Italian Asian Walking Dinner, multiple Locations, Zurich

Following up on yesterday’s promise:

I have received some feedback recently, that my productivity hasn’t been as high as it used to. I confess – I have started taking on additional extracurricular acitivites and have found a fond interest in females for recreative purposes. Rumour has it that “dating” is the more traditional term. I like a good challenge and Lady X played hard to get. So knowing that there’s an interest in Italian and Asian food, I boldly stated that no-one can organize a dinner combining these very different cuisine styles. Before I knew it, I had to hunker down and do some quick thinking, since my bluff got called.

Being of the not so shy type and having a knack for delivering when being challenged I needed to be creative. After some planning, a few phone calls and – I dare not say – an inkling of ingenuity the evening was all laid out. Humble as always, the dinner was called Italian Asian Flavor Revolution.

First stop was a sleek bar (normally no reservation, but I discreetly pointed out that I had connections). We sat down at a table, which surprisingly was reserved. A fantastic drink made by the very talented Sheila Lopardo made it our way capturing the essence of asian and italian flavors from lychee to rosmary.

Suddenly a young man walks into the bar, a white table cloth appears out of nowhere and the young man smiles at us and puts a slice of a tree in front of us. To our surprise a carne cruda with Wakamame and some rabbit with hazelnut tibits are on top. Delicious, expertly seasoned and unsuspecting. I dare not say, but it seems we were the envy of the other patrons in the bar…

Moving on to the next location we board the Tram 3 at Kalkbreite. Suddenly a handsome looking gentleman with an impressive culinary resume stands besides us in the tram and we exchange an envelope for another culinary delight. A sake tomato essence with a piece of wild boar salami all to be consumed during our tram ride. The Fondue Tram isn’t bad, but this was badass food with perfect timing.

Arriving at the Riviera Enoteca con Cucina we were in for another surprise. After some pre-dinner discussions on what to do with the very talented Mr. Messina, he came up with the brilliant idea of an Italian Sushi and Sashimi platter. We could find a risotto tuna maki roll, raw Gambero Rosso, various fish crudo, sea urchin and other superbly tasty elements. A side dish of Wasabi Panna Cotta rounded the platter of. It just goes to show, you need more than an idea and talent to pull something off, great craftsmanship is just as important.

The last stop on the Italian Asian Flavor Revolution walk was Stefs Freieck. Cold Soba noodles with dipping sauce and a warm tagliata created an intimate union (note from the editor – please notice the clever wording) of asian and italian flavors & textures. My absolute highlight here was the dessert, a panna cotta of sencha (green) tea combined with a fior di latte ice cream. The talented and spirited Stef has stunning technique which he showed expertly on his dishes.

Leaving the dating aspects to the side for a second, the whole meal was truly fantastic. From drinks to tibits to second appetizer to sushi/sashimi platter to soba noodles/tagliata to dessert – all mentioned to not only capture asian and italian flavours but in bringing them together. Pricewise we’ll remain sketchy on the details, but I think fair to say that it wasn’t cheap. Sincere thanks to all the involved parties for their ingenuity and can-do attitude.

And lastly to the part you’re all interested in and I’ll address the two most curious people directly:

Dearest Mother, Cherished Father

Firstly - I know you read this column intensly in the hope of gleening insight into my private life, digesting every tibit and projecting conclusions about my liteary self towards my real self.

Secondly - I would like to point out what wonderful parents you have been and continue to be. I could not have turned out this good if it hadn't been for you (and Ciconia Ciconia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_stork )

But I have to draw the line somewhere - with great turmoil of my soul I regret to inform you that you have to buy the book just like everyone else for more details :-)

Sincerley,

your real picky son (somtimes difficult to handle but apparently it runs in the family) :-)

For everyone else – I am still taking applications 🙂

My only problem – how will I ever top this ? ….