*CQ Intern, Mandy Goodman, shares her experiences in Germany over Spring Break.
~ First off, let me just say that Germans are probably the friendliest and most fun people I’ve ever met….and that’s not just because they drink beer all day (ok, maybe). I arrived in Munich on March 10, 2012 and headed straight to this little place my grandmother had mentioned called Andechser am Dom, a popular spot for a brat and some brew. It was around the corner from the Marienplatz or Mary’s Square which has been the city’s center since 1158! The place was PACKED with people. Now, when I say packed I do not mean “touristy”. This is where the locals flocked and trust me….there’s a difference from walking into the massive Hofbräuhaus and this place.
Andescher had a smaller, cozier feel with quintessential Deutsch design and architecture. The wait staff were cheery and welcoming to each person that walked in the door and had alternative language menus at the ready just in case. Although cozy, it was not quiet….but that is part of the reason it was AWESOME. The waitresses guided you to a table with open seating that you would most likely share with others. I sat with a group of young business professionals on what seemed like a very exciting “lunch break” and a few local college students. If you didn’t have a beer in front of you, you looked silly. Right away I ordered what the students had, as well as ‘Der Andechser Klassiker’ or The Classic, which was 2 veal meatballs with creamy savoy cabbage and potato salad…delicious doesn’t even begin to describe this! The beer I had was on the darker side and a bit strong, but hey…I would have ordered 4 more if I hadn’t had a tour of Munich waiting.
The next day, I toured some pretty famous properties around Bavaria….Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Nymphenburg Palace (Yes, home of the nymphs). All were MUST SEE’S. On your way out you were able to grab a bratwurst sandwich and another beer. This time I had a Radler, a mix of beer and lemonade (dangerously good). Luckily, my guide kept a healthy load on his bus for us…what a guy! After a decadent day of getting lost in royal bed chambers, it was time to delve into desserts! Franziskaner in der Au was the spot and if you do nothing else here…by all means GET the apple fritters! (If I seem a bit pushy…I am. Do it.)
Later, I was off to Berlin for a few days. Let it be known, I had not been there 3 hours and Berlin had become my new favorite city! It was massive, yet not overwhelming – masculine and feminine in both architectural and fashion sense – had more amazing people – and let’s not forget clean u-bahns. After wandering around her famous buildings, I decided to set out after Berlin’s most prized possession…the one and only, Kaufthaus Des Westens (KaDeWe) or as we would call it “Shopping Mall of The West”. I dare you to attempt to walk through this place while keeping your mouth closed or blinking twice. Not only does it have all the top fashion gems of the season, but every and any bit of culinary perfection you could possibly imagine.
Upon saying my farewells, I was having dinner at Zur letzen Instanz, mopping up sauerkraut with brötchen and enjoying the mouth watering equivalent of what we would consider pork brisket, when I discovered the BEST BEER EVER…a Berliner Weisse. This concoction of sour wheat beer combined with raspberry flavored syrup in a bowl shaped glass originates from the northern area of Germany and dates back to the 16th century. It was basically Germany’s version of a Coronarita…Pure bliss. I left the restaurant and my trip very happy.
What do you think…If we offered a – Beers, Brats, & Brötchen Tour – would you be interested? Feel free to comment below and let us know!
