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It is one of the most widely consumed foods and 27 March is its world day. Yes, we are talking about cheese. And what better way to celebrate this special day than by referring to the famous Cheeses of Switzerland. To do so, Swiss Cheeses has challenged chef Rodrigo de la Calle to reinterpret the menus of his two restaurants (El invernadero in Madrid and Virens in Barcelona) with different varieties of Swiss cheeses. The aim is to offer a proposal based on natural products, sustainability and respect for nature. And, of course, it will delight true cheese lovers. Here are all the details.
For this occasion, Rodrigo de la Calle has accepted the challenge of preparing two exclusive tasting menus in his restaurants with Swiss cheeses as the main ingredient. Diners will be able to taste such well-known and delicious varieties as Le Gruyère AOP Reserva (winner of the World Cheese Awards 2022), Emmentaler AOP, Appenzeller® Extra, Tête de Moine AOP or L’Etivaz AOP.
El invernadero and Virens become temples of cheese
At El invernadero (Ponzano 85, Madrid), diners will be able to try delicacies such as Le Gruyére AOP Reserva fritter, bimi sprouts with kimchee and Appenzeller® Extra, corn and cauliflower textures and carrot with Tête de Moine AOP, among other surprises. All of this paired with a host of high quality, artisanal wines, including Pajar del Mudo, small-grain muscatel, 2021, Madrid (white); Vento, 2020, Cencibel, Ciudad Real or a sweet date wine. The menu will be available from 28 to 31 March and is priced at 165 € per person (without wine pairing).
Meanwhile, at the Virens restaurant in Barcelona, the tasting menu prepared by Rodrigo de la Calle based on Swiss cheeses includes dishes such as kimchee pie with Le Gruyère AOP Reserva. Other dishes on the menu include pickled carrot with Tête de Moine AOP; salted caramelised leek tatin with vegetable juice and slices of L’Etivaz AOP; and asparagus lasagne with Appenzeller® Extra, among others. For pairing, a wide variety of wines, including Nobles i Guillotines, DO: Penedés, 2002, Karma Drag, DO: Montsant 2022, cabernet sauvignon, cariñena, biodynamic/natural. The Petit Caligo, DO: Penedés 2019, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, botrytis wine will not be missing. This menu will be available at Virens from 26 to 31 March and is priced at €95 (without food pairing).
If you are a cheese lover and want to celebrate such a special day with a menu to match, the proposal of chef Rodrigo de la Calle and Quesos de Suiza is the union you need.
