2010 Food Events in Switzerland

January 29-February 1, Lugano, Ticino, Ristora: Salone della Ristorazione dell’Ospitalità e dell’Enogastronomia. The Lugano Wine Festival takes place within the framework of this salon, more at www.ristora.ch

February 1-5, St. Moritz, Graubünden, 17^th Gourmet Festival, an exclusive event, this year’s theme: ‘’Culinary Stars & Icons”, www.stmoritz-gourmetfestival.ch

March 11-14, Weinfelden, Thurgau, Wine and Gourmet Fair, www.schlaraffia.ch

March 20, Versoix, Chocolate Festival, www.festivalduchocolat.ch. Since Geneva is ”international capital” of World Circus Year 2010, this year’s festival is circus-themed, more at www.worldcircus.org

May 7-30, Commune of Schwyz, participating restaurants serve food and wine typical of a specific area in Switzerland, great way to learn about this country’s different cuisines, www.info-schwyz.ch

July 9-18, Gstaad, Bern, the ‘’Davidoff Saveurs” gourmet festival somewhat comically named the ‘’Week of Relish” in English but nevertheless a serious (and exclusive) foodie venue, www.davidoffsaveurs.ch

August 1, it’s Swiss National Day and all over the country brunch is served on farms and at wineries, more at www.brunch.ch

September through November, Bern, Lucerne, Central Switzerland, all manner of local cheese events and markets listed here: www.cheese-festival.ch, click on Anlässe. Also see www.schweizeralpkaese.ch

September 11-12, Fribourg and Bulle, gargantuan Thanksgiving-style repast with unique specialties, go to www.fribourgregion.ch and check out Manifestations, Bénichon, they also feature a traditional menu. Call to find out what area restaurants will be serving a Bénichon meal, telephone number is under Contacts

September 16-26, ‘’Taste Week” aka Semaine du Gôut, Woche der Genüsse and Settimana del Gusto, slow food and terroir products promoted at myriad events all over the country, www.gout.ch

October 8-11, Kongresshaus Zurich, Gourmesse is a big ticket foodie fair, www.gourmesse.ch

October 9-10, villages in Gruyère, canton Fribourg: Bénichon, a gargantuan Thanksgiving-style repast with unique specialties, go to www.fribourgregion.ch and check out Manifestations, Bénichon, they also feature a traditional menu. Call to find out what area restaurants will be serving a Bénichon meal, telephone number is under Contacts

October 15-24, BEA Bern Expo, international and Swiss wines, regional food products, www.bernerweinmesse.ch, food products www.regionalprodukte.ch

October 28-November 1, Bulle, Fribourg, Salon Suisse des Gôuts et Terroirs - this fair is an annual biggie for foodies, www.gouts-et-terroirs.ch

November 7-10, Beaulieu Lausanne, Vaud, hotel and catering trade fair, www.gastronomia.ch

Around November 11, Fête de la St Martin in the canton of Jura, go to www.lasaintmartin.ch for a typical menu, a list of restaurants that will be serving the mammoth feast, and on what dates.

The annual home exhibitions in the larger Swiss cities are always good bets for food and of course for local products Christmas markets, traditional events like the ascent and descent of the cows from high-altitude pastures in spring and fall, or mid-summer events in August, also wine fairs and festivals, are great venues. Check these out under Interests/Food & Wine/Culinary Events at www.myswitzerland.com.