I wish you a happy, happy Easter time. May the Easter bunny bring you a lot of chocolate, sunshine and free time. Just a reminder: Most shops will be closed on Friday and Monday.
Give my love to the city, Ron

 

 

Drugs, sex and rock’n’roll have always been the unholy trinity that have been the escape route for many a musical youth. The UK band The Libertines decided to mix things up a little and go the drugs, drugs and rock’n’roll route instead. Now, I was going to let you know about the Libertines concert at X-tra tonight but it’s sold out already, so if you are hankering after a little Libertines action, and can’t find an open back window at X-tra, there will be an after-show party at Gonzo that will have Libertines drummer, Gary Powell, djing. And if I know those Libertines boys, they’ll also be looking for a party after the show - so you may get to see them after all.
Thursday 8 pm, Gonzo

 

 

 

 

 

When I heard about the gin and insect tasting that’s happening at Ardi’s Bar my first thought was, ‘I love gin', my next thought was, 'I could probably learn to love the insects...with enough gin inside me’. If you want to have your first tasty treat of what we’ll all be regularly eating in the not too distant future then they’ll have a selection of finely cooked mealworms, locusts and crickets for you to enjoy. The gin will be served by Xaver, making his signature cocktails and giving some background on his favourites. And, as a cherry on your gin-soaked locust cake, they’ll also have three singers – Nici Fäber, Jack Zhoul and Henri Halbschue - playing live. Bon appétit.
Saturday 7 pm, Ardi’s Bar, Schönegstrasse 23, 8004

 

 

Although it's been on a warm slow simmer for the last few cold months, Frau Gerold’s Garten really comes alive in the summertime, and so they have good reason to celebrate the end of winter. If you also feel the urge to stomp and dance on Winter’s dead brittle bones, like some pagan priest, then the Tschüss Winter party on Easter Sunday will give you the beats to do it. You’ll get a mix of techno, house, electronica plus some real experimental sounds with djs Terje Bakke, Dejan, Dario Camiolo and The Clementimes. Say goodbye to Winter in the right way - with a party.
Sunday 11 pm, Frau Gerold’s Garten

 

 

The times they are a-changing. Last Sunday marked the Vernal Equinox – days are now officially longer than the nights, and this Sunday the clocks go forward, giving us an extra hour of evening sunlight. I think it’s fair to say that summer just landed with a warm, seductive thump on our laps. It seems a perfect time then for the new SunttigsChill evenings at La Catrina. In their rear courtyard they’ll be setting up a BBQ for you to grill your own meat and vegis on - they’ll be supplying the side dishes and salads only. To enhance the chillness of the evening, they’ll also have Jack Zhoul playing acoustically live with his soulful blues-pop. And with it being Easter Sunday, you can chill as long as you like into the night.
Sunday 6 pm, La Catrina

 

 

 

 

 

Many of you often think that I'm joking when I'm referring to the former dancing ban on bank holidays in Zurich. So I'll take you on a little historic tour. Until the millennium, no cultural or sports events were allowed on religious holidays (Easter, Palm weekend, Christmas). This meant: no cinema, no parties, no anything. In the year 2000, this ban was lifted in the Canton of Zurich; but only indoors. Non-religious outdoor events are still not allowed. But the Cantonal parliament is currently discussing to lift the ban altogether. I'll keep you informed. The ban is still in place in six Cantons in Switzerland: Aargau, Glarus, Uri, Obwalden, Solothurn and Appenzell Innerrhoden.

 

 

A long weekend is coming up, yeah! I love Easter: chocolate, chocolate and a little more chocolate. If you have the same craving for the sweet stuff then there are a few special places to get your fix: Honold, is a Zurich tradition for over 110 years; if you like your chocolatiers to be a little more chic then Vollenweider has a shop in Seefeld; but my favourite is the little Truffe shop in the Old Town, the owner will gladly tell you about her latest creations and, if you give her the right smile, you’ll get a sample in return. 

 

 

Finest porcelain, hand-made kitchen utensils, beauty products, toys, jewellery and textiles – you'll find this and more at Norkind on Zentralstrasse. I’m a little late with telling you that Domenic Tschachtli and Dorothée Beerli opened their new locale in December. But the shop is still filled with beautifully designed pieces. 

Norkind, Zentralstrasse 131, 8003. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Good Friday)

 

 

For more than 25 years, photographer Roland Miller visited 15 places that played a key role in space research. His pictures show impressive scenes of inactive parts of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, abandoned Nasa-bases and other locations where once the whole of the world focused it attention.