102 local life Behind this exceptional place lies a captivating story that begins in December 2021, in the midst of the pandemic. Caroline and Sylvain Stefanazzi Ogi, a couple with a passion for gastronomy and hospitality, have settled in Crans Montana to bring this unique project to life. Originally from Switzerland, with a solid background in the hotel industry, Caroline and Sylvain have always dreamed of owning their own restaurant, a place where they could express their vision of cuisine and hospitality. Their paths crossed in Montreux, but it was in the mountains of Crans Montana that they decided to embark on a new adventure. All roads lead to Crans Montana Caroline, who had already had the opportunity to work in Crans Montana in the early 2000s, has always been in love with the region. She fell in love with its natural charm and the quality of life it offers. «What more could you ask for! » she exclaims, underlining the privilege of living in the middle of the mountains while being close to Berne, her home canton. Why did they choose this destination? Caroline was the main instigator behind the decision. After exploring various regions of Switzerland, the couple wanted to settle in a place that had meaning for both of them, whether because of their roots or their shared history. In the end, fate led them to Crans Montana, an area where Caroline could fully enjoy her passion for the mountains. « It’s nice to get out in the green », she says. Sylvain adds: «We enjoy the comforts of a city while being surrounded by magnificent scenery. We’re close to everything: the lake, Italy, and Caroline can even get to her home town, Kandersteg, in just an hour. It’s just great!” The restaurant has been in Sylvain’s family for more than 60 years. His uncle opened the first pizzeria in the Valais with a wood-fired oven. Here, the couple are revisiting the family heritage. The name of the restaurant, ‘Le Casy’, is actually a subtle blend of the first names of the two owners, Caroline and Sylvain. This personal touch reflects their passionate commitment to the project and their desire to create a place that reflects them. This restaurant is not their first experience of running a restaurant. They worked for several years in Zermatt, Wengen and Montreux, as well as in Canada. However, Le Casy is the first establishment they have run as independent owners. «We’ve been able to create our own world according to our own aspirations, » explains Sylvain. Their previous experiences enabled them to learn a great deal and to refine their vision of what they wanted to achieve. Caroline stresses the importance of retaining only the positive aspects of each experience, whether good or not. Their respective backgrounds and their shared passion for gastronomy and hospitality have enabled them to successfully embark on this new adventure. Cooks, sommeliers, barman, but above all artists Le Casy breaks the mould of traditional cuisine. Here, there are no guidelines, no limits imposed on the flavours found in the dishes. Caroline and Sylvain don’t want to define their cuisine, or put a label on it. It is not limited to a specific style, but is rather a creative fusion of flavours and inspirations. This philosophy allows them to offer a menu that is both surprising and intriguing. Over the years, Caroline
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