THE SWISS AMBASSADOR HIS EXCELLENCY DR ROLF LENZ AND MADAME SHIRLEY HSIAO-LAN LENZ HOSTED A SUMPTUOUS GALA DINNER AT LAFITE AT SHANGRI-LA KUALA LUMPUR, TOUTED AS THE BEST EUROPEAN RESTAURANT IN MALAYSIA.
Also co-hosting were new general manager of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Reto Klauser who also happens to be Swiss, Ivan Breiter of Switzerland Tourism, Zurich Tourism, Oman Air and Zurich Insurance. The opening night gala was organised by the Swiss Embassy while Shangri-La served the excellent 4-course dinner of lake trout tartar, barley soup with air cured beef, veal Zurich-style with rosti potatoes and decadent Swiss chocolate cake with yoghurt and raspberries.
The menu was designed as a passport with the stamp stating the validity of the visa, issued at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur would expire on 30 October 2013 so it was too late to catch the next available flight to Zurich for illegal immigrants.
Prior to entering the ritzy Lafite, guests mingled in the foyer and admired the paintings by students from One Academy. Three cash prizes were given to the top three paintings based on popular voting from the guests who placed stickers on their favourite paintings.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was officiated by the Swiss ambassador His Excellency Dr Rolf Lenz, Shangri-La general manager Reto Klauser and guest Chef Reto Mathis. By a stunning coincidence, general manager is also Swiss, thus all three were from Switzerland!
Once the guests were seated, emcee Lyn Loh Tan Foong, cultural advisor to the Swiss embassy, invited her boss Dr Rolf Lenz to make his welcome speech.
This was followed by Shangri-La's GM Reto Klauser who amused everyone by noting each of Switzerland's 26 cantons had its own distinctive characteristics. He grinned, "Our capital Berne is known for being 'slow'. Once a man went to see a doctor for a broken leg after slipping on a snail. The doctor asked why he did not see the snail coming. The patient replied that was because the snail was coming too fast from behind!"
As for Reto #2 aka guest Chef Reto Mathis, he grinned, "There is a saying in Switzerland which I am applying tonight---keep your speech short and the sausage long! I want my food to do the talking so please enjoy tonight's dinner!"
This is what I like---short, sweet and snappy! But only when it comes to speeches as I do like my sausages long, my pile of cash thick and my bank account fat.
Swiss Week 2013 is all about Switzerland and promoting its unique culture(s) and attractions! Switzerland is one of the world's most fabulous, exciting and exhilarating destinations. I have been there 12 times so I know what I am talking about!
Zurich is the most important city but it is not the capital and neither is Geneva. The capital is Berne but it is so sleepy you do not need visit as there are many other cities you must go first.
Shopaholics will think they have died and gone to heaven as Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse (Railway Street) is one of the world's best shopping streets! From watches to diamonds to jewels to couture clothes to shoes, bags, accessories, chocolates and more fashion, everything your grasping heart desires is available. Unlike some cities, the streets in Zurich are clean, safe and friendly so you can relax, knowing you will not be mugged like in New York City where you have to cling onto your Hermes Birkin.
Since Switzerland manufactures the world's best watches and is home to Chopard which is Swiss and not French as many assume, you get the best prices possible and you can claim VAT.
Of course many Malaysians visit Zurich to visit their money! Swiss banks are as solid as the Matterhorn which explains why they offer such low interest compared to the high interest rates offered by Nigerian, Somali and Iraqi banks!
With over 50 museums and 100 galleries, Zurich boasts one of the world's highest standards of living and its nightlife is super hot! So there is something for everyone and every budget and you are spoilt for choice.
Just strolling aimlessly on the banks of Zurich's famous lake is a pleasure and one of my favourite activities since KL's lake in the botanical garden cannot be compared. Another of my favourite spots is Lindenhof which overlooks Zurich city and Limmat river. I have been there so many times I just close my eyes and can visualise the pretty linden trees, benches, cafes and stunning views. Here you can watch Zurichers play boules, a type of old fashioned bowling played on the ground with heavy balls.
The Old Town or Altstadt is another must-see as it is full of charming cobble-stoned streets, small shops, cafes and important churches.
Meanwhile, while waiting for your Oman Air or Swiss Air flight to be confirmed, you can enjoy a gourmet taste of Switzerland at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur as guest Chef Reto Mathis is here in KL only for another week before he returns to St Moritz, Switzerland's ultimate ski resort where the rich, famous and beautiful go. Since I am one of them, I went there last February and stayed in grand style at Badrutt's Palace hotel, one of Europe's most magnificent hotels!
Chef Reto Mathis owns 6 restaurants in St Moritz and is founder of St Moritz Gourmet Food Festival so you can rest assured you are in for a delicious time at Lafite!
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