Hugo Is Called Roland
Roland Gruber is a true “original” from South Tyrol with his knickerbockers, astute eyes, full grey beard and sturdy hiking boots.
Humble Beginnings
Six years ago, the former globetrotter ended up in Val Bever, in the guest house at the Spinas train station at the southern portal of the Albula Tunnel. The cordial host, a tree of a man, not only bears the artist name “AK”; it was he who invented the cult drink, the “Hugo”, in 2005.
The iconic beverage contains prosecco, a little soda, a splash of lemon balm syrup, fresh mint and a slice of lemon. His former regulars at the Sanzeno cocktail bar in Naturns witnessed its creation:
“At the time, I called it Hugo as a joke — it could just as easily have been called Otto”
Menu Options
Unfortunately, AK trademarked neither the name nor the recipe; a shame, as he could probably have earned tens if not hundreds of thousands of euros if he had. Especially as there are ready-made mixers based on his idea; in the USA and even Vienna, there is Hugo-flavoured ice cream.
At any rate, we are glad that AK has not retired yet and has brought plenty of stories about his simple yet brilliant idea to the Engadin. His guest house with two cosy lounges offers homemade and handmade delicacies, and the fondue room is a great place to enjoy this traditional cheese dish.
And if you've had too much cheese – the homemade, golden yellow baked Engadin nut cake with melt-in-the-mouth walnut and caramel filling is a real treat – you can then work it off at the original French bowling alley, which is over 100 years old.