Alex Sanchi loves variety – both in his work as a concierge at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich and in the city, he has called home since 2021. “Zurich combines urban flair with picturesque nature, winding old-town streets with vibrant squares, as well as a wide range of cultural activities and first-class gastronomy with excellent infrastructure – creating what is undoubtedly a city with special charm.” Here, Alex Sanchi reveals his favorite places to enjoy summer.
01 Refreshing relaxation
When the 11 municipal lake and river baths – affectionately known by locals as “Badis” – open their doors in spring, Zurich’s flair is almost reminiscent of the Italian Riviera. The opportunity to plunge into one of the beautiful bathing areas lining the lake shore or the Limmat river and float comfortably alone or with friends makes summer in the city a season to remember – for locals and international visitors alike.
02 Culinary classic
To get a taste of Zurich’s culinary heritage, visitors should try “Züri Gschnätzlets”: tenderly sliced veal served with mushrooms in a creamy sauce of white wine and veal stock, with a side of potato rösti. First mentioned in a cookery book in 1947, the dish now graces the menu of pretty much every home-style restaurant – such as the Eden Kitchen, the Michelin-starred restaurant at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich. A true culinary classic in Zurich.
03 The world of cinema
The absolute highlight of late summer is the Zurich Film Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. For around ten days, the city is packed with national and international film stars that you might even just get to meet if you’re lucky – especially at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich, the event’s official partner hotel. The ZFF also regularly screens world premieres. For cinema lovers, there’s nothing quite like seeing films before they are officially shown in cinemas around the world.
04 Art and culture
Zurich is rich in art and culture. The Opera House is undoubtedly one of the city’s cultural gems, presenting a varied program of first-class performances; while the Kunsthaus Zürich is a must for all art lovers. The art museum houses an impressive collection of works by greats such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Méret Oppenheim, regularly hosting different solo and group exhibitions.
05 In the mood for shopping
As well as exploring the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, we also recommend strolling around the Seefeld shopping district. Here you’ll find charming little boutiques offering an exquisite selection of products – from first-class olive oil to unique designer creations. The team at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich naturally knows the names and addresses of the finest amongst them but will only reveal them on request. After all, an insider tip should remain exactly that.
About Alex Sanchi
Alex Sanchi found his calling as a concierge at the hospitality business school in Merano. He has been working at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich since 2021 and became a member of the Les Clefs d’Or concierge association in 2023.
Text by Kristin Müller
This article is an excerpt from La Réserve Magazine N° 31 by Michel Reybier Hospitality, which you can conult online here.
