On Dining

The cuisine of Germany can be as refined, or as down-to-earth as any in the world. In recent times, there has been a national cholesterol consciousness-raising. But the sauerbraten, wurst, pumpernickel, dumplings and potato pancakes with applesauce and red cabbage are still alive, well and delicious. As are the Konditoreien, those irresistible pastry shops offering (among many other things) Black Forest cake - a bonanza of chocolate, cream and cherries---or many varieties of Apfeltasche (apple pastry), accompanied by Kaffee mit Schlag (coffee with whipped cream).

On Drinking

Beer is Germany’s world-famous national drink, served at beer halls and taverns, particularly in the southern part of the country. Brewed across the nation, the beers vary from light (helles) to dark (dunkles). Munich is the capital of beer drinking and a visit would not be complete without taking in the Hofbräuhaus beer hall, and in summer, a beer garden.

The city is particularly well-known for its Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, held late September and early October.

Let’s not forget, however, that Germany gives us many superb wines. Thirteen different wine-growing regions, producing mostly white wine, stretch from Bonn south to Lake Constance, with each region’s wines having a very distinctive flavor. The wine regions often have a sign-posted route that combines sights and wine cellars, both at their best in the Moselle and Rhine valleys. You can sample wines by the glass in taverns (weinstuben), while restaurants offer house wines served in pottery jugs, as well as bottles from the wine list. The most appealing way to celebrate German wines is to attend one of the more than 500 wine festivals that take place from July to late October.

Restaurant Suggestions

Leipzig: Auerbach’s Keller: Known from Goethe’s play “Faust,” Auerbach’s Keller is a famous barrel cellar where wine has been served since 1525. Today this restaurant and wine cellar is one of the top attractions when visiting Leipzig (Saxony).

Berlin: This city has all the flavors your taste buds favor – from snacks to ethnic, from eateries to fine dining. Berlin is home to an increasing number of haute-cuisine restaurants – a must for gourmets. Beside that Berlin offers a wide range of delicious and original cuisine.

The Quadriga, Berlin: This restaurant ranks among the prime culinary addresses in Berlin. Grand cuisine and a traditional salon ambiance make it an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Please check out our homepage to discover more about Berlin’s stunning culinary delights!

Aschau: Residenz Heinz Winkler: Heinz Winkler, one of the world’s most renowned chefs, resides in the idylllic village of Aschau in Chiemgau (Bavaria). The cheerful and solid ambiance of the restaurant puts guests in the mood for a culinary art on par with world-class cuisine.

Weimar: Restaurant Anna Amalia: Known for its superlative gourmet cuisine, the Restaurant Anna Malais in Weimar (Thuringia) serves up an exceptional culinary experience in its beautifully appointed dining room, or in the picturesque garden, or in the idyllic patio

Munich: Ratskeller: This huge Bavarian restaurant is a great for a quick-stop refresher, as well as lunch or dinner in a typical local atmosphere. Its great ambiance has made the Ratskeller a true institution in Germany.

More information:

For more on Food & Wine in Germany please visit www.cometogermany.com.