On Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:57:18 +0100, Mike Tommasi >
wrote:

>Shaun Eli wrote:
>> Buy chocolate and forget the wine. Or buy French and German wines.
>>
>> I think you'll agree after you taste a few local wines, I'm sorry to
>> say.
>
>Disagree.

Much would relate to whether the exposure is to the swill that is
offered in the mass catering halls on the ski slopes at outrageous
prices--airline purloined single serving bottles of Fendant, or if
dining at some of the upscale hotels or eateries of Geneva or
Lausanne.

A few (many) years ago I had the opportunity to dine with a couple of
friends at Girardet in Crissier. Freddie Girardet had been covered by
Gourmet magazine and in the interview had said that he loved to do a
100 SF menu for guests who were seeking the best. (The exchange at
that time pegged the cost at about $65 US per person.)

We wrote to him and challenged him, then planned a trip with some
friends. The meal was an incredible experience, and we placed
ourselves at his mercy for wines with the only specification being
that they be Swiss. We weren't disappointed. We went through about
eight courses over a period of three and a half hours, each one better
than the one before. And, we got our eyes opened with regard to Swiss
wines.

About two years later, Robin Leach of "Lifestyles of the Rich &
Famous" did a "world's best" show and declared Girardet to be the best
restaurant in the world! About another year after that Michelin began
to offer stars to Swiss restaurants and Girardet joined the officially
recognized ranks of the best in the world.

Swiss wines can be quite good, quite expensive and for those who live
outside of the country, quite rare.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com