26. April 2013: Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Waag
Once more a great experience in the framework of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The topic of the night was “Dîner Oenologique – Fiesta Español” and it started with freshly cut “Jamón Iberico de Jerez” which was truly luscious. Also, I’ve learned that Spanish ham has to be a bit “sweaty” when served so the fat layers which are in the red meat can deploy their full flavour enhancer effect – and it was truly mouth-watering.
Served to the Jamón was one of the three original sherry types – “Amontillado”. It was the first sherry I ever drank and I must say it was surprisingly good but also quite strong. Once seated one was easily able to see that it was going to be quite a long night.
As a first course a “spring pastry with asparagus salad” was announced. It was surprisingly presented being actually more of a “decomposed spring pastry with duck liver, sherry aspic and bread separated with the promised asparagus and artichoke salad”. The de-composition was interesting and allowed one to enjoy the single tastes but also the combination of the tastes. The asparagus and artichoke salad was greatly refreshing.
For the second course – “a clear oxtail broth covered with puff paste” – a sherry “Oloroso” was served. It was somehow smoother but at the same time had more flavour and it fit greatly with the soup which was truly rich and taste-intense.
The main course was mind-blowingly amazing – “pata negra filet from Salamanca with wild garlic risotto” which was wrapped in Jamón Iberico. The meat was incredibly tender and was amazing in taste. It still gives me the shivers when thinking about it. It was accompanied by the “Dominio Romano, 2007, Ribera del Duero” which was full-bodied and rich.
As a first dessert, some “manchego cheese” was served. It was good and tasty and fit very well with the “Gratavinum 2 PIR 2008, Priorat”.
The third sherry served this evening was a “Pedro Ximénez” which is a sweet sherry. It has the consistency and liquidity of cough syrup but it tastes a million times better. It is very sweet indeed but so very smooth and rich you just want to enjoy it more and more. To finish off the evening, a “crema catalana” was served together with sorbet. The sorbet was delicious, the crema catalana was good but not entirely persuading.
The price for the event accounted for CHF 145.00 for young members and I consider this very fair considering the fact that great food was offered and an amazing selection of wines and sherry was compiled. Besides that, the place is truly beautiful – we were on the third floor which was a guild room entirely held in wood and it was great. Last but not least, it was not only great with regards to the atmosphere and the food, but the service was outstanding too. They were friendly at all times, there immediately when you needed something in addition and one was able to obviously see that they like their jobs. I would like to point out one especially great waitress who did a marvelous job that night, Julia Stocker.
Overall, I will for sure go again to the Zunfthaus zur Waag – great atmosphere, outstanding service, fair prices and truly delicious food!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Waag
Münsterhof 8
8001 Zürich (CH)
Tel.: +41 44 216 99 66
Fax: +41 44 216 99 67
E-Mail: zunfthaus-zur-waag@bluewin.ch
Homepage: http://zunfthaus-zur-waag.ch
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
