| Ann |
Oct 9th, 2002 12:10 PM |
Emily, seems like folks got a little off the track, smacking their lips over the varied German specialties outside the Mosel. There are some wonderful small restaurants in the Mosel region; unfortunately, most Americans seem to want to impose their beliefs about what Germans eat onto the entire country. We had a terrible time convincing my uncle that bratwurst and sauerkraut was not something he would expect to find in a good German restaurant, but he insisted and was (naturlich) disappointed by the food in Germany! Anyway, here's a hint: look for small restaurants patronized by locals in the villages; in the cities, look for non-tourist spots. You can also always check the Michelin red guide. There's actually a 3-star restaurant just outside the town of Wittlich. If you will be in Trier, try the Pfeffermuhle, or a few kms outside of town in Trier-Ehrang, the Kupfer Pfanne. Both are excellent and have been providing great food for years. Between Trier and Bitburg, try Haus Hubertus, which is in a quiet forest behind an open meadow and near the Lux border... you can walk down a trail after a wonderful repast to an overlook of Echternach. Salmon, farm-raised venison, lobster, turkey breast w/green peppers are a few entree selections. The Heidesmuhle near Himmerod Abbey specializes in trout prepared several ways (but don't be surprised in Germany to get the whole fish), which swim below the terrace tables in canals. Also near the abbey (and the twin burgs of Manderscheid) is the fabulous Alte Molkerei, where they specialize in regional products and will gladly tell you from which farmer they buy their eggs, where the potatoes are grown, and who the dairyman is who makes their cheese. Up north, close to Burg Eltz in the town of Muden, the Sewenig Hotel serves Mosel specialties such as fish and eel from the river as well as schwenkbraten (my favorite), wild mushroom dishes, and their own wines; check out the yardstick on the side of the ancient building to see how high the river's flooded over the years. Let me know if you have a specific town you'll be visiting, and I can give you some other suggestions. Enjoy!
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