Walking along the shores of Lake Maggiore we reach Stresa, and are immersed in one of the most beautiful landscapes of our territory, a timeless painting that allows us to retrace the footsteps of the most famous historical figures.
First of all Napoleon Bonaparte who, in order to allow his military units and cannons to pass even in winter, had a road built across the Simplon pass, wide enough for a stretch that connects the Arc de Triomphe in Paris with the 'Arch of Peace in Milan; the route passes right through Stresa.
When the time of the Emperor of France was over, the road remained and became one of the busiest because, unlike others, it did not undergo winter closures and could be used without restrictions. This is why this splendid hotel was built in 1863, to this day a landmark for Stresa.
Thus we enter a hotel which enjoys the modernity and comfort of the best luxury hotels in Italy, but also enchants us with its elegant architecture, faithful to its historical period despite its recent renovation, characterized by lavish surroundings decorated in precious purple and gold.
We make sure to visit the Restaurant "Il Borromeo", established at the same time as the hotel, which offers us a gastronomic experience of the highest order, overlooking the lake with views where reality borders on dream.
The manager Gianluigi Mariani, who welcomed us, wants to tell us about his menu that encompasses the excellence of a lake area rich in meat and fish. Despite a very cosmopolitan and varied clientèle, eating local produce is a point of pride for the Borromeo Restaurant that maintains this tradition, making variations where necessary to keep in step with the times.
So let’s taste some of the restaurant’s dishes, starting with the Tuna Fish, marinated in soy coffee, together with a black pepper sauce, followed by bite-sized burrata with fresh raw shrimp, and we continue our high-end culinary experience with Wagyu sirloin served on a Himalayan salt stone, accompanied by fresh vegetables and Shitake mushrooms.
Nor do we miss the opportunity to savor the perch fish fillets with roast potatoes and sliced almonds in foamy butter, and the deliciousness of the roast cockerel, enriched with mignon vegetables and baked potato wedges with herbs, browned and sautéed to perfection. We crown our culinary experience with Mazara prawns laid on chickpea puree, whipped with extra virgin olive oil and fresh fava bean ragù.
The wine list offers French labels, but puts primary emphasis on the excellent Piedmontese ones from local producers, who often meet in the hotel for events.
In this fairy-tale setting between dream and excellence, there is no shortage of San Benedetto Prestige Rose Edition, synonymous with purity and elegance which, with its glass format, fits into the setting with its unique design.
We hope not to wake up from this dream suspended in time, between history and modernity, where we can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience, while overlooking the mirror of the lake and imagining Ernest Hemingway sitting at a nearby table.
The Grand Hôtel des Iles Borromées is protected by the cultural association Locali Storici that promotes 230 establishments in Italy that have over 70 years of activity. San Benedetto has been a member and supporter since 2018 of the association to preserve bars, restaurants and hotels that have witnessed the history of Italy and its illustrious protagonists.
Il Borromeo, Stresa (VB)
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