Restaurant of the Month - August 2014

Drei Stuben, Beckenhofstrasse 5, 8006 Zurich

http://dreistuben.ch/

On a late summer's day, a garden restaurant is ideal. However, with a summer like this past one, a cosy indoor salon is a better bet. Drei Stuben catered to both alternatives: yesterday the rain won the day. Fourteen discerning ladies from ZIWA's Dining Around the World group gathered for lunch in the traditional wood-panelled interior of this typically Swiss place only two tram stops away from Zurich's main station. There was no shortage of conversation and good food.



We all opted for the set menu choices - salad or potato soup followed by Rotbarsch with potatoes, cucumber salad and a remoulade sauce or rolled veal with jus and pasta. The food is nicely presented and tasty. And the price is very reasonable - under CHF 40 for a two-course meal with water and coffee. On sunnier days, the outdoor experience is to be savoured.



The restaurant offers a selection of classic dishes done with modern flair. They also offer a five-course set menu for a special occasion. And the dessert card is impressive too. Chef Michael Bollinger and his team have refreshed the menu selection with dishes to appeal to all the senses. But the traditional setting remains familiar.

So for a taste of old-fashioned Switzerland  with a modern twist, you might like to try Drei Stuben in the university quarter of Zurich.

Enjoy your lunch!

Restaurant of the Month - June 2014

Ristorante Italia, Zeughausstrasse 61, 8004 Zurich

http://www.ristorante-italia.ch/

Ideally one should experience this homely Italian place on a sunny day, when the shady garden provides a welcoming ambiance. We happened to choose the first rainy day of the month for our June visit. But we had a table for twelve inside a spacious side dining room designed for groups, and our welcome couldn't have been warmer. Another great lunchtime get-together for ZIWA's friendly Dining Around the World group.

On the menu at lunch-time - four or five dishes of traditional Italian home cooking. We could choose from involtini di pollo with risotto, penne with a spicy tomato sauce, scrambled eggs with broad beans and cottage cheese or two other tasty dishes. Each option cost under CHF30 and was accompanied by a mixed salad. On other days, the midday choice includes veal or beef, which are priced a bit higher. Everyone found the food delicious, and the service was quick and attentive. We could also have chosen a lemon granita to finish the meal, but most people were too busy chatting and went straight onto the coffee.


The a la carte menu has many more Italian specialities such as wild boar, spicy sausage, linguini with prawns, home-made gnocchi and many more meat and pasta dishes.There is also an impressive list of desserts, cheeses, wines and grappa to choose from.

Located near Zurich Helvetiaplatz and 10 minutes' walk from Stauffacher, the Ristoranti Italia offers cucina alla mama to office workers, groups, families and couples. It's down to earth, but the cuisine is excellent. If you're in the area, why not give it a try?

Buon appetito!