Duvel

Second to last day of Lake Constance … After a day-long visit (in surprisingly good weather) to the flower island of Mainau … … it was time for the culinary highlight of this tour: the obligatory can of Dosenravioli (as recently discussed here) … As others in the family were not so enthusiastic, we also had some roasted chicken from the supermarket (no way to make that look sexy) … … and some salad 🙄 Plus another beer to try from the town, which wasn’t bad, either ! After dinner we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the lake in the sunset …

Continuing the Lake Contance circumnavigation … The way from Switzerland to the (German) city of Konstanz was miserable. It rained non-stop. We managed to build up the tent in a more or less “dry” state … … and headed straight for the nearby thermal swimming pool/spa, where we spend the rest of the day. I wasn’t in any mood to cook anymore, so we enjoyed some items from the camping’s restaurant: Drinks: Fanta for little one and local beer(s) - quite pleasant … Fresh lake fish, in a fish & chips style … Little one wanted burger … And we had a garlic bread (because I saw the cook handling some fresh dough when I ordered, so I had to sample - it was very good 👍) All in all a pleasant ending to an slightly wetter day than anticipated 😉

Coincidentally, there is a short piece on Berlin in November (with family) here … How are you travelling ?

Well, I do have access to butchers in Spain as well 😉

Sonetimes the belly hangs over the skirt …

Imagine you are a butcher in a small Spanish town. You‘ve got a couple of odd leftovers, that you name secreto and sell to your non-regulars … Some will figure out how to turn that into something delectable by chance („slice it thinly and fry or grill over high heat“ works on almost anything). No way you‘ll say ?

Longest stage of our Lake Constance tour - all in Switzerland. The cycling pathway here runs frequently just next to the lake, so we had great views. After arrival some local crisps as appetizers („swiss herbs flavor“), before heading out to the nearby marina for an early dinner … Lager from the nearby town … The local Egli for me: fresh, simply breaded & fried. DW & little one opted for Cordon Bleu, which was probably the best I have ever had. Quality of the meat, but also the ham & the cheese was excellent. At almost 45€ it was also the most expensive 😉 Of course, some Apfelstrudel for the two as well … On our way back to the camping we enjoyed some more lake views …

Correct … We are carrying a tent, three sleeping bags, a huge iso mattress, theee sets of clothing plus the rainsuits, toiletries, power banks, cooking gear, tools, … and all on two bikes. Every gram counts 🤗

Almost concluded the Austrian part of our Lake Constance tour … The lovely city of Bregenz with its famous Seebühne : this year they play Madame Butterfly - I wish I could have scored tickets (but would they let me in in bike gear ?!). The Seebühne itself is a large floating stage inside the Lake Constance. After reaching the camping grounds close to the Swiss border we „indulged“ in some Austrian fare: Potato crisps with „fried egg“ flavor … Erdäpfelgulasch (potato gulash): pork, sausage, potatoes, stock, paprika and caraway. Served with a semi-fresh Brötchen from today’s breakfast 😉 Tomorrow: Switzerland 🇨🇭

Lake Constance round trip commencing … After a brief stop at beautiful Lindau (of Nobel price winner fame) we crossed the border to Austria to visit Hörbranz (just a few kilometers north east of Bregenz). The famous Prinz distillery lured 1/3 of our party in … Today‘s distillate: Raspberry ! You can take a tour (we did), but even more important: you can sample. Anything you like and as much as you like. Kids get all the juices they like … Can you tell we are a bit done ? Conveniently, the best restaurant in the town is just next to the distillery … Wiener Schnitzel (veal, of course) for DW and the little one … Sudfleisch (aka Tafelspitz) for me. This was great, aromatic broth, all veggies on point, tender meat, freshly grated horseradish. @weinoo‘s Cafe Katja proprietor would likely approve … And an Apfelstrudel for good measure … Everyone tired, everyone full, everyone happy 🤗

Wow … the sample size times the amount of samples sure made for a fun evening. No wonder they had to hand out hard hats for the tour afterwards ☺️

Yeap - quite. It was fresh & delicious …

Starting a 6 day round trip around Lake Constance today. With bike & tent it’ll be an adventure - not only for little one. Though he’s the one that needed to jump into the lake the minute we arrived … Today only warm-up: 20 km. The local fish species is called Felchen (Bodenseefelchen), and on our way several fishermen offered these smoked. Got some and made potato soup with creme fraiche and Bodenseefelchen … Enjoyed with a regional brew … Happy faces 🤗

Or skip the soup preparation, and just get a beer and a piece of cheese …

I love fuyu a lot - there was a small hole-in-the-wall in Yau Ma Tei in Hong Kong, that served fried lettuce with fermented tofu. Sounds weird, but was utterly delicious - I am happy my secretary forced me try …

Cleaning out the fridge before the holidays: Oven-baked wings, potato salad and tomato & mozz …

Blantons Bourbon …

Pizza & movie night 🤗 Tonight featuring a three-day cold ferment (very flavorful) and … Speziale: salami, ham and mushrooms … Funghi: with a base of Friday Schnitzels leftover mushroom sauce, pureed with a bit of mayo for airy cohesion, topped with more champignons and king oyster mushrooms. Very good ! Hawaii: Pineapple & bacon … Enjoyed with a Berliner Weisse (with woodruff syrup) ! And as tonights cinematic treat: Nausicaä of the valley of the wind - simply a great movie 🥳

„I can see clearly now, the rain is gone“ - after the last days being rainy and somewhat cloudy, today was a lovely evening for an al fresco dinner … Starting with (and accompanied by) a nice Valpolicella Ripasso … Sous vide sirloin (3h@54oC), finished on the grill … Served with creamed spinach, (commercial) potato croquettes and whipped blue cheese (here Saint Agur) butter … No complaints 🤗

Hawaii in culinary Germany means pineapple plus cheese (and occasionally a Maraschino cherry), named after the legendary 1950‘s creation Toast Hawaii. You are free to choose your (melty) cheese, though Gouda would be the choice of most Germans. I had Provolone at hand …

A rather busy week draws towards its end. On a Friday I feel a bit more relaxed to cook, but still comfort food is needed … In preparation, using my panko import from Japan … Schnitzel, mixed mushroom sauce (I love those dried death trumpets), tomato basil salad and a mix of oven fries and tater tots (both commercial, adjusted oven times) … The manifestation of the whole ensemble on my plate … Little one requested Schnitzel Hawaii, so on went a pineapple slice and some provolone cheese, broiled over with a blowtorch … Three Schnitzel left for a Schnitzelbrötchen tomorrow … no complaints 🤗

Bärchenwurst …

Busy weekday meals, part IV: Bread, crisps, pickles, omelette, cold cuts & cheeses … Pretty yummy 🤗

Why is there bacon on a tomato sandwich ?

Busy week at work, so only augmented commercial meals … Sushi (including rolls with the „kewpie broil“ method), gyoza and wiener octopusæ … Close up on the latter - little one inhales those … No complaints 🤭