A year in the life of Zurich’s hardest dining man

Upon popular request also known as peer pressure I will look back on 2013. http://therealpickygourmet.com remains solidly in the Top Three of Switzerland’s Food and Restaurant Critiquing media outlets. In the category of anonymous Food and Restaurant Critiquing media outlets therealpickygourmet has defended and extended the lead in the number one position. This feat was duly celebrated on the 31st of December 2013. If you’re into detailed numbers here you go.

The best new restaurant I had visited was the Riviera Enoteca con Cucina, the one with the most ambition was the Maison Manesse, the weirdest thing I ate was the Stangenpizza (Pizza pole) at the Wirtschaft im Franz, the worst meal was at a food store with a close runner-up being the Triemli Hospital. I was disappointed by the Facil in Berlin (which got another Michelin star) and pleasantly surprised by the Mümpfeli (which will never get a Michelin star).

Other interesting discoveries this year, dining alone in a fancy restaurant tends to get you impeccable service, especially if you order the full tasting menu including wine pairing and bring a stack of newspapers with you. Apparently that seems to be a dead give-away with savy maitre’d which then shows up at your table and ask if he’s allowed to present himself. If been able to keep my weight at the cost of more grey hair, no small feat considering my dining habits and the unwillingness to skip courses.

One last insight for all the diet advocates out there, I have noticed (at least for males, I can’t judge otherwise) that charisma, charm and a winning smile can successfully offset minor bodily flaws. Aren’t we a lucky bunch ? 🙂