Spring is the perfect timing for visiting Zürich, Switzerland’s secret capital. For centuries the city played an important role in society and politics. Beautiful houses remind the visitor of a glorious past. They now host elegant, top-class restaurants. What better location for a Spring Grand Chapitre celebrating friendship and exquisite hospitality.

On Friday evening, the Welcoming Dinner at the well-known historic Hotel Widder was composed by Executive Chef Tino Robert Staub. The highlight was the unbeatable dessert buffet in the kitchen.

Saturday’s midday event was held in the Constaffel Society’s elegant guild hall. Maître Restaurateur Tamiko Stump Pecoraro and her team gave us the VIP treatment with a menu featuring Zurich culinary specialities.

The Induction Ceremony took place at the beautiful Wasserkirche, a church which is effectively built out into the River Limmat. It was a marvellous location for this exciting part of the Grand Chapitre! As the appointed representative of President Yam Atallah, Maître de Cérémonie Mohamed Hammam, Member of the Conseil d’Administration from Turkey and Chair of the International Ordre Mondial (OMGD) Committee, inducted new members into the Chaîne and OMGD also including a variety of “Commandeurs” being presented with their respective “long-service” awards.

Then the celebrations began with cocktails from a fountain hosted by Sepp Wimmer, Officier Maître Restaurateur and OMGD Professional Member. A “fountain” you may well be asking. Yes, the Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Waage has a wondrous wine well, which under the magic spell of Head Chef Alain Koenig, gave us the best fresh white wine.

Champagne and wine flowed in rich, full waves reminiscent of the "Sorcerer's Apprentice". Luckily, with consummate professionals Sepp Wimmer and Maître Restaurateur Titus Meier, Director of the Convention Centre, in charge, they were masters of everything.

For the traditional Gala Dinner, Restaurant Lake Side with a superb view of the mountains provided the perfect culinary hot spot.

Sunday was “OMGD Day” at the centrally located 20/20 by Mövenpick. Quirin Schaer, Maître Restaurateur and David Klocksin, Maître Rôtisseur created a delicious light lunch. A wonderful end to a great Grand Chapitre was another wonderfully organized occasion by an enthusiastic committee.

At all events the service brigades were equally important as those in the kitchens. Their professional and cheerful combination made for an exciting experience.

This Grand Chapitre truly was a weekend to happily remember! 

Martin Wendel, Vice-Chargé de Presse - Zurich Ville
Renata Cavegn, Chargée de Presse

Photos: taken by Martin Wendel and Carole Fleischmann, copyright held by Chargé de Missions Josef Bösze

Video: Reto Schläppi, Vice-Chargé de Presse, Bailliage of Soleure