We're all about travel to Germany, Austria & Switzerland
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We're all about travel to Germany, Austria & Switzerland
Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Plan Your Trip Europe Travel Tips
Spargel: Germany's Favorite Spring Veggie |
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All over Germany in the merry months of May and June a strange compulsion grips the nation: Spargel mania! It's asparagus season and the Germans just can't get enough of it. From Lübeck to Lindau, a perfect asparagus spear is white and about 3/4" in diameter, the direct opposite of the pencil-thin, green stuff we revere here in the U.S. The classic presentation is a full pound of asparagus served as a main course with hollandaise and boiled new potatoes. Sometimes for variety, it comes with butter or savory herb pancakes. But the delicacy can appear just about anywhere on the menu, with the possible exception of dessert. Spargel soups abound, usually cream-style, often with crab. One restaurant we saw offered lobster salad with mushrooms and asparagus, another dished it up with mussels and saffron rice. And, of course, a hearty portion can accompany any kind of meat.
Home-grown Spargel is obviously the best. There are 2,000 growers in Bavaria alone. Not surprisingly, competition comes from abroad but since the Germans prefer to prepare and eat Spargel the same day it is harvested, offerings from Greece and Turkey start out at a significant disadvantage. Many farmers sell directly from their homes to consumers, others bring the produce to market where long lines form instantly. The cost for this seasonal treat? Recently we noted Spargel as an al a carte menu selection at from $13-$20. In markets the price for the fresh, uncooked stuff runs about $10 a pound. |
| Preview: February Issue of Gemütlichkeit |
The February 2012 Issue of GemütlichkeitRead excerpts from the latest issue of The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria & Switzerland. |
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| Berlin & Hamburg Michelin Stars for 2012 |
Two Northern German Cities Each Add a Pair of Two-Star Restaurants to their Impressive List of Star-Studded EateriesNorthern Germany's top chefs in Berlin and Hamburg continue to rack up Michelin stars, firmly establishing the two cities at the top of the country's gourmet food chain. Their young, inventive and creative chefs have solidified the trend toward a modernized, German cuisine with local recipes and strong regional influences. |
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| Europe Car Rental: Winter Tire Update |
From November 1 through March 31, winter tires (tyres) are now mandatory with two rental car companies in Germany, Europcar and Avis. |
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| Where and How to Find Cheap Hotels in Europe |
With the recent drop in the dollar, it appears it's time to roll-out the cost cutting strategies for Europe-bound travelers. |
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| Changing Dollars for Euros |
After “where should we stay in xyz?,” the question we hear most is how best to change dollars into foreign currency, mainly euros. |
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| Best Air Ticket Option |
Why purchasing air tickets through a travel professional may be a better deal than buying online or directly from an airline. |
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| Special 21-Issue Offer on Gemütlichkeit, The Travel Letter for Germany, Austria & Switzerland |
If Gemütlichkeit doesn't save you more than the $49 subscription price, we'll refund your money in full. No argument, no tricks, and our guarantee is good for one year from the start of your subscription. |
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| What you should know about renting a car in Europe in 2012 |
Free DownloadThis 16-page booklet contains information and advice not found anywhere else on the web and is aimed at Europe-bound travelers shopping for a rental car. It offers money-saving techniques to be used throughout the entire rental process. |
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