In Review: Zunfthaus zur Waag
The Basics Münsterhof 8, 8001 Zürich Snapshot The Zunfthaus zur Waag, based in the heart of Zurich’s old town, is one of the hottest addresses in the city when it…
The Basics
Address: Nüschelerstrasse 6, 8001 Zürich
+41 44 227 19 22
https://www.labottegadimario.ch/
A Snapshot
Tucked into the heart of Zurich, a quick hop from the buzzing Bahnhofstrasse, you’ll find La Bottega Di Mario. This joint isn’t just about good food—it’s all about atmosphere. It’s where luxury and comfort meet, making you feel at home.
A bit of background
La Bottega’s roots stretch back to Mario Rapelli’s original eatery, which kicked off almost a century ago in the charming Ticino village of Stabio. It’s like time travel for your taste buds, celebrating tradition while giving you a taste of that cozy Ticino spirit.
The Venue
The Bottega Di Mario is a true gem in the heart of Zurich. Stepping inside feels like entering a cozy oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The warm and inviting ambiance sets the stage for a memorable dining experience, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the culinary journey they offer. With its intimate atmosphere and attention to detail, the venue becomes an essential part of the overall enchantment of the evening.
The Food
As soon as you step into La Bottega Di Mario, your senses are hit with the mouthwatering aromas of authentic Ticino cuisine. The menu reads like a love letter to the region, featuring a range of dishes that pay homage to tradition while adding a modern twist.
We kicked things off with the insalata di Carciofi, a medley of artichokes, brought together in a vibrant salad that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. They even took it up a notch with a twist – caramelised goat cheese. Creamy, tangy, goat cheese that’s been lovingly browned to create a mouthwatering dance of sweet and savory.
With each bite, you’re greeted with a symphony of textures and flavors. The tender artichokes bring a delicate earthiness, while the caramelised goat cheese adds a delightful richness that’s balanced out by the freshness of the salad. But this isn’t just a salad – it’s a masterpiece. A testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care and creativity, can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
The main event of our culinary escapade was the Tagliata di manzo. Imagine a beautifully sliced and flambéed entrecôte that’s cooked to absolute perfection right before your eyes. As you sit there in anticipation, the chef skillfully works their magic, igniting the flames that dance across the meat. The tenderness of the entrecôte combined with that smoky char from the flambéing process creates a symphony of tastes. And oh, the aroma! It’s enough to make your mouth water before you even take your first bite.
This masterpiece is accompanied by carefully chosen companions. First up, the peppery rocket and the salty, nutty goodness of parmesan. They’re like the supporting actors that elevate the star of the show – the entrecôte. The freshness of the rocket and the boldness of the parmesan bring balance and harmony to every mouthful.
Now, let’s talk about the wine pairing – a Tempranillo Ribera del Duero. It’s the perfect partner in crime for the Tagliata di manzo. With its robust character and deep flavors, this wine enhances every nuance of the dish.
To accompany our mains, the white wine risotto – a creamy, dreamy concoction that’s the embodiment of comfort. And then there are the rosemary potatoes – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and infused with the aromatic charm of rosemary.
As we savored every bite of the Tagliata di manzo and its companions, it became clear that La Bottega Di Mario wasn’t just serving food – they were crafting an experience. An experience that celebrates the artistry of cooking, the joy of sharing, and the magic that happens when flavors come together in perfect harmony.