Nespresso Gourmet Weeks at Restaurant Sonnenberg

Caramelito, Vanilio and Fortissio Lungo. What sound like names from a Giuseppe Verdi opera are three types of Nespresso grands crus coffees.

For someone who drinks his fair share of coffee, the idea of incorporating coffee flavors into a gourmet meal is ingenious. Think about it: In addition to your daily Joe, you get to taste caffeine even in your meal! The geniuses behind this idea are responsible for Nespresso Gourmet Weeks, a three-week event involving 15 restaurants across Switzerland.

Nespresso Gourmet Weeks at Restaurant Sonnenberg

To kick off this gourmet marathon, we selected Restaurant Sonnenberg in Zürich for the panoramic views and Chef Jacky Donatz' cuisine.

On this late autumn day, the golden sun perches onto the vineyard below the restaurant. From our window table, we have a perfect view of Lake Zürich and parts of the Alps. While toasting to the occasion, we agree that this is one of the best vantage points in the city.

First course: Brown crab on a Vanilio coffee sauce.

Once in a while, we spot Chef Donatz as he checks on his guests. During the three-course meal, we will be tasting the unique pairings of grands crus with his authentic cuisine. The experience starts out with a serving of brown crab along with carrots and orange fillets. Tasting that hint of Vanilio sure puts a smile on my face...

Second course: Veal filet poached in Fortissio Lungo oil.

The veal filet is tender as can be, and we enjoy the delicately prepared pak choi cabbage. Despite the Arabica's implied intensity (fortissio reminds of fortissimo, or very loud), the coffee flavor in the sauce is slightly underwhelming while the peanut taste dominates.

Third course: Caramelito mousse covered in raspberry.

Trust me: This dessert is the ultimate berry lover's delight! In order to find out how delicious it tastes, you will just have to book a Gourmet Weeks table for lunch at Restaurant Sonnenberg.

And, of course: A Nespresso Lungo Forte to round it off!

More Information about Nespresso Gourmet Weeks

- Dates: Oct 25 - Nov 15, 2015
- Pricing: 70 francs for lunch/120 francs for dinner (includes coffee, but beverages are extra)
- List of participating restaurants (mention "Gourmet Weeks" when making a reservation)
. Follow the hashtag #NespressoGourmet on Twitter

(For the purpose of this review, Nespresso has invited us to try a lunch menu at a restaurant of our choice.)