Friendly Fondue at Uetilberg /UtoKulm

Y (April '23)

SCORE: Suck it and see

ORDER: Kirsches... and fleischfondue

VALUE: 220 CHF/2 with booze

The flat I had been staying at had a lovely terrace in the back, with a view of an idyllic meadow that was just dusted with spring flowers in late April / early may. When I asked the owner for options for easy hikes, she suggested that I climb to the radio tower that I saw in the distance from the balcony itself. Without thinking much of it, I put on some walking shoes and started walking in that direction. Little did I know "easy" for swiss entails a 5km trail that climbs up 350m...parts of which were pretty much straight up. Luckily, I'd done a little bit of reading, and knew that there would be fondue at the top at Hotel Uto Kulm

an exhausting hour and a bit later, I was at the summit, with surprisingly unscathed limbs (and a shattered ego, as both an 80+ year old man and a pregnant lady breezed past a wheezing me while climbing up) but a raging appetite. Mentally I was picturing a warm wine-y pot of cheese. However I was told that their main fondue spot was closed, and that the options available were "fleischfondue", a la carte, or sunday brunch buffet. I thought why not try this fleischfondue option, as when else would I get the chance to try it

After ordering what sounded like meat overload, I was stunned for the first time in several days to receive a plate that had something green on it! Don't worry though, the salad was covered with bacon and grated boiled eggs so as to ensure it isn't too healthy. 

Perhaps this was just me being a naive asian, but what came out reminded me of a hot pot, just with a beef bouillon base rather than what we would traditionally have in a hot pot. I had veal, beef and chicken, along with an assortment of dips and a giant pot of vegetables and beef broth to cook the meats in

The meats themselves were lean, and went well with the sauces. They were definitely satisfying after the long and arduous hike up. The view, the breeze and the refreshingly friendly staff made the meal much more than just the food itself

As we were coming to the tail end of our meal, the friendly staff member came by and said usually they pour out the soup and have it by itself to finish the fondue. As I started ladling the soup out, he asked a simple yet profound question: "why don't you drink the soup with some sherry"... and I thought. why hadn't I ever considered this option before. so promptly he came by and poured in a half a shot of sherry to my soup.

Upon hearing that I like eaux de vie / kirsches / grappas / etc. the chap got even more friendly, came by with 2 different kirsches and an apricot liqueur. Naturally I had to try them all - My favorite was the Etter Zuger Kirsch - it was punchy yet smooth and had none of that medicinal aftertaste that some of these do

All in all - worth coming up to try out, Would likely have had more of the dishes to try if I had come by when the main fonduehouse is open. Highly recommend the hike as it's a good way to not feel like a slob eating fondue.

PS - for those worried about the higher center of gravity after eating that heavy a meal - there IS a tram that brings you right back down to central station