#MYMARSOLIVING with Fabio Lombardi

Many people say they want to live their dreams, but few actually do. We met someone who really has – Fabio Lombardi, a top chef from Zurich who shares his enthusiasm for good food with his team, his guests and, in this article, with us. After a remarkable career as head chef in several leading Swiss restaurants, he now runs Rosaly’s in Zurich. We had the chance to talk to this busy chef about his morning routine, his favourite breakfast (we have the recipe) and his favourite restaurants – apart from his own.

Hi Fabio, tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Fabio Lombardi, I’m 30 years old and I have lived in Zurich Höngg by the Limmat since I was eight. Every day I live my dream job as a chef and my passion for food with great joy.

I did my apprenticeship as a chef at Rosaly’s and at the Sternengrill at Bellevue – I was fully qualified at 18 and went on to follow my interests in some of the best hotels and restaurants in Switzerland and partly abroad.

At 29 came the big comeback – I was given the chance to lead all the businesses of Belgrill AG, where I had trained, both in food & beverage and on the culinary side.

My hobbies are riding my Ducati and sport.

Since last year you have been head chef at the well-known Rosaly’s in Zurich. How was your start?

It was easy, because everyone already knew me – I had always stayed in touch with my employers and colleagues, especially my current bosses Pepe & Thomy Rosenberger. I was welcomed with open arms, and the mutual respect worked well from the start.

What is your favourite dish?

I have many favourite dishes – what I like cooking most are old Italian dishes that I can reinterpret, such as an oxtail lasagnetta with truffle or mini panzerotti with smoked burrata and confit tomatoes.

Favourite restaurant in Zurich?

Ramen at Ooki with my friend Ino.

What is your morning routine? When do you get up? What do you do first?

From Tuesday to Saturday I always get up between 7:00 and 8:00, then I make my legendary porridge with banana, cinnamon and berries. Around 8:30 or 9:00 I start work with my team.

Recipe: legendary porridge with banana, cinnamon and berries

• Organic oat flakes
• Almond milk
• A pinch of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 banana
• Quinoa pops
• Ovo Crunch
• Berries

What is the best breakfast for you?

For me, simple things like porridge or dishes on small plates, such as scrambled eggs with avocado, are best – my breakfast should be varied, lots of different things in small bowls and plates.

More ideas for breakfast in bed:

• Hemp pancakes with maple syrup & berries
• Hummus with harissa
• Œuf Norvège with salmon
• French toast
• Tortilla
• Italian cured meats
• Truffle brie