Alpine Countries Celebrate Tourism and Cusine

During September, New York's stylish Peninsula Hotel presented a
weeklong Alpine Food Festival in its Adrinne restaurant. Noted visiting
chefs from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovenia joined together
with the hotel's resident executive chef, Nicholas J. Rabalais, to
entice guests with traditional alpine fare. Items included at both
dinner and Sunday brunch included cold "chicken/duck" salad, a pressed,
rolled cylinder of combined meats, presented on European lettuces,
mushroom stuffed partridge in s trudel dough, and Slovenian walnut
raisin babka. Regional wines, such as the refreshing Fendant du Valais,
joined Adrienne's French roster. At a press luncheon, featuring some of
the above delicacies, along with savory rosti potatoes, Dr. Klaus Lukas,
president of the Alpine Tourist Commission, stressed the quality and
surprising diversity of Alpine cuisine and travel options. What's clear
is that you certainly don't have to ski to enjoy an Alpine vacation.
There's more than ample opportunity for hiking, boating, tennis,
swimming, and even ballooning. Train travel is a scenic delight, and
even the steepest roadways are well-maintained for those who enjoy solo
sightseeing. There are numerous castles and quaint villages, along with
seasonal cultural festivals. Lodging can range from a clean and simple
chalet to a grand luxe hotel. Alpine cuisine crosses many borders, from
Italy to Slovenia. Smoked meats and cheeses, aromatic regional breads,
and of course, rich desserts and pastries abound. Autumn heralds the
addition of local game, while spring and summer offer a bounty of fruits
and vegetables, including the area's famous variety of berries. While
Swiss and Austrian prices remain relatively high when compared with
travel in other regions, air/land packages make Alpine excursions within
reach for most individuals and families. Safety and quality levels also
justify any extra expense, as does the comforting fact that English is
more commonly spoken and understood than just about anywhere else in
Europe. And then, there are the Alps themselves. Whether you enjoy their
majesty from a sun-drenched terrace or cozy sitting room, or from the
edge o f a challenging rock wall or ski slope, they will, as Dr. Lukas
promised, "always come through." For more information, contact the
tourism offices of Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland,
or your travel agent. Most reputable travel companies such as American
Express offer a variety of package vacations to the Alps.