The holiday season is just around the corner, and employees of many companies are already looking forward to the culinary highlight of the year. Ivo Drusche, Executive Head Chef at Westhive, gives us an insight into the latest Christmas dinner trends and explains how Westhive’s new Christmas Dinner menu came to life.
You’ve created a new menu for the Christmas season, which our clients are eagerly awaiting. How did the idea come about?
The idea for the new Christmas Dinner came from the desire to bring people together. In a time where so much has gone digital, we wanted to create an experience that fosters real connections. The food was deliberately designed to not only surprise guests with its flavors but also to encourage conversation, closeness, and joy in sharing a meal. Every course tells a small story – and together, they create an evening that brings people closer.
What trends are you seeing among corporate clients during the Christmas season?
I’ve noticed that many companies are looking for communal formats, such as sharing concepts, where people can interact and try a variety of flavors together. In addition, businesses want to offer their employees something that feels modern while still capturing that festive atmosphere.
How do you approach the development of a new dish?
I always try to start with a guiding theme so I don’t get lost in the details right away. But sometimes it all begins with a single ingredient – like the sour cherry, for example. That’s how the sour cherry donut sorbet with Biscoff crunch and yarrow came to be.
Is there one dish in the new menu that you would call the “heart” of it?
That’s a tough question! Every course is special in its own way – from the appetizer with house-cured salmon fillet, to the handmade raviolo, to the tender main course with braised veal cheek. My personal favorite, though, is probably the dessert: the chocolate spice cake. It’s the final highlight of the evening, and I love using it to surprise our guests one last time.
How do you manage to make large groups happy with your food – despite different tastes?
That’s only possible thanks to the conversations we have with our clients beforehand. Depending on the type of event, we offer different catering formats such as seated dinners, tavolata, food markets, or flying dinners. Our event team discusses every detail with the client in advance to ensure everything runs perfectly on the day of the event.
Where can people enjoy the Christmas menu?
Our Christmas menu is available in Zurich Hardturm and Stettbach, as well as in Basel and Geneva. Depending on the location, there are small adjustments to suit local taste.
The menu is also offered as a pop-up format in addition to traditional private events. What does that mean exactly?
Yes, we introduced the pop-up format this year at Stettbach. It gives also smaller groups – starting from four people – the chance to enjoy our menu together with other food lovers. But we only have tables available on December 12.
When is an event successful for you?
For lots of companies, the Christmas dinner is a way to say thanks and give something back to the team. So for me, it’s all about making sure everyone leaves happy — and that we’ve created a great memory together that lasts.
Is there a dish that you personally could never go without at Christmas?
Raclette… because I’m a big cheese lover. It also takes little effort, which gives me more time to talk to my family and truly enjoy the evening myself.
Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?
Christmas has always had a special place in my heart. For many years, I spent the holidays working, creating memorable experiences for others. Only later did I begin to enjoy time off and form my own traditions – ones that, for me, will forever be linked to Chris Rea’s “Driving Home for Christmas.” Nowadays, the festive season belongs entirely to my loved ones – my family, nephews, and friends. Whether it’s a quiet dinner for four or a lively celebration with twelve, Christmas is about being together.
The New Christmas Dinner Menu
Apéro
Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) & a tasty little bite from the kitchen
Starter
House-cured salmon | marinated black rice | citrus fruits | lamb’s lettuce & vinaigrette
Vegetarian: Roasted beetroot | marinated black rice | citrus fruits | lamb’s lettuce & vinaigrette
Intermediate Course
Handmade raviolo | smoky eggplant ragout | beurre blanc | young parmesan
Sorbet
Sour cherry donut sorbet | Biscoff crunch | yarrow
Main Course
Slow-braised veal cheeks | truffled* mashed potatoes | winter vegetables | red wine jus
Vegetarian: Braised portobello mushrooms | truffled* mashed potatoes | winter vegetables | red wine jus
*available without truffle upon request
Dessert
Homemade spiced chocolate cake | mango | meringue
Company Christmas Dinner in Zurich, Basel and Geneva
Whether festive and elegant or relaxed and convivial, at Westhive every Christmas party is an unforgettable experience. At our atmospheric locations in Zurich Hardturm, Zurich Stettbach, Basel Rosental, or Geneva Pont-Rouge, you can expect not only a festive atmosphere, but also a culinary offering that is as varied as your wishes.