Regional Delights

Grisons, or Graubünden in German, is a canton located in eastern Switzerland, known for its stunning Alpine landscapes and rich culinary traditions. Two notable local food products from Grisons are “Bündnerfleisch” (Grisons / Graubünden dried meat) and “Ziger” cheese.

Centuries-old craftsmanship is involved in the production of these wonderful delicacies. They demonstrate the reliance on natural Alpine conditions for drying and curing and the cultural significance of preserving food in a mountainous region with harsh winters. Their unique flavors and versatility in traditional Swiss cuisine allow us to appreciate Grisons’ culinary heritage.

“The Spice Temple” novels and related Spice Journeys Stories explore the regions of Switzerland and global destinations through food, art and cultural curiosities. 

• What represents your culinary heritage? What would you like to share with others?

Grison Canape

Bündnerfleisch is a type of air-dried beef that has deep roots in the culinary heritage of Grisons, reflecting the region’s reliance on preserving meat for the winter months. It is carefully seasoned and cured with a blend of salt, herbs, and spices before being air-dried in the pure mountain air of Grisons. It is often enjoyed thinly sliced as a cold appetizer or snack or used in various traditional Swiss dishes, such as “Älplermagronen” (Alpine macaroni) or “Maluns” (grated and fried potatoes).

Ziger Cheese is a unique cheese product that comes in two varieties – Ziger made from whey (Ziger aus Molke) and Ziger made from buttermilk (Ziger aus Buttermilch). Both varieties have a mild, slightly tangy flavor and is often enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used as a spread on bread (like Zigerchäs with Ziger mixed with herbs and spices) or incorporated into desserts. Ziger cheese reflects the traditional Alpine practice of making the most of available dairy resources and showcases the resourcefulness of Grisons’ culinary traditions.

Gian, the gardener at the grand villa, bestows a Graubünden feast for his friends visiting from The Spice Temple and each plate has a story to tell.

• What products represent your culinary heritage? How do you celebrate this? 

Tartlet

A tartlet, a small delight encased in golden crust pastry, is an ode to textures, taste and harmony – a lite bite that leads the way to tantalize and tell just a bit of what is to come. 

Porcini mushrooms, foraged and rooted in the woodlands of Europe and beyond, offer a nutty embrace and earthy allure. Their cultural significance spans centuries, gracing European cuisine with a timeless elegance. 

Truffles, hunted and hidden gems beneath the soil’s embrace, bestow a luxurious aroma to the table. Celebrated for their rarity, they elevate dishes with a whisper of extravagance. 

Together, these culinary treasures, foraged and hunted, narrate a tale of flavors, connecting the land to the artistry of the table.

Andrea, the owner of the grand villa, organises a trip to Northern Italy. A hunting scene for fungi ensues and the shock lingers as an innocent woodland search ends in an unexpected and almost violent encounter.  

• What do you hunt for? What is worth the chase?

CULTURE FEAST – INDIA & TURKEY

An Indian and Turkish feast intertwine to create a celebration of shared heritage. In an Indian feast, the richness of spices, masalas, and the intricate balance of flavors reflect the diverse landscapes and culinary history of the subcontinent. A Turkish feast unfolds with kebabs, mezes, and baklava, embodying the crossroads of East and West. 

This feast, laden with cultural nuances, showcases the profound connection between food and identity. It invites guests to embark on a journey that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of Indian and Turkish cultures through cuisine.

Ishan and Ismael join forces and create “The Spice Exchange.” This culinary alliance of chefs shares cultures, stories and worlds at the table through food and drink. This is a core theme in all of the works of “The Spice Temple.”

• Where would you like to travel through food? What dishes and flavors would represent your chosen destination?
• Imagine a dinner party where each guest brings a dish symbolizing their culture or personal story. What dish would you bring and what does it tell about you?

SKEWERS

Skewers, originating in ancient civilizations, were likely one of the earliest cooking tools. In India, the history is intertwined with kebabs, showcasing rich spices and diverse meats. In Turkish cuisine, skewers evolved into kebabs, becoming a cultural cornerstone with marinated meats and unique flavors, uniting history and taste.

The inaugural event of “The Spice Exchange” at Ishan’s restaurant, The Haveli featured skewers or kebabs. Ismael told that the Ottomans used rosemary stems as a skewer to enhance flavor. Ishan shared stories of street food and spicy secrets.

• Skewers have a rich history across various cultures. What’s your favorite memory or experience associated with skewered dishes?
• If you could create your own signature skewer dish, what ingredients and spices would you include to make it uniquely yours?

Hummus & Falafel

Hummus and falafel are deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the Mediterranean. In Turkey, hummus takes on a unique twist with added ingredients like garlic-infused olive oil, while falafel showcases the influence of Middle Eastern cuisine on Turkish street food. Together, they embody a fusion of tastes illustrating the interconnectedness of diverse gastronomic traditions.

Ottoman hummus, flavored with cinnamon, currants and pine nuts, is a slightly sweeter version than the class rendition. Ismael served this dish during “The Spice Exchange” event. Ishan was so impressed he added a new section on his menu to celebrate their culinary alliance and offer his guests a taste of friendship.

• What dishes do you know of that have specific cultural nuances?
• What would you serve to surprise your guests?

CULINARY SURPRISES

“The Spice Temple” is all about sharing culture and also creativity at the table.

The chefs within the grand villa create sublime and stunning dishes that delight the guests. The Sun Room celebrates nature and the season. The Moon Room enchants with imaginative culinary art. The Salon serves delightful lite bites that keep guests coming back for more all day. 

• What type of cuisines personifies your tastes? 
• What are your favorite restaurants or chefs?
• What is the most superlative culinary experience you have had? Why?

Flavor Shifter

THIS IS ONLY A VERSION OF A FLAVOR SHIFTER. WHAT IS YOURS?

The Flavor Shifter is a Spice Journeys creation to encourage chefs and foodies to create a welcoming bite.

• What characteristics would your Flavor Shifter have?
• Who would you like to serve it to?
• How would you serve it?

Art and culinary challenges are to come. Sign up for the newsletter below to be the first to know.

From the Novel
Yasmin reached out to grasp at one of the brass rings, but then hesitated when faced with the intricate lock mechanism, certainly crafted by former masters. She tried to peek through the keyhole, but then, to her surprise, one of the doors opened with a profound click.

A man wearing white gloves and holding a silver tray appeared. “Welcome to The Spice Temple. We’ve been expecting you,” he said. He handed her a small, blue and white porcelain plate. She looked down to find it bearing a warm golden pastry–too small to bite in half, but big enough for a mouthful. Two thin strips of nori seaweed wrapped it as if it were a gift, but instead of a bow, a small edible flower topped the creation. She wondered what delicious secrets it held within.

She placed the delicacy in her mouth and was immediately overcome by the most heavenly combination of flavors she had ever tasted. The outside was flaky and gave way to a warm, gentle cream. The filling had something smooth, then crunchy. The flavors shifted from pungent to sweet, with subtle notes of citrus. The taste sensation finished with umami and something that tickled the palate.

The welcoming gesture had both surprised and comforted Yasmin. She did not know what this strange flavor shifter was, and did not care.

When she looked up, she saw that the man had disappeared. The cat placed a paw on Yasmin’s shoe and looked up and tilted his head as if saying, It is time.

She turned and gazed at the garden once more before taking those next definitive steps.

Although she had only sought a short reprieve, life sometimes has other plans.