The Unforgettable Schogi Tram

I think we just combined two of the Swiss Ms' favorite things in this post:  (a) desserts and (b) antique trams.

Dreams do come true!

The Swiss Chocolatier Honold hosted a "Schoggi Tram (CHOCOLATE TRAM) in Zurich, for only a week from November 2nd to the 10th (too short!).  This immensely popular ride was only 5 CHF per person (believe it!).  We could not believe that something this amazing could be so affordable in Switzerland, much less Zurich.

The tickets went on sale a half hour before the first trip and cannot be reserved in advance online.  Luckily, we were out shopping for groceries at Coop at Bellevue when we saw the ticket line for the Schoggi-Tram open up.  Seizing the opportunity, we leapt in line to reserve our spot!  

Almost like a ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

THERE IT IS!

 

From the back.

The train starts at Bellevue, goes to Zurich HB before returning to Bellevue: a brisk 20 minute round-trip.

Knowing how punctual the Swiss are, we arrived a good fifteen minutes before our scheduled trip to ensure a good spot.  We were first in line and snagged a prime table for two near the front of the tram!

Eagerly awaiting the ride.

Beautiful antique interior.

They were playing Christmas music!

We got to peak into the driver's compartment.

Our table had fresh flowers.

In typical Swiss fashion, the tram promptly left at 3:30 and drinks, dessert and chocolate were served.  The tram was a little jerky, but it added to the entire experience.

No detail goes unnoticed, like this snow-flake tablecloth.

A tall mug of decadent hot chocolate.

Delicious!  

Doin' hot chocolate right.

Many passerby's admired the Schoggi tram.  Who can blame them?

Next up, Honald's specialty "Pain de Gênes" (an almond cake similar to American pound cake, where almond paste replaces some of the butter).

And to top it all off, chocolate!

On the left plate, dark chocolate covered espresso beans, a mint white chocolate covered in pop-rocks (they fizzed in your mouth!) and a liquor truffle.  On the right plate, cherry chocolate and plain dark chocolate.

Whew!  That was a ton of food to finish on our twenty minute journey.
  

As we got off, we noticed that the tram staff had already prepared for the next group of lucky riders!  We should have bought more tickets...

Thanks for reading!

-Herr Cervelat

Rapperswil Beer Festival

Early in September, while we were still living in our tiny temporary apartment, we actively sought out day trips to stretch our legs outside of Zurich.  Knowing my love of microbreweries and tastings, the Swiss Ms. suggested a local beer festival in Rapperswil (near the southeast tip of Lake Zurich).  After a short train ride, we arrived at the "Town of Roses" (we will have to revisit when the town's namesakes are in bloom!)

Rapperswil Train station.  I became a little directionally mixed up...

A wrong turn took us on a walk in the opposite direction of the beer festival for a good half hour (my fault).  At least our walk took us by a zoo!

Back in Rapperswil's beautiful Altstadt (the old town).

A view of lake Zurich and the old town from Schloss Rapperswil.

The beer festival was held at Schloss Rapperswil (Castle Rapperswil).  For 10 CHF/person, we received a commemorative Rapperswil Craft Bier Festival tasting mug and three drink tickets to try out the delicious local brews!

It was PACKED in the castle.  A clear tent covered the open courtyard.

An example of some of the unique beers showcased by local breweries.  The Black Noir was a rich porter, with hints of mint.  Other favorites included a crisp White IPA and a Whiskey Brown Ale.

Prost! (Cheers in German)

It may not seem like much, but this was one of the best pretzels I have ever had.  (Sorry Philly...)  We had to go back for seconds!

No German beer festival is complete without bratwurst!

A map of Switzerland, with each of the pins representing the breweries at the festival.  

We also took some time to explore the town and relax by the Lake, enjoying the summer weather.

Beyond this beautiful old building you can catch a glimpse of a passenger boat.  You can travel all the way back to Zurich by water.

This slide started up near the castle and wound all the way down the hill!  Wish they made it adult-sized...

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Herr Cervelat

Fall Harvest at Jucker Farms

Nothing says autumn to me like pumpkins and spice.  I remember when we were in the US, starting late September, EVERYTHING had pumpkin flavor.  Pumpkin muffin, pumpkin soup, pumpkin latte, pumpkin pie, pumpkin beer, etc.  However, the Swiss do not infuse pumpkin flavor into every possible comestible like we do in America.  

Sorely missing in Switzerland.

Thankfully, many local farms and stores do sell pumpkin (or Kurbis in German), so we decided to make a trip out to Jucker Farms near Seegräben, a quick forty minute trip from Zurich.

A view of Pfäffikersee (Lake Pfäffik) down the hill from Jucker Farms.

While our photos make Switzerland seem sunny and clear, in reality, most days are cloudy and overcast.  We have lucked out with good travel weather.

Not surprisingly, the farm was packed with families enjoying the fall harvest bounty and crisp autumn air.  

Families grilling bratwurst over the grill.

A selection of apples!

And gourds!  We bought some to decorate our new apartment.

There were also many creative pumpkin sculptures.

What have we here?  A chicken and..

...her egg!

Lion King

Pumpkin knight and his steed

Pumpkin honey bees

Will a kiss turn him into a Pumpkin Prince?

Winners of the largest pumpkins!  The first place winner weighed 588 kg!  (~1300 pounds!)

Frolicking through the fields!

Yes, that is Kurbis Secco (Pumpkin Prosecco).

Savoring the delicate aroma and bouquet of Kurbis.

Of course, what post would be complete without food pictures?

A cart of dessert!

Admiring the view.

To top it off, Bratwurst with bits of Kurbis inside!

Finally, we bought a Kurbis or two to roast ourselves!  Canned pumpkin is stupendously expensive at 7CHF for one small can!

Roasting some Kurbis for...

...Chocolate Chip Kurbis Bread!

Happy pumpkin season!

-Herr Cervelat