Quality and excellence is what makes the Italian agri-food industry so unique and valued all over the world. Through the work and commitment of entrepreneurs and craftsmen, the values of finished products and the whole supply chain have created a path of virtuous goodness.
With this perspective, from the 24th of November until the 24th of December, Switzerland will present typical Italian specialty in Montreux, by the Geneva lake.
Fresh pasta from the Emilia region will come into the limelight, as well as cantucci (a kind of cookie made with almonds) from Tuscany, cannoli and cakes from Sicily, dishes and wines from Venetian wine cellars – in fact, they will all give life to Montreux Noël, the handmade food international Fair that takes place before Christmas in this village of the “Swiss Riviera”.
This event has cast a spell on visitors from all over the world for the past 22 years. It is a blaze of perfumes and tastes that gives the opportunity to taste and buy unique food in a breath-taking setting. For this edition, Italy will be the special guest. It will be a unique opportunity to offer and present Italian food delicacies and handmade products that give prestige to Italy.
Italy as special guest
It is the very first time that Montreux offers Italy a dedicated area – the “Italy Pavilion” with the “Casa Italia” restaurant inside. Some of the best Italian entrepreneurial activities will come into the limelight – inside this area as well as in the typical stands along the streets, they will have the opportunity to present and make buyers and visitors taste the excellent products of the Italian handicraft and agri-food sector.
Moreover, this year companies will be helped since they can take part in this event by relying on a partner with more than 20 years’ experience in event organization and management: Avenue media has the exclusive right to represent Italy. This initiative can also rely on the support of Ice – the Agency for the promotion and the internationalization of Italian companies abroad – as well as of Confartigianato Imprese Veneto.
“Italy Pavilion”
In the “Italy Pavilion”, the so-called “sfogline” – the pasta dough experts – will show their ability in preparing tagliatelle, lasagne and tortellini; masters of the Art of baking and confectioners will give demos on how to prepare typical bread and cakes. “Cooking contests” among chefs are scheduled as well.
The audience will vote for the best recipes. Wine tasting, delicious tastes, traditional jewelry and handicraft.
Italian companies who are exhibitors in the chalets, but are not present in the Pavilion can schedule a customized demo inside the Italian area. In a nutshell, the aim of the “Italy Pavilion” is to receive visitors with a warm and “flavourful” hug, as it is the case in the best “Italian houses”.
“Casa Italia” Restaurant
Spaghetti bolognaise and pasta with ketchup and meat balls are banned. Eating tasty and healthy food with a real Mediterranean diet is now possible and affordable – even in the heart of Switzerland, at “Casa Italia” restaurant. Here you can find the real Italian cuisine with genuine dishes with a long history.
It is an opportunity to make international visitors fall in love with tortellini, lasagne, tortelloni and filled pasta and taste fresh pasta or typical Italian semolina pasta as well as cheese, cold cuts and cakes. A delicious journey through the Italian peninsula.
The pearl of the lake
Montreux is one of the most evocative places that overlook the Lake Geneva (also known as the Léman lake). It nestles in a panoramic landscape that makes it famous today as it was in the past: colorful corners, wine yard, the tops of the Alpes with their reflection on the rich blue water.
A stroll along the lake offers a wonderful view on the surrounding nature, on Medieval castles and exclusive villas. Chateau de Chillon, a castle from the XII century just outside Montreux, is one of the best known attractions in the surrounding area. It is a remarkable example of medieval architecture and the view on the Dents-du-Midi mountains is amazing.
Beside Montreux Noël, the “pearl of the lake” is home to other important events such as the Jazz Festival, Montreux Sundance, the Golden Rose Festival and the national choirs contest. In 2011 the Freddy Mercury Tribute took place right here, on the twentieth anniversary of his death.
The Christmas market
At Christmas the village turns into a fairy-tale place. Every year, from the end of November until the 24th of December, the Montreux Noël takes place by the lakeside, with over 150 decorated chalets that are lit up according to Christmas traditions.
It is the occasion to appreciate international and local handicraft products, taste food specialties and find original gift ideas. A warm and joyful environment, with shows and activities. But also daily surprises inspired by current events and glamour.
At Christmas time, the Chillon Castle turns into a medieval small village animated by storytellers, musicians, ballad-singers and artisans from the past.
The village of Caux, above Montreux, is decorated as a “Village des Lutins” (Village of Elfs”) where kids and families enjoy Santa’s laboratory and post office, with funny animals and shows that make people “go back to their childhood”. And what about Santa? He will be waiting every day in his cave above Montreux, on top of Rochers-de-Naye mountain, at an altitude of 2,042 meters.
