POSTCARDS FROM SWITZERLAND
Switzerland promises a fascinating balance between luxury and beauty with plated pleasures taking the lead
For most Indians, Switzerland exists as matinee moments captured on celluloid by popular Yashraj films, soaked in Bollywood songs picturised on uncharacteristically green hillsides and in immaculate towns that leap out of enchanted fairy tales. That’s definitely one Switzerland. But there exist many more. So start penning your wishlist already. As for us, Spice brings you some fascinating experiences that will tilt the balance in favour of finding your own bliss. Believe me, this country offers more than a fair share.
SAY CHEESE
The region of Fribourg, Gruyeres, is one of the most scenic and is more famously known (at least by gourmands) as the homeland of Gruyere cheese. Spend a holiday here just to absorb and discover the process of dairy deliciousness. And you will be back with so much more respect for this extremely malleable cheese. Visit a dairy farm, a Gruyère cheese factory, and eat copious amount of the lip-smacking goodness while staying at the prettiest Hôtel de Gruyères that boasts balcony views of the Alps. Drive down to the alpine cheese dairy ‘Les Invuettes’; the most vital ingredient for making cheese, of course, is good quality milk, hence the factory is situated near the mountain meadows. Being a cheesemaker is the most valiant profession here. Unquestionably, not every cheese gets the Appellation d’Origine Contrôllée aka an AOP category. The Fromagerie process begins early morning and once made, depending on the variety, it is aged in the cheese cellar and can take from five-six months up to a year. Clearly, patience bears sweet fruits, or at least cheesy ones! Fribourg, Gruyeres Contact +41 26 927 37 93 www.petit-bil.ch Cost Drive, tour and lunch is approximately `8,000 per person
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT THE CHOCOLATE
If cheese is the savoury salutation to Swiss goodness, the sweet side is the expression of another dairy superlative: chocolate. Just outside Zurich—about 10 minutes south of Zurich in Kilchberg—the Lindt Home of Chocolate, offers a fantasy wonderland for the chococlate addict. The voyage across the factory illustrates the circle of life, beginning with the record of finding of cocoa beans and finally culminating in the making of Lindt chocolate. With outstanding quality of raw material procured from various parts of the world, chocolates here are distinct by their utter exquisiteness. Each chocolate is made with care and meticulous precision to pass the demanding test of excellence. This Chocolate utopia also houses the world’s biggest Lindt Chocolate Shop, Switzerland’s first Lindt Café, as well as the Chocolateria for courses in chocolate making, all of which are driven by the subsidiary Lindt & Sprüngli Schweiz AG. Did I mention that generous amounts of chocolate servings are free with the tour? Schokoladenplatz 1, Seestrasse 204, 8802 Kilchberg Contact +41 44716 2020 https://www.lindt-home-of-chocolate.com Cost Entry plus lunch at the café is approximately `6,000 per person
WINE AND DINE WITH FAMILY ANDREY
Wines have been produced in Switzerland since Roman times. What is new is the awareness among the Swiss that their winemakers are producing more than just a few pleasant local tipples. For over two decades the Andrey family is cultivating wine. Their efforts have yielded extraordinary wines and the accompanying indulgence that goes with it. The wine cellar set in Schafis is where you can unwind and appreciate home-made wines and fine seasonal food from the region, all the while driniking in the landscape of rolling hills and the stunning lake. House-made fish cakes with celeriac remoulade, apple and grainy mustard is served with almost artistic flair. Family Andrey also offers a special baked cisco from Lake Biel. All in all, the trip is delightful and comes loaded with a variety of tastes, textures and memories. Robert et Lisbeth Andrey, Schafisweg 25, 2514 Schafis, Schweiz Contact +41 32 315 11 35 https://www.andreyschafis.ch/fr/ Cost Drive plus lunch at the café is approximately `15,000 per person
OF MICHELIN DINING IN GENEVA
Geneva’s cobbled boulevards are speckled with alfresco cafes and independent shops, while the more diverse fragments of the city are brimming with expensive brands and elegant restaurants. Luxury seating with live orchestras are par for the course at Victoria Hall, where fine dining has been elevated to an elegant art form. One look at the medieval-era edifice of Domaine de Château Vieux and you can sense its historic significance. On offer is nouveau French fare. Philippe Chevrier, owner and head chef has two Michelin stars to his credit. Seasonal products are rendered a new look, sublimated by blending exotic flavours and surprising combination of foods rarely prepared together. The familiarity of having a tasting menu fashioned completely of local produce, including wines, is what makes it distinctive and memorable. Chemin de Château Vieux, PeneyDessus 16, 1242 Satigny Contact +41 227531511 Cost Upwards of `15,000 per person depending on what you order.