TwoFools in Zürich

I spend far too much time in the Stauffacher neighborhood these days. Happily for me, the neighborhood is home to some foodie gems that make up for all those thankless hours of editing. Here are some of my favorites, most of them good for either a quick bite or a long mellow afternoon, depending on your mood.

The choice of dishes and the decor at the Restaurant Hallwylerhof have a kind of artful simplicity that is the trademark of Frick sisters' approach to the regional cuisines of Switzerland. One of my favorite lunches is the daily Wähe (a quiche-like savory tart), which is something you can find all over the city. Unlike other places, however, the Wähe at the Hallwylerhof it is never heavy or oily, and the crust is perfect.

Photo: www.wurstunddurst.com

But if I miss the lunch hour (strictly 12:00–2:00 in most places in Zürich), I know I can still receive a warm welcome and a bit of nosh at Solazzo Caffé Bar Zurigo. A smiling Buon giorno. the dishes of the day presented in a rapid mix of German and Italian, and an even bigger smile when we order wine with lunch: Salvatore has a natural gift for hospitality that is hard to resist. The food is good and the coffee is outstanding. The wine––also good. Bravo, Salvatore, for choosing a good-value wine from the Tuscan Maremma for us, which helped stretch out Friday's lunch hour until 5:00.

The riverside terrace of the the "Helvti" Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a spring afternoon, and quality ingredients mean it's not just about the sun and the view. I did a little dance when I saw the cheeses were from Rolf Beeler, and the goat cheese salad dressed with acacia honey and truffle oil (and liberally sprinkled with crispy Speck) was to die for. We tried a round, full-bodied white Merlot from Ticino, which I quite enjoyed (and was not at all like that "white" red-grape horror from California).

Photo: www.wgheuberger.ch

 My last neighborhood gem is not a restaurant but one of the strangest food retail ideas I've across: Heuberger Wein & Gewürze (Wine and Spices). The owner, Beat Heuberger, sells only what he likes and he really likes hot spices. The stores boasts a staggering array of spices and hot sauces (Cholula sauce, anyone?).





He also considers Austria the home of "the best white wine producers in the world." When I described our Thai menu to him one afternoon, he guided me to an Austrian Chardonnay that I would have never considered which paired wonderfully with dinner. If you're looking for hot spices or the wines to go with, try Heuberger.




Story by Kathy