WHY TRAVEL OVERSEAS? THE FOOD, OF COURSE!

Sure, it’s great to see the historic sites and majestic architecture when you travel to Europe. But often when the stories of your travel are retold to friends and family, some of most vivid memories of the vacation will include the time spent experiencing local cuisine.

A travel guide should point out that Germany is suddenly rising to new heights when it comes to restaurants and top-rated chefs. According to the “Michelin Guide,” Germany trails only France when it comes to the most three-star (the top ranking) restaurants in the world.

And the competition is bringing out the best in those creating the dishes in Germany. The recently released 2009 Michelin Guide elevated Wolfsburg chef Sven Elverfeld to three-star status, moving him ahead in the rankings over Bavarian chef Heinz Winkler, who dropped to two stars. Elverfeld gives Germany nine chefs with three-star ratings in the Michelin Guide.

If your travel plans include a cruise of the Danube River, a guide could point you to check out the local fare while visiting the medieval metropolis of Regensburg, historic sites in Nuremburg or St. Stephen’s Cathedral in charming Passau. Practically any travel destination in Germany will give you a chance to taste the local fare.

In Nuremburg, the Helig-Geist-Spital is just one place a guide might recommend. What used to be a hospital in the middle ages, makes it a great place to check out the classic architecture while tasting local Bavarian beer.

There is a plethora of wine choices in the city’s largest wine house. The more adventurous might want to try “pig knuckles” or “leg of venison with noodles.”  There is a reason it’s been in existence for more than 600 years.

If you’re looking for a more unusual ambience, check out Weinhuse Steichele, known for its Franconian and Bavarian fare in Nuremburg. The walls are adorned with copper pots and the ceiling is decorated by hanging chandeliers, which take the shape of mythical creatures. A seasoned travel guide might suggest the roast shoulder of pork on the menu or the baked ham, spiced with paprika and complemented by an onion sauce. And it comes with French fries and a salad.

In Passau, the Heilig-Geist-Stift-Schenke offers wood-paneled rooms, where specialties such as Spiessbraten (a marinated meat dish) and fresh fish can be enjoyed, along with wine from its own vineyard. The garden also nurtures an apricot tree, used to make jam that is included in its recipe for Marilllenknodel (a fruit-filled dumpling).

Regensburg has a number of eateries that serve liver-dumpling soup or dumplings with sauerkraut, which can be washed down with a large variety of local beers. But if you just want something simple, like pizza, L’Osteria is one place that is sure to please. Also, there is Gansbauer, known for its lighter Bavarian fare, a cuisine that is helping German chefs earn top-ratings in the Michelin Guide.

A great way to taste some of the best in Germany and Europe is the Danube River Cruise offered by CIE Tours that starts in Regensburg and ends in Budapest. The nine-day trip is just one of many cruises offered by CIE Tours.
For more information go to: http://www.cietours.com/affiliate/cietours/summary.rvlx?tourID=2528