Cozy Swiss Chalet Ambience
We walked pass a chalet-like restaurant on a small residential back road and had to stop to admire a delightful summer garden. We peeped inside and felt hearty with Swiss red-and-white napkins and cushions in oak-wood décor. Zuri girl made a mental note; whenever crave for Swiss traditional food calls; here is where we shall come.
Months later we looked up to try one of the new Bib Gourmand listers by Michelin awarded in December 2013, and somehow among four in Zurich we chose Drei Stuben. When arrived at the venue, Zuri girl cried out in disbelief – this is that hidden Swiss chalet restaurant we stumbled upon! What a surprise!
The Food:
In contrast to its look, food at Drei Stuben is not traditional Swiss. It is interpretations of classic dishes and unusual new creations that keep you curious and excited until the final dish. The welcome appetizer of the day was smoked duck breast with caramelized kumquat on black lentils. Divine. The daily recommendations Zuri girl tried were Pan-fried foie gras with red wine jelly and foamed mashed potatoes, river prawns on salmon Carpaccio bed, and seabass with seafood sauce. World wonders! There is a 5-course menu for 105 CHF, with wine pairing for 153 CHF, which sounds so tempting we almost booked a table right on to come back for. The dishes in the course can also be ordered a la carte, but Zuri girl bets you would want to try them all; an appetizer of something that sounds like a Caprese, barley soup, Crème Brûlée of Foie gras with champagne jelly and rhubarb, rack of lamb with sage crust and creamy polenta, and desert of goat cheese with fig-compote caramel and basil. It is so true about the saying; all girls’ real wish is not to find a perfect man, but to eat as much and never gain weight!
Duck breast with kamquats
Foie gras with red wine jelly
River prawn on salmon Carpaccio bed
In the menu there are classic dishes like Zürcher Kalbsgeschnetzeltes with rösti, veal meatloaf, and veal Bratwurst with onion sauce and at the price range from 23 to 39 CHF. We are sure they won’t be too ‘classical’ or lack a twist; and that is another reason to go back for more surprises.
The Drinks:
When Zuri girl asked for a Hugo, a very competent waitress said their Hugo didn’t come with mint leaves but it was surely very nice. And she was right! Zuri girl’s verdict is it was the best Hugo in Zurich without a doubt.
Hugo
The ambience
In the historic Swiss building there are three cozy dining rooms decorated with red-and-white checkered pattern cushions. The most intimate corner would be a wooden-walled nook with 2 tables that gives a feel of a mountain hut. But the real romantic setting is in the large idyllic summer garden that made us fall in love with at first sight.
The Location
Drei Stuben is located in Kreis 6, only just 10 minutes from the Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
Drei Stuben
Beckenhofstrasse 5, 8006 Zürich
Tel. +41 44 350 33 00
Drei Stuben Website
Why We Love It:
It is a contrast surprise of fine dining gourmet in a homey, casual atmosphere that the price tag comes closer to the position of ‘casual’ rather than ‘gourmet.’ The summer garden is definitely another reason. Not to mention an impeccable service by an attentive and knowledgeable waiting team. Drei Stuben is indeed a surprising hidden gem.
Tips:
There is a 3-course business lunch for 68 CHF, and a subscription at http://www.lunchgate.ch will keep us informed of their daily lunch menu and allow to book directly on line.
Original article can be read at Girlfriend Guide to Zurich
'Beyond Sky' Journey Journal 