20. December 2014: Restaurant Intermezzo
Honestly speaking, for a Christmas Dinner of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, I had expected a bit more. But to be fair, everything was really good – just not really mind-blowing. The “clear oxtail soup with fried brasato raviolo” was a good start. The taste of the oxtail was intense and the fried raviolo on top spiced the thing quite a bit up.
Even the next course was still quite tasty “tuna. spiced salmon. king crab. avocado. wasabi sorbet”. Especially the wasabi sorbet was a very interesting taste experience – and the fish was fresh and aromatic. The white wine, “Sauvignon Kirchleiten, 2012, Tiefenbrunner vineyard, Kurtatsch Alto Adige, Italy” (CHF 64.00) was quite fine a match.
Next in line was a “nutty veal tatar and a lemon gras soup”. While the veal tatar was quite okay, I actually liked the lemon gras soup quite a lot.
While I am a huge fan of duck and liver, I must say that the actual duck of the “coated duck breast, stuffed with duck liver, with pea corn ragout” was a disappointment to me, I was blown away by the pea corn ragout. A true poem!
What I always consider impressive is when something like a “côte de boeuf” is shown before it is served – I mean, it is a tremendous piece of meat and frankly speaking you juts want to dig in when you see it.
However, the “côte de boeuf of the Irish beef, truffles, parsnip purree, root vegetables” looked breath-taking. But frankly speaking, while the meat was definitely tender it did not blow me away. It somehow lacked taste (despite the thin layer of white truffles on top). The parsnip purree on the other hand was really great. The red wine “Il Passatore No. 1, Vini Briganti, Veneto, Italy” (CHF 62.00) was a truly positive surprise. I must admit, a great wine!
At least the dessert, a “manjari chocolate mousse, oranges, cardamom icecream, pears, crumbles” was outstanding. Especially the cardamom icecream was something I have not yet experienced and really triggered my taste buds one last time this evening.
The place itself was great – the event itself took not place in the actual restaurant but on the top floor which was especially decorated for the event. The service is close to flawless – I guess only once, the waiter mixed up who wanted sparkling and who wanted still water (and poured it in accordingly) but else, the service was at the top!
From my experience here, I must say, I can recommend the Restaurant Intermezzo as the food is definitely above average – still I was a bit disappointed as I had expected more. Nevertheless, a place worth going to and enjoying a good meal.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Intermezzo
Beethovenstrasse 2
8002 Zürich (CH)
Tel.: +41 44 206 36 42
E-Mail: intermezzo@kongresshaus.ch
Homepage: http://www.kongresshaus.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. 
