8 Food | <strong>Zermatt</strong> <strong>Magazin</strong> CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS AT THE FOOT OF THE MATTERHORN
Food | <strong>Zermatt</strong> <strong>Magazin</strong> 9 <strong>Zermatt</strong> has long been classified as one of the most prominent culinary hotspots in Valais. Right at the very back of the Matter Valley, food enthusiasts can get their money’s worth by indulging in some of the high-calibre cuisine that the mountain village has to offer. Rösti, Raclette or Älplermagronen (macaroni and potatoes with cheese) are the culinary specialities you are likely to imagine are plated up in a Swiss alpine village. Not to mention the cosy taverns draped with red and white checked curtains, wood carvings and a blazing fire. <strong>Zermatt</strong> has plenty of rustic taverns like this, but it has way more to offer than just simply good Swiss cuisine. Here, you can travel around the culinary world. From Japanese to classic French or even Mexican cuisine, the choice is endless. There aren’t as many Gault-Millau restaurants in any other Swiss holiday destination as you will find in <strong>Zermatt</strong>. You can even enjoy exquisite dining in one of <strong>Zermatt</strong>’s many mountain restaurants. So, if you’re only expecting to find basic dishes catering to tired skiers and hiking enthusiasts, then think again! Prepare to be pleasantly surprised as when it comes to food, <strong>Zermatt</strong> certainly sets the bar high. The key to <strong>Zermatt</strong>’s sensational and delectable cuisine is, of course, it’s use of seasonal, regional, and fresh produce alongside the ingenious creativity and skill which finetunes each dish. An example of where you’d be met with such delights is at the cheese dairy "Horu-Käserei". <strong>Zermatt</strong>’s cheese tradition is as old as the alpine agriculture at the foot of the Matterhorn. However, in the second half of the 20 th century, this branch of the economy became a victim of centralisation in the dairy industry, and in 1950, the last <strong>Zermatt</strong> cheese dairy ceased operations. In 2003, Mirjam and Reto Gobba-Wyrsch revived the cheese making tradition with their "Horu-Käserei". It all started with seven cows. Today the family business produces up to 500 litres of milk per day. Sensational, aromatic, creative, pure, locally sourced, and different: the variety of restaurants in <strong>Zermatt</strong> is truly spectacular. Visitors can enjoy a taste of a different country each day of the week. And how do you bring <strong>Zermatt</strong>’s top caterers together and give international foodies an extraordinary experience? With a food festival. Thanks to the support and cooperation of 21 excellent Gault-Millau restaurants and hotels, the first Swiss Food Festival took place in August 2011. In 2018, the Swiss Food Festival became the "Taste of <strong>Zermatt</strong>", bringing together all of <strong>Zermatt</strong>’s culinary events under one roof. One of these events is the Kitchen Party, which brings together the top 20 chefs of <strong>Zermatt</strong>, who hold a total of 298 Gault-Millau points, to cook together. At this event, it can get pretty hot in the kitchen as the chefs all prepare various delicacies in front of the festival-goers across 20 different stations. Those who like it sporty can’t miss the "Horugüet Bike". This guided e-bike tour is perfect for foodies who like being on the move. Or, if you’re after a more leisurely affair then the "Horugüet Hike" is the one for you. It goes by the motto "Munch and meander whilst marvelling at the Matterhorn." The "Horugüet" also takes place in winter. For those who fancy enjoying a cheese fondue high in the skies, then the "Gondola Fondue" is for you. For early birds and high-flyers there is also the option to enjoy the "Gondola Breakfast". At the "Taste of <strong>Zermatt</strong>" there’s something to whet every appetite. It is fair to say that <strong>Zermatt</strong> has way more to offer, than just it’s magnificent views of the Matterhorn. Enjoy a sensational meal whilst marvelling at the mountain views. Melanie Biaggi