if you rather have an more intimate evening, it’s easy to ignore what’s going on in the kitchen.
Food certainly did not disappoint and we indulged in local produce prepared with an innovative twist.
On the first evening, our three-course menu comprised a variation of cauliflower, followed by a delicately fried guinea-fowl accompanied by parsnip and wild mushrooms. The menu ended with a delicious edelweiss white chocolate sorbet, marinated plum and cream pastry.
The four-course menu on the second evening included a bottle of Champagne which actually was a sparkling wine from the hotel’s own vineyard.
As for the food, to kick-off the menu was a drained carrot served with miso and coriander giving it a slight Asian twist. Next came a grilled char with dashi and marinated vegetables. A wonderful tender baby lamb was served as main course whilst the menu ended with a lightly baked cheesecake accompanied by a mulled-wine sorbet.
Breakfast is served either at the restaurant in the morning or in the small bistro space. Expect freshly squeezed orange juice, an assembly of freshly baked pastries, home-made jams, bread, ham and cheeses, and eggs all style directly from the kitchen.
If you want to know more about what to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, check out my previous post on Visiting fairytale Rothenburg ob der Tauber and A fairytale visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market.
I had a wonderful relaxed weekend at Villa Mittermeier, enjoying the hotels friendly atmosphere and excellent cuisine.
Carrots and Tigers 