A customer lately praised Ticino’s food by saying that he understands now, why customers are coming back and not the food! Thank you for these kind words which we pass on to our seven man kitchen team.

Well, today’s question is related to the real Ticino in Switzerland. The maze to your right has something to do with access to Ticino.

What does this amazing patchwork to your right represent?

Answer until July 31st, 2010 latest wins a dish from our Pizze menu.

These special taxis roam only ….. the island of Capri. Latter gave its name to the salad - consisting of buffalo milk mozzarella (white), fresh tomatoes (red) and basil (green) with splashes of cold pressed virgin olive oil and these are …….  the national colours of Bella Italia.

Frederike, Suzie,Peter & Rolf, apart from two other correct answers (where we have the email address only), have won themselves a Lasagna of their choice which they can enjoy until August 15th,2010 latest. Someone answered “Blue Grotto”; well, we still work on the “Blue Grotto Soup” but this imaginative answer wins a Lasagne too.

Ever heard of Gorgonoci (pronounced “Gorgo Not She”)? Never mind, we also had to look it up!

In searching for new menues we found a sauce combination which definitely comes straight from heaven. It is a lucullic combination of a mild gorgonzola cheese from Italy with pestled walnuts. We are sure, that you share our enthusiasm over this godly creation.

We also managed to put our hands on some unbeatable Iberian offers. A Rioja Alta; Señorío de P. Peciña Reserva 2001; this Rioja is a Spanish dream originating from the days when the Peseta still ruled the Reino de España.

Another good choice is the palate-pleasing, medium bodied Campo Nuevo 2007 at THB 890/bottle or THB 190/glass. The Spanish Tinto answer to the Italian Rosso - ¡Salud!

¿España u Holanda? !La última predicción del pulpo Paul estaba en lo cierto¡

The Octopus Paul, in residence in a German seawater aquarium world, has spoken and the Spaniards are head over heels about their win - his selección of Spain made him definitely the most popular Pulpo on the planet. He will have a happy, long life and will get a permanent fixture in a marble or solid gold version at the mother of all Museo del Fútbol in Madrid or Barcelona or somewhere.

The Spanish, jubilant over their achievement, also hissed their new flag all over the planet which looks something like this.

The Thais were a little late with their attempt, whereby Panda cub Lin Ping, visiting from China, at Chiang Mai Zoo yesterday chose to drink three times milk from a container with milk in the Spanish container only. Bad voices have it that the Dutch container was empty/ied before - of course a completely false accusation!

The picture shows a very special taxi which is used in only one place in Italy. This Italian place is also referred to in our selection of starters at Ticino restaurant? What is the name of the place? Right answer until July 15th, 2010 wins a lasagne on the house.

The Brotherhood of Cortese di Gavi DOCG congregate to dine on a ….. giant raviolo.
Interesting enough other cultures developed Nepali, Chinese, Japanese, Russians and Kosher versions, known as 意大利雲吞, варэнiкi, 餃子, ममचा, пельмени or קרעפּלעך. Nobody answered Raviolo but its plural form of Ravioli is  close enough, so Frederike, Ruedi, Felix, René and “Rent a car” did win a Lasagne delight which remains valid until May 31st, 2010. Ah, and the last quiz ended with Καλή σας όρεξη which means Buon Appetito in Greek - they definitely have enough tough Euro fat to chew on!

The last quiz asked, how many different coffee creamer lids were produced for Ticino. The complete collection features 30 different motifs and look as follows (thanks to Chantal and Andreas Herzog for making this picture available). Please mail us, if you want to have the picture in its original size (2 Mb).

Correct answers came in from Esther, Armin, Charlie, Eric, Felix, Karo, Peter, Rene and Ruedi - congratulations, you’ve won a bottle of Argentinan Malbec from the Las Marias Estate.

Close enough were Greth, Felici, Fredi, Johnny, Philip and Romeo; they get a glass of house wine or any other bottled local drink/beer of their choice.

The SHTF-answer was well-meant but despite our endeavours; Ticino is not THAT popular  just YET to convince Coffee Creamer producers to print approx. 20′000 different pictoral motifs. Anyhow it qualifies for the loser-of-the-day beer.

All winnings have to be collected by May 31st, 2010, as afterwards we will be on our annual vacation!

….Intelligence is like underwear. It is important that you have it, but not necessary that you show it……

Life is uncertain - eat your dessert first !