How to eat and drink through Europe (part 1)

(All photos courtesy of Chef Andrew)

One of the things they don’t tell you about Europe is how plentiful Michelin starred restaurants are. At least, that’s what I’ve gleaned from my conversation with our Sous Chef Andrew. He recently returned from a multi-country trip through Europe with his partner, celebrating their college graduation. An epic vacation that began in Germany and ended in Majorca, I got the chance to sit down with him and live vicariously through his stories and photos.

Germany was their first stop, to see his partner’s Aunt. There, they dined on classics like schnitzel, which is a meat cutlet pounded thin, breaded, and fried until crispy. There was also bratwurst, paired with brochen, a German bread, and of course, beers.

However, the second leg of the journey was Prague, which Chef decreed “the best food scene in Eastern Europe.” Citing not only the cuisine but the excellent service, he started each day at an American-style bagel shop bagel shop with a single Michelin Star (contrast this with our closest Michelin-rated city, Washington DC, where breakfast fare rarely receives such accolades). The American country music blaring over the speakers helped to create a unique atmosphere, and the affordability kept him returning. “Each [type of] bagel is made by a different chef,” he explained, with daily flavors—his favorite being a duck confit bagel. Andrew cites the efficient public transit and the walkability of the city that make it so accessible. Another draw was the aspect of the “melting pot” of cultures—he says he had excellent fare from multiple cultures, including Irish, Italian, and even Vietnamese Pho. Yet it was Andrew’s brother, currently stationed in Germany with the US Army, who took him to a Mexican restaurant, with a Mexican chef. “[The Mexican chef] had visited Prague, and fell in love,” and the menu, while traditional, also included nods to the country by using regional ingredients and flavors.

Andrew had a lot to consider while staying in his loft apartment in the city center, such as contemplating his dinner at Field, a local farm-to-table. With an 8-course tasting menu (with beverage pairings!). However, while taking public transits and walking the city, he came across the first of his travel tips: force yourself out of your comfort zone. While it may be easy to dine in the hotel restaurant, or the corner spot that caters to tourists, he recommends exploration. See the towns that aren’t in the guide; he was able to see castles, beautiful countryside, and find lovely local pubs and restaurants that are off the beaten path. He has one warning: don’t drink and drive (or drink and do anything foolish/act like a frat bro). That will immediately make you a target for not only bad actors, but the police. If you are willing to step outside the box, though, you may discover sights like this castle, below.

Stay tuned for part 2!