Lots of people tend to say they want to live their dreams, but very few actually do. We met a person who really made it - Fabio Lombardi, star chef from Zurich, who shares his enthusiasm for good food with his team, his guests and with us in this blog article. After a distinguished career as head chef in various top Swiss restaurants, he currently runs Rosaly's in Zurich. We had a great opportunity to chat with this busy chef about his morning routine, his favorite breakfast (we've got the recipe!) and his favorite restaurants other than his own.
Hi Fabio, tell us something about yourself?
My name is Fabio Lombardi, I am 30 years old and have lived in Zurich Höngg an der Limmat since I was eight. I live my dream job of cooking and my enthusiasm for food every day with great joy.
I completed my apprenticeship as a chef at Rosaly's and at the Sternengrill am Bellevue – I had already completed my apprenticeship at the age of 18 and continued to pursue my interests in the best hotels and restaurants in Switzerland and sometimes abroad.
At the age of 29, the big comeback - I got the chance to manage all the Belgrill AG businesses, where I learned at the time, in the f&b area and from the culinary side.
My hobbies are Ducati riding and sports.
You've been head chef at the well-known restaurant Rosaly's in Zurich since last year. How did you get started?
It was easy for me because everyone already knew about me - I was always in contact with all employers and work colleagues, especially with my current bosses Pepe & Thomy Rosenberger. I was received with great joy, the respect between me and my counterpart worked great from the start.
What is your favorite meal?
I have many favorite dishes – my favorites are cooking old Italian dishes that I can reinterpret, like an oxtail lasagnatta with truffles or mini panzerotti with smoked burrata and tomato confit.
Favorite restaurant in Zurich?
Ramen at Ooki at my friend Ino's.
What's your morning routine? When do you get up? What do you do first?
I always get up between 7 and 8 a.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, then I make my legendary porridge with banana, cinnamon and berries. Around 8:30, 9:00 a.m. my work with my team begins.
Recipe: Legendary Porridge with Banana, Cinnamon and Berries
- Organic oatmeal
- Almond milk
- MS cinnamon
- KL honey
- 1/2 banana
- quinoa pops
- Ovo Crunch
- Berry
What is the best breakfast for you?
For me, simple things like porridge or dishes on small plates like scrambled eggs with avocado are best - my breakfast should be varied, lots of different things in small bowls and plates.
Other suggestions for breakfast in bed:
- Hemp pancakes with maple syrup & berries
- Hummus with harissa
- Ouf Norvège with salmon
- French toast
- tortilla
- Italian meat specialties
- truffle letter