Beyond Banking and Bratwurst: Zurich TodayBy Madelyn Miller
Once famous for its money and sausage-making ability, Zurich is much more than that today. Switzerland’s economic hub is now considered the best city in the world to live according to Mercer Consulting’s quality of life studies. And I think it is one of the best cities in the world to visit.
I loved browsing through boutiques, exploring the eclectic flea markets, strolling along the many quays and promenades and discovering the treasures in many museums.
I started in the Neumarket, because I was lucky enough to be staying at Romantik Hotel Florhof (and I do mean lucky since this charming hotel has only 36 rooms and it is frequently booked solid) If you are not lucky enough to stay there, at least treat yourself to a wonderful meal in the Florhof Restaurant. The menu offers dishes in tune with the seasons. Directors Bridgette and Beat Schiesser explained that, “Whenever possible, we get our meat from the surrounding regions and only use products from certified biological farms where animals are kept in their natural environment. Our dishes are light and healthy and salt is used sparingly. This way the natural aromas of the vegetables and herbs are enhanced.”
Zurich romantik hotel florhof
Since March 2003, the Restaurant Florhof has been a certified member of “Gout Mieux” (a campaign of WWF Switzerland) and offers a number of dishes, which are produced exclusively with biological ingredients. These dishes are marked with the “Gout Mieux” label. On the wine list, you will find promising “novelties” at reasonable prices, rather than famous vintages and expensive names. I learned that only 2% of the Swiss wines are exported so this might be a great place to experience those wines. If you ask, Beat and Bridgette would be pleased to show you their 400 year old arched wine cellar where private dinners for up to 18 people can be held in a very special atmosphere. The hotel name, FLORHOF, is from the word flower. Not only are flowers present everywhere in the hotel including fabric patterns, flowers seem to be the unofficial symbol of Zurich.
CENTRAL CITYThis central part of the city offers an amazing number of cultural venues, including the Theaterhaus Gessnerallee located on the River Sihl behind the Hauptbahnhof. In addition to a varied theatre program, numerous concerts also take place at the Gessnerallee. The most notable is the international jazz festival jazznojazz, which presents a broad spectrum of popular playing styles in modern jazz. The restaurant inside, the Reithalle, is a noisy and popular place located in a space that was formerly an old military riding school. The beautiful old stable, with protruding wooden beams and cobblestone floor is a comfortable venue to enjoy the varied, reasonably priced menu of seasonal dishes, many of which are vegetarian. In summer, the lively patrons head outdoors and find their place at the long tables in the large, shaded garden on the Schanzengraben. My few days in Zurich were not near enough to explore all the cultural venues, marvelous museums and experience the many gourmet outlets. WHERE TO STAYRomantik Hotel Florhof Where to eatRestaurant Florhof Best coffee house
Best Chocolate Store
BEST CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY STOREDuncan
OTHER FAVORITE PLACES TO BROWSEAnatares
Rosen’s Button store
BEST WAY TO GET TO SWITZERLANDSwiss International Air Lines, the national carrier of Switzerland serves 70 destinations including 43 in Europe and 27 in Africa, Asia, North & South America. North American gateways include: Boston Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Newark, and JFK/New York. In 2004, 9.2 million passengers flew in Swiss First, Swiss Business and Swiss Economy Class. For more information, click onto www.swiss.com or call 1-877-FLY SWISS. BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IN SWTIZERLANDThe Swiss Travel System is incredibly comprehensive and includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. STS discount passes are as individual as your travel plans and excursion wishes. Ranging from a plain transfer ticket to flexible or consecutive travel days. Buy any Swiss Pass and get a free Family Card for unlimited travel for kids up to 16. And the best way to get around just got better— - With any STS train pass, receive 10-20% discount on internet bookings on hotels (Best Western Swiss Hotels, Minotel, Sunstar Hotels and Swiss Backpacker Hotels) -Glacier Express: new First Class panorama cars all public transport system entirely non-smoking. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SWITZERLAND For more information on Zurich GREAT GUIDEBOOKSFodor’s Switzerland 2005 Frommer’s Switzerland Rick Steves’ Switzerland 2005 Culture Shock! Switzerland IF YOU DON’T SPEAK GERMAN, FRENCH OR ITALIAN |
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The city that gave birth to the Dadaist movement is returning to its creative roots. Hundreds of fashionable bars, clubs, shops and restaurants have cropped up throughout the city in just a few years. This impressive artistic explosion has been likened to Berlin’s metamorphis of the early nineties.
