Hungry in Berlin

In two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Germany’s other two big towns – Munich and Hamburg. While in each I discovered some cooking-related treasures. For the locals in those towns, of course this will seem like a “duh” moment. But for those of us who don’t know these things, they can be pretty exciting discoveries.

First, if you find yourself in Hamburg, a visit to Cucinaria is a must. Here’s how to get there. Now, to call yourself the “cooking temple” is a bit much. But for my geld, it’s not that far off; it only needs to insert “equipment.” This is the place to find the tools you need to cook (and to present what you’ve cooked beautifully). Whether it’s knives, espresso makers, or sushi bowls, this store has a comprehensive selection of cookware that can satisfy both the home cook and the cooking establishment. A few caveats, though. Uno, this place is “unplugged” in the sense that it has a limited selection of electric machines, which I’m fine with. Let Saturn give you that. Due, although there is some high-end olive oil, pasta and the like, this is not a foodstuff place. Tre, prices might shock you at first, but I found that — once you stray away from the deluxe stuff — run-of-the-mill items are actually very fairly priced. Stop in the café for some caffeinated yummitude when you need to take a break. It’s like a toystore for foodies.

Second, when in Munich, you must must must go to Käfer, which can be found here. Now, in many ways, someone from Berlin might think this is nothing more than KDW’s sixth floor food Mecca stuffed into a space one tenth its size. In some ways, that’s true, especially when it comes to intended audience, general product types and (dear Jesus!) prices. But, a few things distinguish Käfer. Eins, the staff has drunk the proverbial koolaid. This place was like walking into Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, meaning that you feel an electricity in the air caused by the employees’ excitement about food and the aesthetic of purchasing it. Zwei, the architecture is mazelike, which makes turning each corner all the more exciting. I find I get lost in KDW, too, but the feeling there is more like “Mom?” rather than “Wow!” Drei, I was molto impressed by the wide selection of products from the states. From the states doesn’t mean better, of course; it just means familiar. I’m just happy to know that, if I am really jonesing for one of these items, I can find it here: Blue Diamond Almonds, Betty Crocker Brownie Mix, Pop Tarts, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, French’s yellow mustard, Libby’s Easy Pumpkin Mix, Hershey’s chocolate bars et al. (Trailer not included.)

If you have a sec, let me know about your favorite foodie store where you live here. I get around a lot and would love suggestions.

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