Knabenschiessen starts Saturday!

Just a quick heads up - you might have noticed that I have taken a leave of absence this week as I am entertaining my family that is visiting... I just wanted to let everyone know that in case you did not hear yet, Knabenschiessen starts on Saturday here in Zurich. I wrote about it last year - or at least the fact that I missed it... but I won't this year! Make sure you at least check out the big fair, or Chilbi in Swiss German, that starts on Saturday and goes through Monday, open from 11 am until late. I believe the event is at Albisgütli...? Is that correct? So whatever you do, don't miss the fair, ride some rides, eat some sweets, and enjoy a half day off on Monday!

---
Join the Swisstory Fan page on Facebook!

Zeughauskeller - My favorites at the best Swiss restaurant in Zurich

A must eat in Zurich - Zuricher Geschnetzeltes!

This post has been a long time coming, and actually I posted about this gem of a restaurant awhile back on Spottedbylocals - the Zeughauskeller is hands down my favorite restaurant in Zurich. I love to take my guests there, I love to go there with coworkers, and I just love eating there. It is the epitome of Swiss cuisine for me. There is something for everyone and all leave happy and full every time.

I paid these kids in Schnitzel to point at the restaurant and dance Swiss
traditional dances for me. heheh.

My favorite, most recommended dishes to order at the Zeug are as follows:

1) Geschnetzeltes Zuricher Art - this is THE dish of Zurich. I think if you leave Zurich without having this you should be smacked with a wet noodle... this is veal served in a savory mushroom cream sauce with a golden rosti (translated on the menu as hash brown potatoes Swiss style - spot on actually) next door, soaking up all the saucy goodness you could not lick up. I love this with the house beer. See the first photo!

2) Haxen - this seems daunting, but it is not really and you will be so glad you ordered it after you devour every last piece of moist meat on the bone. This is a whole pork shank, skinned, marinated with fresh herbs and oven roasted in dark draught beer, served with the best potato salad you will find in Zurich. On the menu in German, it says "es halt solong es halt" or something similar, that basically means - 'get it while you can' as this baby sells out fast.

A rare occasion in which I share this yummy cake - VERY rare.

3) This is the Zeughaus cake - it is an ice cream cake which is pretty rare in Switzerland actually, and that is only part of why it is so delicious. The rest is because the ice cream is flecked with hazelnuts and chocolate and sandwiched around a delicious cake. I always get this - if I can fit it in around favorites 1 and 2 and a couple of pints of beer - and still have the energy to waddle to the train, or the tram in dire circumstances and then crawl onto the train. It is worth it though - so please do save some room!

Make sure you read the Spottedbylocals article about the Zeughaus, as I detail a the Kanonenputzer entre as well... a meter long sausage dish that makes me jump with glee every time I see it being served at the Zeug. It is just too good. I have yet to be in the company of people adventureous enough to share this with me - but there is still time - oh yes, my day will come. And make sure you go for dinner, as this place is only for meals and they will throw you out if you try to just come for a beer or coffee and cake - believe me, I know from experience.

So go forth - enjoy - and report back what your favorites are! (Ps. Make a reservation if you can, this place is ALWAYS very busy, but I also always get lucky if I go before 7 pm.)

View Larger Map
---
Join the Swisstory Fan page on Facebook!

Fall Swiss Allotment Garden Update

It is true. It is officially Fall and while the garden is slowing down, I by no means am. Things seem to be getting busier and busier. I am little sad though that the garden will soon be shut down due to the change of seasons... I will soon pick the last pumpkin. I will soon load up the compost one last time before winter. I will see the last sunflower fall. The garden teaches us much, does it not? But until then, let's enjoy it shall we?





There are still a few cherry tomatoes and zucchinis left. I am hoping the last of the corn will also make it through and a few last beans. The chilies (as in chili peppers) are hot and coming thick and fast - time to make some spicy oil for my favorite pizzas! I also seemed to have planted way more gourds and pumpkins than one can humanly handle. But I am enjoying placing them around the house and filling big bowls with them. I can't tell you how many times though people at work think the three I placed on display are fake! Hoot! Doesn't it just look like a Fall garden now? (Ps. Sid - is it possible you gave me a sunflower plant? I will take a photo this weekend! ;)

One of my garden neighbors actually totally beats me hands down when it comes to growing pumpkins - even if I only bought the small varieties! Check his out...

And a shot for comparison sake... mine on top of his! HOOOOooot! ;) That is a baby bear on the left on top of his giant pumpkin and a little wee one on the right on top of his monster one!

Enjoy the Fall weather my friends... just remember - it could be snowing soon! ;)

---
Join the Swisstory Fan page on Facebook!

Be a guest blogger on OneBigYodel

Want some exposure for your blog? Looks like Chantal could use a hand - literally! - and is looking for guest bloggers. Feel free to contact her or leave a message on OneBigYodel if you are interested!

Velobörsen (Bike Market) on Sept. 26th in Zürich

As I mentioned yesterday, we do not have a car in Switzerland... and although it would be nice to have one, we probably won't buy one any time soon... we are rebels! We are living on the ohne Auto edge. Boo-ya. That said, I would possibly consider getting a bike if they were not so darn expensive. We live just down the street from a new bike shop, and the bikes that I like are $2,000 and upwards. Yikes! What happened to the $199 bikes from Target, eh?

If I were in the market for a bike though - I would get it at one of the bike markets, like the one coming up on September 26th at Helvetia Platz in Zürich from 9:00-15:00. Juanita did a great write up about this in April... so don't take my word for it. Read Juanita's post about Getting a Bike in Zürich, used or new!

---
Join the Swisstory Fan page on Facebook!

Living without a car in Switzerland... the European Way

I just realized the other day, that we have been living in Switzerland without a car for over a year and a half. Try to pry the American man's best friend, his car, away from him for even 24 hours and you will no doubt hear the cries of pain. But here in Europe, where the world is built to support mass transportation, the time ohne Auto seems to have passed by somewhat painlessly. Here is how we make do:

• Annual Train Pass - Both Jace and I have an annual train pass that allows us to travel an unlimited amount within a 12 month period for the zones on our car. There are multiple options here - I have a two zone pass and when I paid for 12 months, I got 3 months free. Jace has a pass that allows him to travel anywhere within the Zurich Kantonal zones and his card is subsidized by his work so he pays next to nothing to travel around. If you are lucky and have the cash, I recommend a GA card which allows you to travel limitlessly in Switzerland for 12 months. This is the best deal and really should get you motivated to get out and about.
  
  
• Mobility - Although I have only used this system once as I prefer the trains, the option is there to use this car sharing program in Switzerland. You simply get a membership, they send you a card after checking out your creds, and you are ready to reserve one of the thousands of cars available for when you need it. On the day, just tap the card on the window, the car opens and the keys are inside... zoom, zoom, zoom. Easy.
  
  
• Travel by Train in Europe & Switzerland - When we want to get out and about outside of Zürich, there are many ways in which we do so - 1) We buy supersaver tickets. These are only available through September 15th, so don't delay if you want to save a bundle on train tickets within Switzerland. 2) We buy day passes if we are traveling within Switzerland and will return on the same day. These are a great deal once the supersaver tickets are gone. 3) We buy in advance - if you buy in advance for trips around Germany for example, you can save a lot of money! You also save if you are traveling in a group of 5 and if one of the people's names is Juergen. Just kidding, but there are really good deals out there - just keep your eyes and ears open. And I guarantee, the prices for your tickets will probably still be less than what you would pay for car insurance! Oh and don't forget the Swiss Pass for tourists! And the Snow & Rail Pass come ski season! And above all the half-fare pass!!!!
  
  
• We walk... I walk to the grocery store and carry my bags back - and about 20 pounds of Diet Coke - thank you Jace for helping me to have toned arms. And I walk all around Zürich to do my shopping - if a tram doesn't come on time that is! We don't have a gym membership here and we probably don't need one as we do much more walking and get a lot more exercise (can you say garden?) here than in the States - all because we decided to forgo the car (and save a BUNDLE of money) and use the excellent public system. And if we weren't such tight-wads, we would get bikes, too... and oh boy would that be fun!
  

I get asked all the time if you can live in Switzerland without a car - and we are living proof... living, healthier, happier (I think so - my budget is happier) proof. So go ahead and give it a go - the worst that can happen is you need a ride to IKEA once in awhile, but that is a crutch I myself can allow. :) Good luck!

How many others live without a car!?
---
Join the Swisstory Fan page on Facebook!