Page 117 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL WINTER SPRING 2022

cruises on the lake, the proximity to the moun- those conditions.” For 599CHF ($595), however,
tains but also things we take for granted like you could buy many more of those chocolate truf-
fresh air”, commented Gisler. fles.
But watches are not the only thing that springs Another delicacy, available only in the cold
to mind when thinking of Switzerland. As we all months between October and March, are Heissi
know, there is chocolate and then, there is Swiss Marroni (hot chestnuts) which is sold at little out-
chocolate. At Max Chocolatier in Lucerne, artisan door stalls along the riverfront and in the Old
chocolate, which is meant to be savoured, is Town. In the cold winter, the steaming snack
hand-made. In addition to basic varieties like warms both inside and outside just like the Chäs
milk, dark, hazelnut, caramel, etc. there are also Chüchli, little cheese tartlets found on hot plates
more exotic types with ingredients such as pump- outside some bakeries in Lucerne.
kin, chili, or even Tasmanian pepper. One truffle The local cuisine is seasonal, hearty, and often
takes four days to make according to store man- served in a rustic ambiance in the many tradi-
ager Daniela Silva and while not inexpensive, tional guesthouses of Lucerne, like the family-run
each bite delivers a rich, intense taste, so a small Wirtshaus Galliker Luzern which has been open
(or big) box is well worth the money! If you can for over 160 years, or the Zunfthausrestaurant
refrain from eating it all, you could keep your Pfistern, the town’s only surviving guild house
treats in a chocodor. “The best place to store dating back to 1578. It also has an eye-catching
chocolate is actually in a wine cellar ideally at fresco and is one of around 200 painted houses in
around 19°C, dry and dark”, explained Silva. “This Lucerne.A short walk from the center of town lies
handmade wooden treasure chest replicates what might arguably be the most famous lion in