This week kicks off with the return of a foodie favourite, plus something for the hobbyists, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. There are parties to keep you dancing through Saturday and even Sunday, so no excuses to stay in. Oh, and have you ever tried Vermicelles? There’s a perfect pop-up where you can taste this delicious chestnut treat.

Thursday: Sihlmattli Returns To Stazione Paradiso (Scroll ⬇️ to find out more)

Thursday: Chestnuts Are Not Just For Open Fires

Friday: U.S. Girls Play Bogen F

Saturday: Circular Economy In Action. It's Second Hand Day! (Scroll ⬇️ to find out more)

Saturday: Knit Wits! Join The Zurich Knit Fest

Saturday: A Dark Night For «Der Schwarze Ball» at X-Tra

Sunday: Techno On A Sunday At Photobastei

Pre-loved, vintage, circular fashion, or my personal favourite, «with a history.» Whatever term you prefer, (and come to think of it, they could all apply to me,)  Saturday is Second Hand Day, the perfect excuse for some retail therapy without the environmental remorse. Promoting recycling and the circular economy across Switzerland, the event features plenty of participating locations (on a helpful map,) throughout Zurich. For me, there’s something special about discovering a one-of-a-kind piece that already has a story to tell. All the fun, none of the guilt, what’s not to pre love?

Saturday, Second Hand Day, Various Locations

A trip up the river to the Sihlmattli restaurant is always a pleasant way to spend, well, any day of the week. But as the weather turns, they’re closing their doors for winter. That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy their delicious food though, because starting tonight, their annual «Limmättli» pop-up at Stazione Paradiso is opening its doors.

As usual, poached trout (blaue Forelle) is the star of the show, but they also offer a vegetarian menu and a hearty «Rindskopfbäggli» — a rich stew made from beef cheeks. It gets busy, so be sure to book your table well in advance.

Thurs - 18th Dec, Limmättli, Stazione Paradiso, Wasserwerkstrasse 89a, 8037

Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean like few storms before, and while we swan around complaining about first world problems many people in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti have just lost everything – homes, roads, livelihoods. The Swiss Red Cross is on the ground providing emergency aid where it’s needed most, and you can help make a difference. With your donation, the Red Cross supports local response teams, who are distributing food, drinking water, and medical supplies. Help if you can!

Nacha Vollenweider has been drawing since she was a child. She grew up in Argentina and has emigrated twice already – she currently lives in France. Moving abroad seems to run in her blood: as her surname suggests, she descends from Swiss people who relocated to Argentina in the 19th century. It’s therefore no surprise that migration frequently appears as a theme in her comics. But Nacha doesn’t just enjoy living in different countries; she can also take on different forms, as she revealed in our interview.