Fondues, Raclettes...Swiss Food - Geneva, Switzerland

If you're interested in trying typical Swiss food, there's a nice Swiss restaurant near our downtown hotel, on Rue Des Paquis 20. It was highly recommended by the concierge and it was not as pricey as one would think. The name of the place is The Auberge de Saviese and they serve typical Swiss dishes like "raclettes" (melted cheese with potatoes) and "fondues".

The night we went to this restaurant, it was still warm outside so we were able to sit outside in a small side patio/garden. While there, we had some wonderful food and drank some local beer.

Between three of us, we sampled a couple of raclettes (each, can be easily shared by two). We also ordered a half an order of snails (six - a 1/2 portion) plus a Beef Fondue for two ( which is raw sirloin in chunks, plus a fondue pot of boiling oil where one cooks each piece of meat with the aid of your individual long, thin forks to dip the meat in the pot, at leisure ). This portion was so large, we couldn't finish the meat. It could have easily been shared by three.

We also ordered a large tomato and mozzarella salad (they have 1/2 portions too) and we shared it between the three of us. Portions were large and the food was nice and fresh. The fondue came with the best fries I have eaten in a long time! All this food, 6 beers and a large bottle of water, came to about $50 dollars each - not too bad, considering it's Switzerland since we drank alcohol, and ate like little "couchons" (piggies)!

If interested, please get directions from the concierge. It's located across from the Patisserie La Vouivre in 20 Rue des Paquis.

As you walk there, take a look at all the other small ethnic restaurants in the area. The Paquis area is famous in Geneva for its quirky, ethnic cafes, shops and restaurants. It is a safe area to walk, even at night, so feel free to explore and to share with us what your discover.

There is one street in this area, about a block away from the Train Station, that is the "red light district" - kt's only about two blocks long - If you happen to find it, you won't miss "the gilrs". No problem, just turn back and you'll be back in the safe cafe neighborhood again.

Bon Appetite!

Remember to submit comments and recommendations of places you discover to our email - postcards@me.com. We'd love to hear from you!