Restaurant Rollerhof    October 2002 Restaurant Rollerhof Münsterplatz 20 4001 Basel Switzerland Tel.  +41 61 263 04 84 Fax. +41 61 263 04 85 Rollerhof Site The Rollerhof is found in possibly the most picturesque part of Basel in the old town situated in the main square of the Münster. The square is set in highest part of town with views over the Rhine towards the more industrial 'Kleine Basel'. The restaurant itself is attached to the 'Museum der Kulturen'. There are a number of interconnecting rooms generally with wood panelling, high ceilings and textile designs behind large frames on the walls. There is generally a feeling of space. The tables are laid with white linen and are nicely set. The menu has starters and soups, plus around four choices for either meat or fish. I don't remember a vegetarian selection - but I might have missed it. There was also a choice of either a 3, 4 or 5 course 'Autumn' menu - but no indication of what courses to expect. The wine menu has a number of open wines by the glass, and is clearly laid out by country - most of the interest coming from the 'Italy' section. Generally the wines are young and expensive but I found a gem of a 1988 Chianti Classico for 110chf. My wife chose soup and a lamb dish, I, carpaccio and a veal roullade. The disadvantage of understanding only 70% of the (German) menu is that the soup when it arrived was consommé. Not a problem for me, but someone at the same table (!) was heard to utter "£10 for bloody consommé!". Food quality was excellent, the wine equally so : 1988 Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico Dark, deep ruby colour. The sweet nose having dried fruits, cherries, cranberries and raisins - lovely. The palate was also sweet with good concentration of red fruit, good acidity and still a lick of tannin. The finish was beautifully long. An excellent wine. Normally I find Chianti Classico a little rough, now I know it's because I drink it too young! So to summarise. Certainly not a cheap venue, 325chf for two people including deserts, wine and coffee. The food quality and presentation was very good. Service was excellent, but occasionally forgetful. Decor and surroundings were first class, but surprisingly lacked 'ambience'. Okay this was a Tuesday evening and the place was 60% full, perhaps different later in the week or if you have a larger group. Certainly worth a visit. © nanson.ch 2000-2002