The story
Just outside Sankt Gallen, in the small village of Grub, the traditional Landgasthaus Bären welcomes guests with a promise of genuine hospitality. The team, led by host Jeannette Pufahl in the service and chef Dietmar Wild in the kitchen, runs the house on three guiding spirits: "Gemütlichkeit – Freundlichkeit – Zufriedenheit" (coziness, friendliness, contentment).
Bären's kitchen focuses on classic cuisine and country cooking, delivering hearty, well-crafted dishes that have earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. This recognition highlights the kitchen's ability to provide good quality, good value cooking—a testament to the straightforward, satisfying food served here. The current menu changes regularly, with a weekly lunch special and a particular focus on tartare specialties.
Beyond the dining room, the inn offers hotel rooms, banquet menus for events, and a "Genuss Camping" experience for motorhomes. Whether you stop in for a meal, stay overnight, or book a private party, the atmosphere remains consistently warm and unpretentious.
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good quality, good value cooking
The stately "Bären" also serves excellent fish and chips – after all, an Appenzell country inn doesn't survive on gourmets alone. But its true class is showcased by experienced head chef Dietmar Wild in the menu, where cheese played a surprising role this winter. Fresh cheese dumplings with citrus zest were served as an amuse-bouche, while the crispy goat cheese tartlet with figs, arugula, and balsamic vinegar proved an exquisite starter. A robust Sbrinz cheese espuma accompanied the onsen egg served in a glass with spinach and croutons. That dishes can be outstanding without cheese was demonstrated by the zander fillet on leek with miso beurre blanc, and in the main course, a braised veal cheek with scorzonera and potato-celery mille-feuille. Cheese naturally featured in the cheese course with caramelized Mont d'Or, brioche, and dried fruit chutney. To finish, a plum roast with vanilla quark foam and almond croquant won over. An exciting, vintage-rich, and lavish wine list.
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