Brats, Wursts, Schnitzel & Spaetzle- Taste of Germany

You don’t have to go to far before you can find a Bratwurst, schnitzel or any number of German favorites while wandering the streets of Munich or Planegg Germany.

If you are lucky enough you will enjoy the combination of one of your favorite German foods while having it in one of Germany’s oldest beer houses or brewery’s of some of the worlds most famous beers.
To have as a nice side you need to try a specialty potato salad that originates from Germany commonly called

Kartoffesalat

This salad is a nice change to the traditional potato salad that we all had growing up…..and trust me when I say that even within the different regions of Germany you will find other variations but most seem to be vinegar based as opposed to what we are used to being egg and mayonnaise based.
Some variations: bacon added or tomatoes added etc…
the basic salad will have a vinegar base with likely some onion and mustard seeds or mustard and simple seasoning such as salt & pepper and parsley.

shown is a Brat on a fresh bun with Kartoffesalat
Both we were delicious and a nice representation of the Bavarian region that we were visiting.

The selection of Bratwurst or Schnitzels are are similar but with a play on added flavor…..
Another flavorful dish tried was Currywurst basically similar to a brat or Kielbasa with a brown sauce mostly made from a tomato chili based sauce and finished with curry powder for a twist on flavors. This dish is a popular “fast food” dish in Berlin.

It is usually served with fries and no bun…. Try one for a kick up in flavor!

Wiener Schnitzel another common dish found in Germany or Austria with many different debates on its origin. Some say that it was first seen in Vienna during the 15th or 16th century and that it may have been brought to Austria by the German troops during the Battle of Vienna….one can’t be sure where it exactly originated but you can be sure that it is enjoyed in many parts of the world and is either called a schnitzel or a cutlet
Variations:
Jäger schnitzel – which is not breaded and usually served with a cream mushroom sauce.

Naturschnitzel – also not breaded but sautéed and served with a simple sauce such as pan drippings and topped with a dollop of sour cream

Rahmschnitzel – (cream schnitzel) breaded and served with a cream mushroom sauce (as seen below)

As mentioned many country’s have variations of something similar, but expand your palate and try these wonderful dishes if you are visiting Germany or Austria or around the region……and enjoy the simple variations in flavors or textures….
One possible misperception of “Wiener Schnitzel” is that wiener is inside…..it’s not, you will commonly find veal, chicken and turkey used in most German or Austrian schnitzels as well as Italian cutlets.

Last but not least, Spaetzle these little taste treats are basically a traditional German dumpling based from flour, milk and eggs….. They are best had fresh and seasoned lightly as they can compliment your Schnitzel dish and soak up the nice mushroom gravy sauces. This dish is served just as we would potato or pasta as a side dish. The dish is commonly found lightly seasoned may be served with bacon bits inside or plain.
They are small and easy to eat……..

I hope that you enjoyed my little tour of a few common and delicious German foods…. It is a journey that will enjoy if you happen into the right genuine Schnitzel house or Beer house. Try some local fare and ask the locals where you will find your best schnitzel or wurst……

You GottaTry This!

A new Italian treat in Munich

New Flavors to excite the taste buds

I just wanted to write a quick but flavor filled blog to continue our Italian culinary journey….
Another great meal from La Terrazza restaurant in Planegg Germany.

To start a primi of fresh melon, scrambled egg with yellow zucchini and a flavorful staple – bruschetta.

Second up was penne with diced pears and a special gorgonzola cheese cream sauce . The flavors from this dish may sound odd but I absolutely promise you they worked on all levels. The silky blend of fresh cream and gorgonzola coated the pasta just right….

To finish, caramelized plums over vanilla gelato. Words won’t necessarily do anymore justice than the picture. Just taste the warm caramelized plums as they slowly melt the gelato…. Pure bliss.

If plums are not quite your thing….. an alternative dessert is offered…. Fresh pears with parmigiana and a balsamic reduction drizzled over top……… Delectable

You Gotta Try This!

Cotoletta boglenaise and Semifreddo

Cotoletta boglenaise

I talk so much about food from the heart and soul and we have truly found the perfect spot just outside Munich in Planegg @La Terrazza restaurant.

Please look for some true German fare in the next day or 2 but for today I wanted to show you another wonderful Italian dish…..

If you know about Milanese cutlets or the Wiener Schnitzel you’ll probably find in the Bolognese version a richer and more luxury variation.

This Veal cutlet

Boglenaise

style was perfectly breaded and cooked just right and topped with prosciutto di Parma and finished with a rich and creamy brown buttery sauce with notes of Parmesan cheese.

Served with some little potatoes and some green beans and carrots.

Also served was some perfectly grilled fresh vegetables….

And to finish it off, an out of this world Whiskey Semifreddo

This simple but rich flavor in the Semifreddo is taste bud happiness…..

A Semifreddo is basically made a very similar way to making a mousse and then freezing it which leaves the desert light and fluffy, not hard or heavy. You can flavor it with almost anything you like, this one was whiskey and just the right amount to flavor but not overpower you with alcohol.

Then it was topped with a light Crema, some fresh apple slices, one Amarena Cherry and drizzled with the Amarena juice.

You Gotta Try this!

Puro Gelato- Planegg Germany

Puro Gelato- Planegg Germany.

Puro Gelato- Planegg Germany

Puro Gelato
What a treat to find a genuine Italian Gelateria in Planegg Germany!
This is just a short but sweet blog post about a sweet and fresh treat!

Is there any better way to have a cooling treat but with Gelato? I think not…….

You are immediately greeted with a smile and a friendly

“Ciao”

And then you see the mouthwatering flavors all jump out at you…..

A cone or a cup? Try a cone, they are fresh and light.
The flavors are wow and the ingredients fresh as they make the gelato daily on site.
The store is located on a quaint little street in the town with a nice little sitting area inside or out.
>

With 38 degree weather today let’s just say Puro Gelato seems to be hitting the spot for Local and tourists alike!

<br /

You Gotta Try This!

La Terrazza restaurant – Plannegg Bavaria

Happy Monday Great foodies….

La Terrazza Hotel and Ristorante – Planegg Bavaria
While traveling to Munich you will find a great little town just a few KMs outside of Munich, Planegg.
In town is a nice boutique style hotel and Ristorante.
As soon as you walk into the great spot you will hear the warm accent of the Italians greet you and the great smells that all good Italian restaurants lure you in with.

There is a great patio that the interior dining room just seems to flow into with the great open concept dining room with full open sliding doors. It is a little slice of heaven so sit and enjoy.
On a warm summer night enjoy a refreshing Tomato, cucumber and onion salad with olive oil and balsamic dressing.

The salad was served with a basket of fresh breads for dipping (a must!)
Next was a bowl of penne in a tomato rosé sauce with fresh tomatoes ad chunks of fresh salmon and fresh basil.

The pasta was fresh and full of flavor profile…… An excellent meal to end off a long day.
To freshen up the palate a plate of fresh cut peaches served with a fresh and flavorful blueberry compote. Light and fresh to finish off a great meal.

The best part of this smaller town is the charming setting peppered with nice little shops and eateries.
Just down the road you can find a bakery offering fresh pastries of the day along with beautiful breads with the flavors of Bavaria in mind.
There is also some great little spots for some German Brew and schnitzel so strolling through the streets of Planegg you will surely find a nice little spot to enjoy.
Try La Terrazza if you happen through Planegg and enjoy the Italian charm that this great little spot has to offer. Great flavors and service with a smile and a little taste of Italy in Bavaria.

You Gotta Try this!/>;

Pig on the street – flavor wow alert

Pig on the Street – flavor Alert!
Good afternoon happy foodies.

A great sight is how the Vancouver street food scene is evolving and truly coming into its own.

The feeling in the downtown core is fun, vibrant and bustling with foodies searching for their favorite treat from any number of the popular food trucks.
It is hard to believe that many of these trucks / carts are still so new. What’s more is that it is exciting to see what a following that they have already established.

Do your self a favor and get out and try one of the great food trucks throughout the downtown core.
now back to Pig on the Street…….
Today’s flavor alert update includes a Chef Krissy special…..
Napoleon Piggy….

The flavor profiles of this special were right on the spot
The creamy French Brie combined with the fresh local apricot chutney (lovingly made by Chef), dijon mayo and finished with the ever so perfectly cooked double smoked bacon and fresh arugula…. If you watch any cooking show you will likely hear the judges or chefs describe

ying & yang

or contrasting balance of sweet and savory. They will also mention textures…. This sandwich has it all…. Creamy, smooth…. Crunchy, all on a perfectly soft flatbread….. And sweet combined with savory and slightly bitter coming from the arugula.
you hit this one out of the park Chef Krissy
To top all of this off served to you by the ever charming James Bond of the Oinkalicious world, Mark……

People are definitely coming in droves to search out the flavor of the day!

If you are lucky enough to still have room for one of their

becoming famous

Hair of the Hog Brownies
You will be in heaven with each bite….
If you like Salted caramels you will love this treat… Very similar flavor profile with the sweet gewy chocolate of the brownie and the contrasting salty notes of the bacon all wrapped up in a bourbon caramel…. Well pure bliss

Get out and try something new and marvel at the culinary wonders that come from a cart or a truck….. It all relates back to the people which are the heart and soul of what they create for us. I know one thing for sure, the foods are mostly unique and fire up your taste buds…..

You Gotta Try This!

Fresh Apple/peach blueberry crisp

Apple Peach Blueberry Crisp

Good Evening great Foodies,

A trip to the grocery store prompted another mouthwatering look at the wonderful fresh fruits that BC has to offer!
I grabbed some fresh peaches, apples, blueberries and have to admit snuck some strawberries in in as well.

Ingredients:

4 Apples BC Fresh any kind
4 Peaches
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup Strawberries
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup demerara sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Bourbon
Pinch or 2 of cinnamon

topping
1/2 cup of flour
1/2 cup of Brown sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup crushed walnuts
Pinch of cinnamon
1/2 cup butter

Method
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees – I use convection.
Take the skin off the apples and peaches and cut or slice in to small pieces and put in a deep bowl.
Add the blueberries and cut up strawberries as well as chocolate.
Now sprinkle on the cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice and bourbon and gently stir together…… Let sit in the side

Topping:
In a bowl stir the flour, sugar, butter, cinnamon and oats with a fork gently trying to keep it somewhat chunky.

When you have the ingredients blended please out your fruit into your baking dish and cover the top with the topping mixture.
Now place in the oven and cook for approx 35-40 mins or until you see the fruit bubble on the sides and the topping brown.

Take out of the oven and let sit for approx 10 mins.
Spoon Into your favorite bowl and top with either ice-cream or fresh whip cream or why not BOTH!
You Gotta Try This
It is an easy and comforting sweet treat! It can I course be made with or without the bourbon and with Fresh or Frozen fruit…. My favorite is always FRESH!
There is always something better and so much more favorable about fresh fruits.
I hope you enjoy! Please let me know what you think.

Local Public Eatery

Local- Public Eatery

Happy Summer day great foodies,
Last Saturday on a beautiful summer afternoon in Vancouver we wanted to try

Local

a vibrant restaurant across from Kits beach close to Vancouver.
The patio looks right at the beach and water which was just brilliant.
The inside of the restaurant was busy, and a great energetic environment.
We asked the waitress what they were “known” for and the answer was bountiful…. So many items.
burgers seemed popular with house made buns, nachos, salads, sandwiches …… What to have?

We ordered a seared tuna club house with a salad.

The tuna was seared perfectly and fresh. It went just right with the avocado, tomato, smoked bacon and melted cheddar….. This is a must try if you drop in.

We also ordered a Press burger

Daily baked buns and order it just the way you like it. Served with shoestring fries…. Very yummy.

Local is also know for a nice selection of brews
Here is a list of the large list of wobbly juice….Local Eatery Drink list
The service was great, friendly and helpful which is good for first timers to help navigate the nice size of offerings.
The Only thing I can see that may have raised an eyebrow was over hearing and seeing some of the staff talking to each about their tables…. “my table said to me!” etc… This Is really something better left to be discussed behind closed doors if you must. Things can happen to the best of us and mistakes happen on either side…it’s how we handle it is what makes the difference.

All in all this is a great spot to grab a bite and a drink or hang out with friends ad have a good time!
I would go back as the experience was overall positive.

“You Gotta try this!”

Goodbye Kitchen!

Goodbye Kitchen!. Touching the heart…….but I that him his new kitchen will be equal or better! Good luck