Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kaffee und Kuchen
Anyone who has spent any length of time in Bavaria or the Black Forest knows the rever-
ence bestowed on the three o'clock weekend ritual of
Kaffee und Kuchen
(coffee and
cake). More than just a chance to devour delectable cakes and tortes - though it's certainly
that, too - locals see it as a social event. You'll find
Cafe-Konditoreien
(cafe-cake shops)
pretty much everywhere - in castles, in the middle of the forest, even plopped on top of
mountains. Track down the best by asking sweet-toothed locals where the cake is
haus-
gemacht
(homemade). Coffee is usually brewed fresh and all the usual varieties are on of-
fer, including cappuccinos, espressos and milky coffee called
Milchkaffee
.
Except in posh cafes, tea is usually a teabag in a glass or pot of hot water, served with a
slice of lemon. If you want milk, ask for
Tee mit Milch.
Festive Food
Major holidays are feast days and usually spent
at home with family, gorging and guzzling way
more than everyone knows is good for them.
At Easter roast lamb is often the star of the
show. Easter is preceded by Lent, a period of
fasting when sweet dishes such as
Rohrnudeln
(browned yeasty buns served with plum compote and vanilla sauce) are enjoyed and fish
replaces meat in Catholic households. Carp, served boiled, baked or fried, is popular at
Christmas time, although more people roast up a goose or a turkey as the main event.
Leb-
kuchen
(gingerbread) and
Spekulatius
(spicy cookies) are both sweet staples of
Advent
(the pre-Christmas season). For drinks,
Gluhwein
(spicy mulled wine), best consumed at a
Christmas market, is a favoured seasonal indulgence.
Prost!
(with beer) or
Zum Wohl!
(with wine) are
typical drinking toasts.
WHAT'S HOT
» All-you-can-eat weekend brunches.
» Asian lifestyle eateries with designer edge.
» Vegan and vegetarian food done creatively.
» NYC-style gourmet delis - cheesecake, bagels and cupcakes galore.
» Locavore movement (locally produced food).
