The Switzerland Traveler

As a confirmed user of the Zurich Dining Out Guide, I was delighted to discover that there is a new version out for 2009.
On sale as from yesterday, the guide costs CHF 26 which seems like a good investment to me.
Looking through my review copy the biggest changes seem to be the new “organic” section, and the addition of a map. The latter is particularly useful if you are planning to meet somebody, and would like to eat in a quality restaurant nearby.
The guide covers a large number of categories, including: organic, Italian, mediterranean, Asian and, of course, Swiss.
The format is …read more

Comments Off

The Rote Fabrik (Literally: Red Factory, not fabric) is an entertaining place down on the Wollishofen side of lake Zurich.
It used to be a factory, and is, er, red. Well it’s made of red bricks, but pretty much all of it is covered in graffiti now.
It operates as a club, a bar and restaurant, and also as a concert venue. Not to mention cinema and theatre. Theater if you prefer.
It’s a politically correct sort of place, and has lots of informational events relating to the mistreatment of minority (or majority) groups in far-flung places. But you don’t have to get involved …read more

Comments Off

Zurich is one of those places where are there are lots of restaurants, so it was a very pleasant surprise to discover that there is a dining out guide in English that covers most of the good ones.
zurich – dining out guide covers restaurants based on the type of food: Asian, French, Gourmet, Italian, Meditarranean, Eclectic etc.  Each review (there are about 100) consists of a stylish photograph, and well-written text describing ambience, specialities and usually some background – for example about the owners.
Restaurants have been selected for quality of food service and offering. As with most guides it gives price, …read more

3 Comments

 Zürich isn’t the only place where you can chill out in the open air.
Luzern, or Lucerne if you prefer (although you really shouldn’t!) also has a great outdoor location.
Called City Beach, it’s actually written citybeaCH, just so you know it’s in Switzerland. Where else did you think Luzern was?
It’s a pool area, with big comfy beds, and is sure to get booked out on sunny days.

Children aren’t allowed after midday, so a bit of peace and quiet is pretty well guaranteed.
There’s also an Urban Oasis or VIP lounge, sponsored by a well known cigarette manufacturer, but as I’m not telling …read more

Comments Off

We’ve been having some lovely summer weather here in Switzerland.
So, of course we want to be outside, eating drinking and generally socializing. So over the next few days I’ll be looking at a few options,  some of which, like Floss in Zurich are relics, or rather remnants, of the EM infrastructure.
Floss is run by the people that run Mascotte, a club down at Bellevue known for its comedy nights, bands, karaoke from hell, and of course, the normal clubbing nights.
For one month only, they are running the VIP barge from the EM as a lounge bar/restaurant.
The food is limited, Thai …read more

Comments Off

I came across another vegetarian restaurant the other day, and althoughI haven’t tried it yet, thought I should post about it.
It’s located near the Central tram station, in the Hotel Limmathof, which might not be the most stylish place in Zurich, but it looks to offer good value. Please let me know if you get there before me.
You’re probably still better off going to Hiltl if you haven’t been there before, but if you fancy a change…
Open Monday to Friday, for both lunch and dinner. 
Photo Flickr: jeckman
+41 44 262 02 17
http://www.limmathof.com/frameinhalt/menupot/wochenkarte.htm

Comments Off

 
Travellers to Zurich are always on the look out for good, and good value,  restaurants.
Situated in a pretty courtyard in the Niederdorf, Mere Catherine is a great location to enjoy fine French food.
Fish and Mediterranean specialities tend to be the favourites, but there is a good offering for carnivores and a selection of vegetarian dishes. The menu changes monthly, so be prepared to be enticed back. Expect to pay around 40 CHF for a main course.
In summer you can sit outside, but the restaurant is on two levels inside and offers a cosy ambience.  There’s also a small Louis …read more

Comments Off

Whilst investigating the delights of Sihl City, Zürich’s newest shopping centre, it seemed natural to try out one of the new restaurants there.
Rüsterei is one of those converted old factories that the Swiss do so well.
Bare walls, glass, aluminium extractor tubing etc and classic industrial chic, great tables and chairs, go hand in hand with a classic menu.
We opted for a sald and the goats cheese millefeuille to start, followed by a veal chop and the seared tuna.
Everything was exquisitely served by friendly staff.
It’s best to book, but even though we were told it was full we came back …read more

Comments Off

Meat is Murder used to be the cry of the Vegetarian brigade, but in Zurich there has been no need for that for, well, ages.
Zurich is home to the Hiltl Restaurant, which is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe, having opened it’s doors to the public back in the 19th century.
It’s just had a bit of a makeover, but the traditional vegetarian buffet is still there, along with a selection of fantastic dishes.
It’s so good we take even pure carnivores there, there really is something for everyone, and they also do a party service, which I’m happy to say …read more

3 Comments

I must confess to liking French chateaus (chateaux?) with pointy bits on the roof. Turn one into a restaurant and I’m even happier.
Present me with such a restaurant overlooking a stunning lake and some of the most impressive mountains ever, and I’m, well, really happy.
Down on the shores of the Thunersee (Lake Thun) Schloss (Castle) Schadau sits in a quiet park. The boats that carry passengers across the lake stop there, and in my opinion, it is a fine place for a summer lunch. It’s a fine place for a winter dinner too, which is why I’m telling you now. …read more

4 Comments