Terrific Takeout: Cafe Select Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Chef Ingrid and Owner Oliver Stumm
You absolutely must try Oliver's favorite Zurich Veal which turned out to be our favorite, too!
P.S. Say hello to the Rolex
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at
It was a dark and stormy night, but inside Cafe Select it was one hit after another on our very first visit...It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and now we know Oliver Stumm, Owner of Cafe Select. We are entirely impressed with Oliver's true commitment to authenticity: He is Swiss and this is Swiss-influenced food, though Cafe Select is not a traditional Swiss restaurant. It has Oliver's touch and the name Cafe Select is derived from a 1970's cafe in Zurich, where Oliver grew up.
It is much easier to get to 212 Layfayette Street than to go to Switzerland...and our trip to Cafe Select was EVEN BETTER than the one time we did go to Switzerland.
We always include a green salad, and the Field Greens are truly spectacular. These greens are joined by perfectly halved grape tomatoes and sliced seasonal radish which are absolutely gorgeous. They were kind and listened and put the dressing on the side for the picky person here.
It was exactly as it should be.
But then we saw there was LOBSTER SALAD on the menu.
Oh.
Oliver thought we should try that too...and we were mesmerized by the crustacean element!
It is definitely a meal in itself!
You want to shake this guy's hand, except that you want to eat it more!
Cafe Select sources the lobster from Down East and The Lobster Place, and it is a Maine Lobster that frolics in baby spinach salad. You will rejoice in their basil-szechuan pepper mayonnaise, which is basil, mayonnaise, eggs, oil, dijon and szechuan. Fish is promptly delivered to Cafe Select six times a week we were told and they earn high marks for that. Every bite was fresh and as succulent as the pictures evidence. Also, we like that they have beaucoup de salad options.
You absolutely must try the zucchini chips as they are supreme comfort food in this chill upon us. And, we could not stop eating them and we lament their passing in Peachy's stomach. Technically, there are also eggplant chips in there but you will find them equally delightful and pleasingly addictive. Tzatziki, hummus and spicy feta pump up their "wow" factor but standalone they are also terrific.
They were total hams and insisted on a closeup.
Look at how beautiful the presentation is. It looks like the salad got its hair done at Warren Tricomi before coming out, and we like how the salad is a component on the entree. Please meet the Veal Schnitzel, which we chose. Sauteed in butter, it was rich decadence on our palate in every bite and we loved it.
The veal top round was perfectly pounded to thin perfection.
Oliver said we just had to try his favorite dish: Zurich Veal.
Twist our arm: in this case, which is rare, Oliver chose better than Peachy, who 99% of the time always picks what she thinks she'll like best. This is the sign of a highly intelligent owner.
This dish is a winter dream filled with crispy spatzli, shallots, button and cremini mushrooms ideally creamy, and veal. It is the most traditional Zurich dish and should be at the top of your list of dishes to try this season. You are going to LOVE it. You should leave it out for Santa if you want to enjoy his generosity.
Your new best friend, Zurich Veal
For the less adventurous, there is the Roasted Half Amish Chicken which announces its high quality from the very first bite. Chef Ingrid, who has been here since 2011, massages this braised Tuscan kale that joins it with pine nuts. This would be wonderful any time of year and we reveled in its simplicity. Cafe Select changes its Continental European seasonal menu 6 times a year and that composes about 20% of the menu, and many of its clientele are Europeans in New York City.
You will feel as if you are in Switzerland as there is an authentic Rolex on the wall.
We believe Oliver said it is from 1963, when there was not a crown on the logo, and Oliver found it through an older collector. The interior of Cafe Select even has chairs from Switzerland from the 1930s and 40s.
Swiss people that join you at dinner!
Finally, we tried a ricotta fritter which was delectable. The slightest hint of speck (like bacon. you will love!) smoked mozzarella, and Chef Ingrid's spices join the dreamy ricotta.
Don't miss Oliver's ski lodge decor in the back! We love his spirit and enthusiasm for creating a real modern Swiss atmosphere.
Cafe Select is Terrific Takeout!
We look forward to seeing what they do next.
