With magic in the air and Geneva on my mind, this summer was one for the books. This isn’t a Princess Diaries moment where you see beautiful castles and lush gardens...that’s Genovia. Geneva is a quaint town in Switzerland bordering the east side of France. Geneva is also on the southern tip of Lake Geneva incorporating both city and outdoor life aka the best of both worlds. With a growing food scene and a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, Geneva should be on your travel radar. Now let's get to the good stuff.
Where to Eat
Switzerland is most known for one thing in the culinary world: Fondue. Melted cheese paired with potatoes, bread and meat make your taste buds happy campers. But, their ever-growing culinary scene is on the rise making it a foodie destination. Here are my favorite spots I visited during my stay:
El Catrin
You’re probably wondering why I would go all the way to Switzerland to eat Mexican food, but it was highly recommended and did not disappoint. El Catrin had some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever eaten. From the flavorful food and drinks to the authentic decor, this place is the real deal.
Start with a margarita. You’re on vacation so duh. Passionfruit, strawberry, classic… you name it and they make it delicious. Next, guac and salsa. They offer both single servings or a trio showcasing their different flavors. Definitely order this. They will also bring you extra chips so don’t worry about running low. Take a pause from inhaling the goods to focus on the stars of the show: tacos. Order single or multiple depending on your level of hunger.
My trio included:
Baja fish taco: fish filet in crispy batter served with red cabbage, pico de gallo and creamy chipotle salsa.
Barbacoa: slow-cooked beef in a blend of dried Mexican chiles served with onions, cilantro and guacamole taquero.
Al Pastor: pork marinated in a blend of dried chile sauce served with pineapple, cilantro, white onions and lime.
Auberge de Saviese
For the most authentic experience in Geneva, this place was it. Walk into a log cabin in the woods and experience delicious comforting Swiss food. The smell of fondue flaunts through the air as you enter, leaving your heart and soul both hungry and happy. They also use local cheese and ingredients showcasing farm to table excellence.
The menu offers many different options for fondue, but we went with the classic house cheese fondue: 80% Gruyere and 20% Alpine Gruyere. We ordered enough for two, but it was enough to feed an entire army. They offer bread for dipping but you can add different beef, vegetables and potatoes. The flavor of the cheese is very bold and strong and is not for everyone. Every dip packs a bold punch and leaves you feeling heavenly. The authentic experience is magical and one to remember.
What to do
Geneva is filled with fun adventures for everyone. Hiking, sightseeing and relaxing were the highlight of my trip.
Monte-Saleve Cable Car
For a view of the whole city, this is the thing to do. You can drive or take public transportation directly to the bottom of the cable car. Once you pay for your round trip ticket, the cable car takes you to the top in about 10 minutes. Once you get to the top, the view is unreal. There are plenty of hiking trails, a restaurant and a large grass area to sit and enjoy the view. If you are feeling ambitious you can also hike your way down the mountain.
Lake Geneva
If you visit in the summer months, Lake Geneva is a must. Sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh blue water and beach-like setting. There are many paid beaches to choose from and include a food court, a pool and waterslide.
Jet d’Eau Fountain
When you first arrive in downtown you will notice a huge jet of water on Lake Geneva. This is hard to miss and is one of the tallest fountains in the world. It is definitely a tourist picture moment and cool to see both up close and far away. There are walking paths along the lake making it a scenic view.
xoxo Hungry Unicorn
Comments