Since we couldn't take that vacation to the Swiss Alps this weekend, my husband and I, and our friends Sharon and Harvey did the next best thing. We schleped out to Valley Glen (aka North Hollywood)
and had an amazing dinner at the Swiss Chef. When we walked in, much to our surprise, there was live music...being played on an accordian...by a Lawrence Welk look-alike. After searching for bubbles, and not finding any, we actually began to enjoy "Lawrence's"
music. The chef, who dons a different hat for every song, actually joins in the fun too, and sings along, getting the entire restaurant involved. Now one would think (wouldn't one?) that a singing chef could not be a very good cook because, I mean,
who's watching the food? Well one could be wrong, couldn't one? By that I mean that the food is excellent! Chef Ueli has cooked in France, Austria, and Germany to name a few countries, plus Adriano's, The Century Plaza Hotel, La Serre,
and The London Club in LA. But Swiss Chef is a totally authentic Swiss restaurant. We started off with the Swiss Fondue ($35) which has a very sharp taste from the Emmental cheese, white wine, and "kirschwasser." Dip in the cut up French
bread and enjoy with a relish tray including pickled vegetables. (cornichons, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes). This is real Swiss fondue...un Americanized! It has a very distinct taste. To that we added Bell Peppers and Anchovies ($12)
Beautiful roasted red peppers are marinated and layered with anchovies. Don't knock it, 'til you've tried it! Green Asparagus (Market price) was probably the best asparagus that has passed these lips. Parmeasan and brown butter with breadcrumbs, top fresh,
perfect asparagus spears. I could have eaten an entire plate of this. Plump, fried calamari ($14) followed, with aioli sauce for dipping. The lighly fried fish had a perfect fresh flavor. Linguini con Vongole ($20) with White Clam Sauce was was loaded with
clams and pasta was expertly cooked al dente. Rhamschnitzel ($24) spatzli with red cabbage was a true Swiss delight. Apparently there are lots of regulars who dine here frequently as this is as authentic as it gets! Swiss Chef 13727 Victory Blvd.
Valley Glen. (818) 904-1500 Hours: Wednesday: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri & Sat: 5p.m.-10 p.m. Sun: 5:p.m.-9 p.m. Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. Reservations recommended.