7 replies to this topic

[nashman1975]

Heading to Zurich/Berne, Switzerland in 2 weeks. I've checked Egullet and there wasn't much written, and what was written, left me with the impression that the culinary scene was lacking.

Any suggestions from anyone?

Thanks
Nashman

[Joe H]

I represented a Swiss company from Monthey (near Montreaux one of the most beautiful cities on earth) for a number of years in the '80's. Although I would fly into Zurich or Geneva and drive there I am not familiar with the restaurants in Zurich or Bern. Still, based on my experiences elsewhere in Switzerland, I would suggest there is superb food there, perhaps equal to anything in France, Italy or Germany. Although, a drive of an hour or more might be in order... This is the link to Michelin for Bern

http://www.viamichel...&c13=&x=10&y=10

For Michelin starred restaurants within, say, 45 minutes of Bern this is the link:

http://www.viamichel...&c13=&x=32&y=10

In particular, Wein und Sein absolutely intrigues me. If I was in Bern and wanted one special meal it is THE restaurant that I would go to. This is their website: http://www.weinundse...lash/index.html Note that on the Michelin site the building they are in is a "vaulted ceiling," etc. Typically my experience implies that it is a very old (several hundred years+) with a great deal of character. More than likely a great deal of personality, I think well worth checking out.

You may also want to check their listings for Zurich and the area in between.

This is an interesting link: http://www.foodguide.ch/

This may be a more interesting link: http://www.myswitzer...t=Huts&id=46231

Switzerland has as exciting of a culinary scene (at least in Geneva and Lausanne) as anywhere on earth. Note that the best restaurant on earth, for years was considered to be Fredy Girardet's near Lausanne.

Last, arguably the best commercial chocolate in the world is sold in the Zurich airport, Spruegli. It would be criminal to leave that country without bringing some (or a lot!) home.

And, if you have some time and a rental car, it is a very easy drive from Bern to Montreaux which is the "Swiss Riviera" on Lake Geneva. Simply, a breathtakingly beautiful city, I think, equal to any on earth. And, believe it or not, there is a pizza parlor there equal to Brandi in Naples!

Edited by Joe H, 14 May 2006 - 05:26 PM.

[DC in DC]

Any updates? We're leaving in 12 hours for Switzerland: the Alps (Wengen) and Zurich.
Thanks. Will report back.

[lizzie]

Cannot believe no posts on Geneva - any recommendations for not outrageously priced restaurants as I will be traveling on the federal per diem. I am trying to be a good steward of tax payer $$$$.

[Joe H]

Cannot believe no posts on Geneva - any recommendations for not outrageously priced restaurants as I will be traveling on the federal per diem. I am trying to be a good steward of tax payer $$$$.

With the US dollar @ $1.06 to buy one Swiss Franc this is now one of the most expensive countries on earth. For perspective in the early 1980's I started in my industry representing a company out of Montreaux-the US dollar was $2.80 to the Swiss Franc. Not an exaggeration. A real number.

What is the per diem by the way? A hotel dinner will not be cheap...

[DaRiv18]

When I had a summer internship in Zurich in 2002, I recall my classmates who were picky eaters shelled out $40 for a large Pizza Hut cheese pizza. Nutella and baguettes became a staple on our student budget. I do recall wonderful sausages and rolls sold at the train stations that were affordable. I hope things have changed for your sake.

[Joe H]

When I had a summer internship in Zurich in 2002, I recall my classmates who were picky eaters shelled out $40 for a large Pizza Hut cheese pizza. Nutella and baguettes became a staple on our student budget. I do recall wonderful sausages and rolls sold at the train stations that were affordable. I hope things have changed for your sake.

http://www.forecast-...wiss-franc.html is a chart showing the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Swiss Franc dating back to 2002. Your pizza might cost $70 today.

[lizzie]

With the US dollar @ $1.06 to buy one Swiss Franc this is now one of the most expensive countries on earth. For perspective in the early 1980's I started in my industry representing a company out of Montreaux-the US dollar was $2.80 to the Swiss Franc. Not an exaggeration. A real number.

What is the per diem by the way? A hotel dinner will not be cheap...

per diem for meals et al is $158, but my hotel is under the $340 allowed so i have a bit of wiggle room. Breakfast is included at the hotel which brings down the per diem a bit.