The (Hidden) Three Stars Genussfestival

Not many people know this — and that’s precisely the charm — but tucked into the immaculate lakeside city of Zug, Switzerland, lies a cultural gem that blends cinema, cuisine, and quiet sophistication: the Genuss Film Festival.

Zug is one of those Swiss cities that feels like it was designed by a perfectionist with a poetic streak. Clean streets, a shimmering lake, and a backdrop of mountains that seem to whisper “breathe.” It’s small, serene, and discreetly wealthy — the kind of place where luxury wears hiking boots and drinks mineral water.

The festival is a celebration of film and fine dining, where stories on screen are paired with culinary masterpieces. The concept is simple and brilliant: watch a film that stirs the soul, then enjoy a meal that delights the senses. It’s a festival for all the senses — Genuss für Geist, Gaumen und Seele (pleasure for mind, palate, and soul).

In true Swiss fashion, it’s adored by locals and barely advertised. I stumbled upon it like a secret whispered in a velvet lounge.

I attended a “Three Stars Matinee”,  which meant arriving at the cinema at 10 a.m. — but don’t worry, we were greeted with champagne, because the theme of the day was Widow Clicquot.  The film told the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the woman behind the iconic champagne house. It was a tale of resilience, vision, and elegance — a widow who defied the odds in a male-dominated world and built an empire with bubbles and brilliance. I shed a few tears, and left the cinema believing in the power of women to shape history with grace and grit.

Then came the three Michelin-starred lunch. Chef Franck Giovannini and his team from Restaurant Crissier delivered a meal that was both art and alchemy. His cooking is precise, poetic, and deeply rooted in seasonal ingredients — every plate a canvas, every bite a revelation. Think silky textures, vibrant colors, and flavors that unfold like chapters in a novel.

The setting? A temporary pavilion built directly on the lake, with a tree leaning gently near our table, as if eavesdropping on our delight. The structure was minimalist and elegant, letting the view — and the food — do the talking.

As I sipped my final espresso and watched the light dance on the water, I thought: This is how you do Zug: quietly, thoughtfully, and with soul.

So if you ever find yourself in Zug in September, listen for whispers. The  Genuss Film Festival won’t shout — but it will sing.