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| Team KFB with the staff of Swissotel and GM Marco Saxer |
With the Kolkata Food Bloggers we had the pleasure to be invited by Swissotel Kolkata to be a part of the celebration which inspires blend of passion and perfectionism.
Looming over an attention grabbing design of one of the Swissotel catalog, which had various characters signifying Indian art, like the old hieroglyphs in a circular pattern, had the Swiss cross at the epicenter of it all. The Executive Chef of Swissotel, Chef Pranay Singh, explained it all so beautifully that though the people at Swissotel are mostly Indian but at heart they they are very much Swiss, representing the character,warmth, love and passion for perfection; and that is exactly what the Swissotel in Kolkata, in my opinion, truly represents.
Having the privilege of the General Manager of Swissotel, Mr Marco Saxer, joining us over the spread, featuring the popular dishes from seven Cantons of Switzerland like Fribourg, Bern, Valais, Basel, Appenzell, Ticino and Zurich, thereby launching the new Swiss menu at Cafe Swiss, the conversation soon moved from the latest European & English football transfer news to the Swiss flag itself. The history, significance and meaning of the very simple but attractive white cross and red background flag.
The history says that the Federal Charter between three Alpine Cantons, Schwyz, Uri & Nidwalden, was signed in 1291 where they swore an oath of confederation, which today is much referred as the foundation of Switzerland. Slowly other cantons also joined in and Switzerland was formed. However each cantons still had their own flags to represent their region as the actual reason of the confederation was not to build a nation but to defend itself against the Habsburg Count.
The larger the old confederacy became, the more they had a problem with inconsistently clothed troops that were hardly able to recognize their allies on the battlefield. In descriptions of the battle of Laupen (1339), white stripes forming crosses are mentioned for the first time as a joint recognition sign of confederate troops. In the middle of the 15th century, the white cross was integrated into the flags of the member states of the confederacy. Originally, the cross reached to the edge of the banner also in Switzerland, like in the Scandinavian flags. (Source : http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch).
The story over the dinner table moved from the flag to the legendary Peter and Heidi, who were there to serve us so courteously.
To honour the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy a number of Swiss dishes have been set in the menu which includes some of the old favourites and as well as some new ones. Saffron Risotto with Swiss cheese and asparagus, Gamberi All'Aglio, Zuri Geschnetzeltes, Swiss Cheese Fondue, Ticino Melting Bites, Doppia Raviolo riempito con mozzarella di bufala e parmigiano salsa, etc are on the offering.
The dessert ranges from the traditional Schoggi Berg,Fonduta Di Cioccolato (Swiss chocolate fondue), Aargau Carrot Cake and much more.
What swept us away was a simple dessert called Apple Roesti which was served with vanilla ice cream. Crispy chunks of bread with apple pieces sauteed in French butter with a beautiful hint of cinnamon was truly a winner dessert for all of us.
Mr Marco Saxer, General Manager, Swissotel Kolkata Neotia Vista said, " Swiss cuIsine is a mixture of many regional influences and the chefs will be giving a true taste of tradition. Each canton features a unique cuisine which is seamlessly blended into Swissness. It is a great opportunity for the guests to feast on an impressive array of truly authentic Swiss delicacies created by the hotel's culinary team. Whichever delicacies the guests chooses is guaranteed to be one to remember."
For Amrita and me it truly was a treat to remember, filled with tales, stories, history amazing food and amazing team at the Swissotel.
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| Swiss cheese and bread soup |
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| Swiss sensation |
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| Chicken cordon bleu |
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| Melted Margarita |
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| Mushroom vol au vent |
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| Roesti |
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| Garlic seared prawns |
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| Saffron Rissotto |
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| Swiss cheese Fondue |
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| Apple Roesti |
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| Nut tart |
Happy Swiss Day!
Vishal & Amrita Tupper
PS :
The buffet dinner will be available only at Cafe Swiss Swissotel Kolkata Neotia Vista from 1900 hrs to 2300 hrs from 1st to 3rd August 2015 priced at 1800 plus taxes per person.
Special Swiss Sunday Brunch will be held on 2nd August 2015 priced at 1800 plus taxes per person.
There will also be special Swiss Buffet every Wednesday for the entire month of August 2015.
There is also a special kids cooking class on 2nd August, 2015
One can place reservations through email to kolkata.cafeswiss@swissotel.com or by phone at (+91) 9007020144
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