Many diners think Brigit & Bernard's Garden Cafe in Kahului is strictly a German restaurant - because of its annual Oktoberfest parties.
But Chef-owner Bernard Weber is from Switzerland, and he serves both types of the European cuisine at his popular eatery in the Kahului Industrial Area.
This weekend, he'll celebrate his native country's 719th year free from German rule with a party featuring authentic Swiss food and German beer.
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JOSEPH BERGERON photo
Chef Bernard Weber will celebrate his Swiss heritage Saturday and Sunday with an all-you-can-eat buffet.
"We gained our independence from the Germans way back in 1291," says Weber, who was raised in Zurich and Da Vos. "But we still like to drink their beer. I will give them that!"
You may also play Swiss trivia to win some future meals at the cafe.
"This year, we'll ask you trivia questions about Roman Polanski's prolonged 'stay' in our country, and the world's biggest particle collider (and it's not Federer vs. Nadal)," says the chef.
Savor the all-you-can-eat Swiss buffet from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or opt for a la carte menu items.
"The restaurant will be decorated in the Swiss traditional colors," says Weber. "So come and join us, listen to some popular Swiss music and have some dishes nowhere to be found other than half way around the world from here."
Swiss raclette, or "melted cheese," will be served with roasted potatoes, bread, mustard, pickled onions an cornichons."
"Raclette comes from Switzerland, but it's not what you think of as Swiss cheese," says Weber, who will serve it a la carte and on the buffet. Ditto for the bratwurst with roeschti potatoes and sauerkraut.
As for the buffet itself, enjoy the buendner platte of air-cured prosciutto, salami, Swiss cheeses, garnishes and freshly baked artisan breads.
"Risotto Ticinese comes with a variety of mushrooms from the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland," says Weber. "We'll also have Swiss lasagne, loved by all of our Alpine cowboys."
It's hard to pronounce some of these other highlights, but they include aargauer ruebli suppe (creamy carrot soup), along with zueri gchnetzlets (sliced chicken breast in creamy mushroom sauce).
Usually the choice of Swiss people on a diet, the Schwiizer salat buffet will provide your vegetables and so will "gapuns," or Swiss-chard dumplings. Cost of the buffet is $35, plus tax and tip. Desserts such as chocolate mousse and apple tarts in vanilla sauce are $4 each.
For more details, call 877-6000.
