La Relais de Chambesy in Geneva

A compatriot invited me for lunch today and despite my strict penchant for observing the usual one hour lunch, R suggested we dine at a bistro 3-5 minutes away from Palais des Nations, which took longer than average (but still within the typical P-staff lunch duration).

Boarding the V bus right in front of ICRC, we got off right in front of La Relais de Chambesy. Reservations were made (as is customary in Geneva for peak hours) indoors thanks to the silver morning sky but as the sun came out, a table was offered at the veranda.

Talking about Philippine politics and wondering why the poor are not reaping the benefits of the supposedly growing Asian tiger, R suggests that Filipinos who have lived abroad, who are exposed and appreciate the efficient and effective ways of the developing world should lead and be the ones in office. R said people like me, educated abroad, young and still capable to do something.

I retorted, "what about your type?" That means you should come home now instead of waiting for retirement. Come home when you're able-bodied and can still act on your ideas.

Shakshouka at Cottage Cafe

Shak-shuka what? My friends and I said the same thing while perusing the menu of Cottage Café here in Geneva. Eager to try new things, that’s on the upper left of the picture, together with some sliced chorizo and what was called Crispy Chavignol (goat cheese) wrapped in filo with honey and fruits.  All were tasty and light enough for our apero.

But it was not really Shak-shuka that got our attention. It was Sumac. What is Sumac?

Fete de la Musique in Geneva

Geneva often gives the impression that it is boring and quiet. I actually quite agree but not when you know where to go and when summer is here. Geneva completely shows its other face. 

June 21 marks the summer solstice and the start of summer, and there's no better way to celebrate it than with three days of Fete de la Musique! Yes, three days!!!

Fete de la Musique started in 1982 when then French Cultural Minister Jack Lang heeded the suggestion of his Director for Dance and Music to bring people to the streets. Quoted as saying, "the music everywhere, the concert nowhere," the Fete was officially conceived. 

Happening all over the world, the Philippines is no stranger to the Fete. I grew up enjoying the various kinds of music when it used to be held at different stages around El Pueblo. I remember it to be just one evening but would last until dawn. Then all of a sudden, it stopped. I think the last time I went was when the French Embassy brought in a French gypsy trio to perform at the tent in Sofitel. But I heard it's been back in some form or another in recent years. 

But back to Geneva.

Croix Rousse Market in Lyon

If you've been reading  earlier entries from this blog, you would know my unrealized aspiration to take up culinary school. In an effort to test the waters, I enrolled for a class at Plum Lyon last month. The course started with a walk up to Croix Rousse and Lucy Vanel telling us the rich history of the area from its silk roots to how instrumental it was in changing the Lyonnaise cuisine but also how the neighborhood adapted through the decades. For more of Lucy's stories, also check out her blog. 

From reading this blog, you'd also notice I love farmer's markets - the real farmer's markets. Mind you, I always thought that only artisan products were sold in real markets but I was wrong. Lucy said there are three types of market sellers. First, are those that sell one product alone. Let's say they just sell apples that they grow themselves and perhaps add a few other products made from the apples like jam and such. The second type would be selling specific kinds such as vegetables, fruits, meat or whatever except that they are still all from the region's farms and also are products of the season. Then the third category are those that sell imported products from elsewhere. That's why you see pineapples on fruit stands too.

Korean Beef Stew

The Korean beef stew popular in the Philippines is sweet with the beef so tender it's best with piping hot steamed rice. Although beef is top-quality here in Switzerland and needs barely anything else, sometimes, I can't help but crave food I grew up with. The version I share here though is not sweet but has a strong ginger flavor. 

The Balcony of Geneva: Mont Saleve

Geneva's local mountain called Mt. Saleve is actually in France.

It's what you see that resembles the Table Mountain when you're at the Vieille Ville. You get more than just the world's longest bench. You get a view of Mt. Saleve too. 

But don't fret. It's not that far. 

It's actually just about 20 minutes by bus from Geneva's city center on a few of TPG's buses (8,34, 41, 44). From the last stop, which is Veyrier Douane, you need to walk about 15-20 minutes through the village until you reach the customs border. Landmarks include a little square with a few cafes and a church. The way is marked with arrows towards "Telepherique du Saleve." It's bit of a maze crossing a railway and a parking lot but with good weather, the walk would be a leisurely one, with the cable car wires always in sight like the star in Bethlehem.