Alpenhorn Bed And Breakfast Inn

Johann and Evelyn are such warm hosts, and I still haven’t had a dish here that I didn’t love. Johann puts real care into the food. Breakfast, included with the stay, is always South Africa style, and I had the best bacon here. You can also join them for dinner, which I highly recommend. It takes a couple days to prepare, and they explain the ingredients and work behind each dish as they serve it. It all adds to the flavor. The main building feels like a huge cabin with a homey atmosphere. The rooms are quiet and cozy. It’s a perfect place to stay when visiting Big Bear.

The room was clean and spacious, and we really enjoyed having a spa in it. Each morning’s breakfast was outstanding, and the afternoon appetizers were just as delicious. The wine in the afternoon was very good too. My wife and I spent three nights at this bed and breakfast Inn. Yohan and Evelyn made us feel welcome and did their best to make sure we had a pleasant stay. The location is quiet and beautiful, with local amenities and restaurants easy to reach and the village not too far away. We had a very good experience and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Big Bear.

We were sorry to leave because we’d made real friends here, and wished we could have stayed longer. Next time I think we’ll come a day early for the Thursday dinner too. I honestly wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Big Bear. Johann greeted us by name when we arrived, then showed us some of the kitchen prep for the next night’s meal. He was making sous-vide spare ribs for 23 hours at 167 degrees, or at least that’s what I remember. There’s a lot to take in when he talks about the food! His wife Evelyn was lovely, and both of them were welcoming and attentive. They also gave us good tips for places to eat and hike. The room was large, nicely equipped, spotless, and fresh smelling. The bed was especially comfortable, and we slept well both nights. Happy hour each evening brought small bites, including shrimp and carrots with our choice of South African red or white wine. Johann is South African, and his great accent makes him easy to like. The shrimp had a hot spice I can’t remember the name of, with a cooling sauce. We loved the food, but the conversation was the best part. Breakfast was lovely too. We had cold pressed juice from local oranges, coffee from beans Alpenhorn buys green, ships from Ethiopia, then roasts locally in Big Bear. There was oatmeal loaded with fresh fruit and cream, followed by fresh egg omelets. The Saturday dinner costs $35 extra, and it’s worth every penny, probably considerably more. At a fine restaurant, a meal of Johann’s quality could be $125 a person. Almost none of it comes off the shelf, and nearly every major ingredient has a story that he tells beautifully through both words and flavor. It would be foolish to miss the special Thursday and Saturday meals.

I’m still thinking about breakfast months later. Johann knows his ingredients inside and out, and explains them while serving. He sources great organic produce and flies in anything special he can’t find locally. The homemade hot granola, scone with local stone fruits, smooth coffee, fluffy eggs, and spicy-sweet bacon with ghost-pepper glaze were unforgettable. It was easily my best B 'n B stay. The bed was comfortable, and the room felt romantic with a fireplace and a view of the lush, peaceful backyard. It’s an intimate, cozy spot, within walking distance of the lake and local hikes. I hope to return.