Latest news with #Mueller
Hamilton Spectator
13 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
In Switzerland's ‘Watch Valley,' I slow-travelled to tiny villages and towns where time seems to stand still
As I stand on the ramparts of Murten, Switzerland, fairy-tale roofs topped with twisty chimneys draw my gaze toward Lake Murten and the Jura Mountains beyond. I'm among a handful of summer tourists walking the walls of this medieval town of roughly 8,000, which was founded in 1159. From this lofty vantage, Murten 's cobblestone streets, Gothic castle and ancient limestone tower take me back centuries, to a time of witch trials and, even more distant, to the bubonic plague of the 1300s. I can almost hear the town crier shouting to villagers, 'Bring out your dead!' 'That's where we used to burn our witches,' explains city guide Barbara Mueller, indicating the tower, where women suspected of witchcraft were imprisoned while awaiting trial. Those convicted were burned at the stake. Medieval Murten's fairy-tale roofs and whimsical chimneys, and its 1712 clock. She also points out the baroque Berntor (Bern Gate) and clock tower, whose timepiece was built in 1712. The clock is still hand-cranked every 24 hours so it chimes on schedule, says Mueller. Incidentally, she set her phone alarm at the beginning of this media tour, so our group of travel writers wouldn't miss our onward train. I'd expect no less in a country with a global reputation for punctuality. We're in Switzerland's ' Watch Valley ,' a scenic patchwork of forests, fields, jewel-toned lakes and historic towns bordering France between Basel and Geneva on the southeastern flanks of the Jura Mountains. The region has been keeping the country ticking for centuries thanks to horology, the painstaking craft of making clocks and watches. Famous brands, from Omega to Victorinox, are headquartered here, in cities like Delémont and La Chaux-de-Fonds , a UNESCO World Heritage site. La Chaux-de-Fonds is considered the cradle of Swiss watchmaking. Even the townscape is orderly. But for most visitors, the draws are the region's villages and small towns like Murten, where time seems to stand still. These medieval relics are an analog answer to big, busy cities like Zurich and Geneva, where most international visitors go. And Switzerland being, well, Swiss, the efficient public transportation — trains, buses and boats — delivers travellers comfortably to these bygone treasures, with plenty of time en route to appreciate the journey. This is how we slow-travel from Delémont to Neuchâtel and deep into Watch Valley. Trains deeply influenced timekeeping in this mountainous country. Engineers realized the importance of running on time, to avoid collisions and maintain schedules, and precision became a priority. Although operating trains takes meticulous logistics, riding them is a leisurely pleasure, heightened by the anticipation of seeing a granite peak or walled town draw slowly closer. The small medieval town of St. Ursanne was named Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism in 2023. My first glimpse of St. Ursanne is from the train window. The tiny hamlet appears as a storybook cluster of red-shingled homes and businesses circling a church steeple, snug on the banks of the Doubs river. We walk the kilometre from the station to the imposing city gate like wayfarers of yore. During the Middle Ages, some 3,000 pilgrims arrived daily to pray at the tomb of Ursicinus, an Irish monk who came to town in the 7th century. Today, we have the village's three cobblestone streets, and the 900-year-old church's secluded cloister, mostly to ourselves. St. Ursanne was named Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism in 2023, in recognition of its medieval town centre, cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. But outside of Les Médiévales, a festival held biennially in July, it remains largely under the radar. There are seven or eight tiny hotels in town, including the lovely, new Hôtel de la Cigogne , alongside a few restaurants, a bakery, a butcher shop and, like any good medieval rest stop, a brewery. Rumours of cold riverside beers draw me to a public beach along the Doubs. But the family-run Brasserie Tonnebière is on the far bank, so I settle for refreshment in the clear water of the languorous river. The afternoon stretches on without care as I float under a bright blue sky. Equally as charming is Auvernier, a millennium-old town hemmed in by leafy vineyards on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel. Like clockwork, a train and bus deliver us to Auvernier's hilltop stop, with time en route to watch the passing fields and church steeples, or daydream about never driving a car again. Château d'Auvernier is one of Switzerland's oldest family-run wineries. The walk to our winery destination, Château d'Auvernier , feels like another step back in time. We pass snapshots of village life that belong on a faded postcard: pastel buildings with brightly painted shutters, public fountains adorned with flowers, a green-eyed cat perched imperiously on a stone fence. One of Switzerland's oldest family-run wineries, Château d'Auvernier was founded in 1603 and is located in a limestone castle. It's best known for a rosé called L'Oeil de Perdrix, made from Pinot Noir grapes, so called because its colour approximates that of a partridge's eye. Cellar master Frédéric Droz tells us about harvesting grapes, fermenting juice and aging wine in French oak barrels. The process can't be rushed, but he often feels like he's fighting the clock. 'We want always to go farther and do more than time allows,' Droz laments. That sentiment rings true on this trip, where each sleepy town unlocks stories from the past that point toward new-to-me destinations worth exploring. A view of Neuchâtel, another watchmaking city, and its 12th-century castle. In Neuchâtel, another watchmaking city, our historic walking tour ends by one of the city's numerous public fountains. Anne-Laure Pollet-Bolon, a guide with Neuchâtel Tourism, uses a key to open a secret compartment under the fountain's flower box. She pulls out a bottle of absinthe to share the famous drink of the Belle Époque, when the city flourished and many of its grand limestone buildings were constructed. While we sip the spirit, once banned in Switzerland for its high alcohol content and links to social disorder, she explains how it was invented in nearby Val-de-Travers (and not, as commonly believed, in France). Inspired to learn more, the next morning I ditch the group and board a train for Môtiers, another ancient village, to reach the local museum, La Maison de L'Absinthe. Outside the train window, views of turquoise Lake Neuchâtel are soon replaced by green forests and fertile fields. As the carriage rolls steadily up the lush valley, I reflect on the transportive power of even a short train ride, to take me from the present to the past. It's perhaps as close as I'll get to time travel, and it feels a bit like magic. Lisa Kadane travelled as a guest of Switzerland Tourism , which did not review or approve this article.
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Bengaluru restaurant wins US man's heart with North Karnataka thali. Watch video
A video of American entrepreneur Bert Mueller enjoying a traditional North Karnataka-style thali at Bengaluru's iconic vegetarian eatery, Kamat, has gone viral on social short clip was shared by the Instagram account Bengaluru Servd and has gone viral on social was rather thrilled as he enjoyed the thali, and particularly appreciated the restaurant's healthy, home-style offerings. 'I love buttermilk. Can I have some more buttermilk, please?' Mueller is heard asking the restaurant staff as he enjoys the elaborate founder of the well-known food chain California Burrito, Mueller recalled how he first discovered Kamat back in 2014, thanks to his chartered accountant. 'There's a lot of fresh vegetables, all sorts of different salads and chutneys, and I really like healthy food,' he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Servd Bengaluru (@ also praised the restaurant's attention to detail, calling out the 'beautiful piece of fresh butter on the jowar roti' and a 'nice baingan' dish that rounded off the joy in relishing a simple, nutritious vegetarian thali has impressed viewers, with many praising his genuine love for local cuisine and the regional food culture.- EndsMust Watch
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Incredible": California Burrito CEO Can't Get Enough Of This Karnataka Cuisine
Indian thali gives you a wholesome experience. From the plethora of flavours to a variety of breads and sweets, the platter is a festival in itself. Agree? Don't know about you, but Bret Mueller, founder of California Burrito, agrees with us. Recently, he was spotted relishing North Karnataka cuisine. FYI: Mueller moved to Bengaluru in 2012 at the age of 22. Coming back to the video in which Mueller is enjoying Jolada Rotti meals in Basavanagudi. As per Mueller, the plate full of fresh vegetables is 'incredible.' In the video, he can he heard saying, 'I first came here in 2014 on the recommendation of my chartered accountant. I was new to the city back then. The experience stuck with me. This plate is full of fresh vegetables, crispy salads, and vibrant flavours. The butter melting over the Jowar rotti is incredible, especially when paired with the eggplant curry.' Mueller added that he visits Basavanagudi especially for the Jolada Rotti meals. 'There are several places across Bengaluru serving similar food, but this one hits differently. It's the best. After eating a meal like this, hitting the gym is out of the question.' Mueller gave full marks to the buttermilk paired with the thali. 'We don't usually get this kind of variety in thalis, especially this many vegetables. It's healthy, filling, and flavorful,' he noted. California Burrito CEO x Jolad Rotti Meals — Season Flake ????⚓️ (@seasonflaketopg) July 29, 2025 The video became an instant hit on social media. A user said, 'This guy became a complete Indian - the hand gestures, the head bob, the English phrasing (very Bangalorean on few times), eating with hand. Great guy and built a great brand with California Burrito.' Another added, 'Jolada Rotti will be nxt Kholapuri Chappal. They just steal, label & sell.' For those who don't know, Jolada or Jowar rotti is made with sorghum flour. Recipes here. 'Bro has had too much Indian food, that he has even acquired the ubiquitous Indian head bob,' a comment read. 'Buttermilk is definitely an acquired taste for a foreigner. He is Indianised now!! not just Bengalurian,' someone said. What do you have to say about it?
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Video: US Entrepreneur Enjoys North Karnataka Cuisine In Bengaluru, Calls It "Healthy And Flavorful"
Bert Mueller, the American entrepreneur behind the popular food chain California Burrito, was recently spotted relishing North Karnataka cuisine in Bengaluru. A video shared on Instagram by the food channel Bengaluru Servd shows Mr Mueller enjoying a traditional North Karnataka-style thali at the iconic vegetarian restaurant, Kamat. In the clip, the entrepreneur appears visibly delighted as he praises the meal's variety and freshness. He also fondly recalls his first visit to the eatery in 2014, prompted by a recommendation from his chartered accountant. "I was new to the city back then. The experience stuck with me," he says. Describing the meal, Mr Mueller says, "This plate is full of fresh vegetables, crispy salads, and vibrant flavours. The butter melting over the Jowar rotti is incredible, especially when paired with the eggplant curry." "There are several places across Bengaluru serving similar food, but this one hits differently. It's the best," he said, adding, "After eating a meal like this, hitting the gym is out of the question." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Servd Bengaluru (@ Further, the entrepreneur pointed out the generous servings of buttermilk that accompany the thali. "We don't usually get this kind of variety in thalis, especially this many vegetables. It's healthy, filling, and flavorful," he noted. Since being shared, the video has garnered more than 300,000 views and over 13,000 comments. "Am I delusional or is everyone else actually seeing an American nail the pronunciation of Basavanagudi," commented one user. "And he has definitely mastered the Indian nod with little little! Fab," wrote another. "Bert you're more Indian than us Indians," quipped a third user. "Bro brought Mexican food to India and he's enjoying our culture and food to the fullest," said one user. "lol my boy has mastered the art of the desi headnod," commented another. Notably, Mr Mueller's connection with India began in 2010 during a study abroad programme in Jaipur. He was staying with a local host family when a classmate shared homemade Mexican food with them. Their enthusiastic response contrasted with the lukewarm reaction to the American snacks Mr Mueller had brought himself. That moment, he says, sparked the idea of launching a Mexican-style food venture in India. So, after completing his education in the US, Mr Mueller raised $250,000 (roughly Rs 2 crore) from family and friends. In 2012, he returned to India and opened the first California Burrito outlet in Bengaluru, choosing the city for its cosmopolitan, IT-savvy population that he believed would be open to global cuisines.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
American CEO Bret Mueller digs into North Karnataka's Jolada Rotti meal in Bengaluru, calls it 'wholesome and healthy'
Bret Mueller, the American entrepreneur behind the popular fast-food chain California Burrito, recently found himself enjoying Jolada Rotti meals at a well-known vegetarian restaurant in Bengaluru. A viral video shared by the popular food channel Bengaluru Servd shows Mueller thoroughly enjoying a traditional North Karnataka-style thali at Kamat, tucked in Basavanagudi. Bret Muller, the CEO of California Burrito enjoys Jolada Rotti meals in Bengaluru((Screengrab from Bengaluru Servd video)) Also Read - Vietjet plans daily flights between Bengaluru and Ho Chi Minh amid soaring demand Take a look at the video In the video, Mueller, visibly delighted, praises the variety and freshness of the meal. 'I first came here in 2014 on the recommendation of my chartered accountant. I was new to the city back then. The experience stuck with me,' he recalls. Describing the meal, he says, 'This plate is full of fresh vegetables, crispy salads, and vibrant flavors. The butter melting over the Jowar rotti is incredible, especially when paired with the eggplant curry.' For someone who built his business around burritos and bowls, Mueller has developed a soft corner for North Karnataka cuisine. He revealed that he makes a special trip to Basavanagudi two to three times a year just to indulge in the Jolada Rotti meals. 'There are several places across Bengaluru serving similar food, but this one hits differently. It's the best,' he said, adding with a laugh, 'After eating a meal like this, hitting the gym is out of the question.' Also Read - Karnataka woman kills her brother to avoid 'family shame' after he tested positive for HIV He also pointed out the generous and refreshing servings of buttermilk that accompany the thali. 'We don't usually get this kind of variety in thalis, especially this many vegetables. It's healthy, filling, and flavorful,' he noted. While he enjoys the food, Mueller isn't as thrilled with Bengaluru's notorious traffic. 'These days, I prefer taking autos to get around faster,' he said candidly. Mueller moved to Bengaluru in 2012 at the age of 22 and opened the first California Burrito outlet in the city. Over the years, the Mexican fast-casual brand has grown steadily and now boasts over 100 outlets across India, raking in $23 million in revenue last year, according to a CNBC report. Like many businesses, California Burrito faced severe setbacks during the pandemic, shutting down 19 of its 37 stores. But the brand made a strong comeback. In 2021, it launched a bold ₹100 menu campaign, promoted by influencers, which proved to be a massive success and drove a surge in footfall. The chain recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store.
