Nir Sapan grew up in Israel. As a young man he moved to Paris where he fell in love with wine and cheese. Years later Nir found his way to Sankt Gallen, where he started to work in the Restaurant Splügen where he also met his fellow friend Dominik Flammer, who wrote the best-selling book «Kulinarisches Erbe aus dem Alpenraum» («Culinary inheritances of the alpine area») years later. From 2001 until 2003 Nir turned his love to wine into a profession and absolved an education as first Swiss sommelier from St.Gallen. Later he took over expropriated the «Hagenbuch26», a local district shop with focus on fine food.
Since late summer 2019 Nir runs the fine food store, bistro and event spot «Unikatessen am Corso» where he sells delicacies from the alpine area and small dishes to eat in or to take away. Nir knows almost every producer and supplier personally, knows the products and the story behind it. His love and passion to food and is what keeps him going on. That’s why he visits cheesemakers, farmers and suppliers on a regular base all over the alpine area. He gets tips from Dominik Flammer, which supports him curating the shop. Nir also works together with Markus Schenk, chef and owner of the Restaurant Barz, which is well know for its small but excellent menu. Markus Schenk uses also just products and suppliers of the alpine area. «That’s what interests me the most», Nir Sapan says.
«I want to know where the product is from, who made it, what’s the story behind it. Like our honey. It’s from a bee-keeper who wanders with his bee colonies, so the taste of the honey varies by location. What was normal once centuries ago is completely unique now! There’s a book about him, which we’re selling too of course.»
Seasonal and if possible, local goods are very important for the connaisseur. He wants to know what he eats and he wants to know how the animal lived before. «This is my live, I am living this daily», he says. It’s not just that he curates the shop sortiment but he also loves to advise his costumers. He wants to create a whole experience. So if you’re interested in fine food and you’re into local and high quality products don’t miss out Unikatessen am Corso. Nir will advise and guide you through the world of local taste!
Unikatessen am Corso | Brühlgasse 35 | Unikatessessen.ch
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