"Black Forest Gasthaus (Guesthouse) restaurants can get a bit boring with their formulaic decor. Yes, they're all pleasant, spotlessly clean and with decent food, but after you've visited three or four of them the identi-wooden, alpine interiors make you wonder if they're all fitted out...from the same central warehouse. In this respect, Bucherhotel Bischenberg is no different. However, it has a few points which make it stand out . . . the setting, overlooking the Rhine valley, is magnificent especially towards sunset on the restaurant's terrace. Secondly, the hotel's low-key literary theme with regular music and discussion evenings centred around authors) is unusual, courageous and innovative. It deserves support. Thirdly, the kitchen really does make an effort to produce decent food. We enjoyed excellent asparagus in pancakes and very good Flammkuchen (tarte flamb A pity that several dishes had a little too much salt. Downsides? The service was very slow, indeed so slow and inattentive that we left without deserts because the waiter just didn't come back in time. Also, considering that the restaurant was quiet on the night we ate, we were disappointed that the chef or proprietor didn't come out to say hallo and give us the chance to chat briefly. It makes SUCH a difference to meet the boss. Overall though, worth visiting . . . and you'll see impressive deer and goats in the steep fields next to the restaurant. Prices were very fair too."
