The surge of Swiss immigration to the US began in 1830 spurred on by an economic crisis in Switzerland – many Swiss were attracted to the new lands and opportunities in the US. The last big surge of Swiss immigration was over 60 years ago as the Swiss economy has developed and stabilized. However, despite this immigration decrease there are still over 5,000 towns and cities in the US that have Swiss names, and in New York there are over 36, 000 individuals of Swiss ancestry.On August 1, the country celebrates Swiss National Day which commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, along with traditional Swiss history and heritage. It is the only federal holiday in Switzerland, so it’s always celebrated in style. It is also the largest Swiss holiday celebrated in New York City. According to the Swiss Benevolent Society, host of the NYC Swiss National Day event, the NYC festivities are the largest and most well known in the US and thousands of individuals and their families enjoy this gathering in the city year after year.Don’t worry, Swiss National Day isn’t the only time during the year when you can experience and enjoy Swiss culture. There are plenty of Swiss restaurants, societies, and organizations that also celebrate Swiss heritage in New York year-round.
Swiss Restaurants in NYC
Heidi/Extra Place6 Extra Place, New YorkHeidi is probably one of the better-known Swiss restaurants in New York even though it is located in a small alleyway. The restaurant and bar is very popular with both native New Yorkers and Swiss expats, and serves a mouth-watering array of traditional Swiss fare thanks to its owner Amadeus Bogner. The menu includes: “Kopfsalat,” a salad of arugula, egg, radish, and French dressing; “Älpler Maccaroni,” a Swiss take on macaroni and cheese with pork belly; as well as a cheese fondue for two with appenzeller, gruyere, and vacherin fribourgeois. This restaurant is a must for anyone seeking a mouth-watering meal with decidedly Swiss roots.Trestle on Tenth242 Tenth Avenue, New YorkTrestle on Tenth may boast an “American” theme regarding its menu, but the restaurant’s head chef Ralf Kuettel was trained in France and Switzerland. Chef Kuettel’s menu features a decisive Northern European influence, including: baked dorade fillet with leeks, smoked and roasted pork loin with potato gratin, and gratinée pizokel with caramelized onions and gruyere potato rösti. There is even a “whole pig” dinner option for those who are both daring enough and willing to plan their meal five days in advance. In January, the restaurant hosts a classic Swiss feast called “Metzgete” each night for a week.Café Select212 Lafayette Street, New YorkCafé Select is a SoHo favorite for many New Yorkers. The café is best known for its excellent wine selection, but customers can also experience cuisine with Swiss, German, and Austrian influences. Word has it that Café Select has a secret back room. To access this secret room, all you need to do is slip past the kitchen for an after dinner drink and let the host know that you’re heading to the back – he or she will know what you mean.Black Mountain Wine House412 Union Street at Hoyt Street, Carroll Gardens, BrooklynA cozy, rustic setting welcomes customers to the Black Mountain Wine House in Brooklyn. On cooler nights, the location offers outdoor fireplaces to warm customers while they dine on a variety of cured meats, pate, and goat cheese tarts. On Tuesday nights, the restaurant hosts a “Classic Swiss-tastic Fondue” made of gruyere, bechamel, kirschwasser (cherry brandy) and cloves, with thick cubes of “peasant loaf” bread to accompany all that delicious fondue – all for $16!
Swiss Culture in NYC
The New York Swiss Benevolent SocietyThe NY Swiss Benevolent Society was founded in 1832, and is the oldest Swiss organization in the United States. Since the early 19th century, the society has dedicated its services to the Swiss community in New York by, at times, maintaining a soup kitchen, home for the aged, a children’s camp, and a home for young women. Today, the organization runs various social services and scholarship programs and is also looking for volunteers who have some spare time during their week to sit with homebound individuals.The Swiss Benevolent Society website outlines Swiss-themed events including: Swiss National Day celebrations, mentioned above, and Kaffeeklatsch on September 18, which is an informal gathering of guests interested in casual conversation about Swiss culture and history.Swiss Institute of Contemporary ArtSince 1986, the Swiss Institute has grown from a small, non-profit organization into a foundation that provides support for Swiss art and artists. They aim to provide a cultural dialogue between Switzerland, Europe, and the United States and feature many events throughout the year including a benefit auction, special exhibits, and many cocktail receptions.The Swiss Society of New YorkThe Swiss Society in New York is an excellent 130 year-old organization for Swiss expats and all interested parties. The society hosts a variety of functions each year, including the Annual Swiss Ball, which is held in February. The ball is under the patronage of the Ambassador Consul General in New York. There are also monthly networking events where participants can exchange ideas and enjoy the company of those with an interest in Switzerland.Swiss Consulate New YorkThe Swiss Consulate in New York aids Swiss ex-pats in many financial and legal ways, but the consulate also offers an array of inclusive happenings for any interested New Yorkers. The events page details a large variety of festivals and get-togethers that feature Swiss culture.Swiss culture in New York City is apparent with the size and scale of Swiss National Day celebrations in the city each year. Swiss restaurants and organizations are also a testament to the popularity of Swiss culture, and luckily, New Yorkers and Swiss expats alike get to enjoy the exciting benefits of a rich culture with deep historical US roots.