Besides navigating the U-bahn and S-bahn, seeing the sights, visiting museums, and participating in a demonstration, I had some really good food and some really good beer.
It was my first time truly being immersed in European culture - cigarette smoke-filled bars, real continental breakfasts, and communicating with one-word phrases. Although England is wonderful, and there are many cultural differences, the fact that I am able to communicate and understand directions or advertisements defeats the struggle to assimilate into a new culture. Simply listening to people converse in German fascinated me. The city itself was beautiful: friendly people, beautiful sites, and a certain lawlessness that allowed alcohol to be consumed openly in public. However, without further ado, here were some memorable food moments:
Continental Breakfast
I never understood why they called it a “continental” breakfast, but I realized they don’t eat meats and cheeses or jams and crackers in London for breakfast, and rather, this breakfast style is mainly popular on the European continent. My girlfriend once posed why Americans have so many choices of cereal (see her article) when Europeans mainly eat muesli and yogurt. She would have been proud of me to see how meager my choices were. But this simple breakfast really did fit my taste - the jams were particularly fresh and tasty: cherry, apricot, and plum.
Prater Garten
Prater was the epitome of an old German pub: large wooden tables and chairs with huge mugs of beer, big plates of food for a large German appetite, and of course, hearty meats like deer and Vienna beef.
Stewed Venison with Ligonberries, Braised Cabbage, and Spatzle (fried egg noodle)
And Weihenstephan beer that I really enjoyed!
Frittiersalon
A little local fast food joint that served currywursts and bratwursts. I was slightly disappointed by the food, but it was good for the prices we were paying. However, had some more good beer.
Bratwurst with Mustard
and a tasty Pilsner Urquelle to wash it down.
And of course, there were many delectable schnitzels, desserts, and pastries around the city, especially in subway stations, too. The apple strudels were particularly scrumptious.
It’s a pity I didn’t get to taste a donner kebab because I’ve heard great things, but when I go back, which I definitely will, that will be the first thing I eat!