The sauerkraut is different in Germany. Much better there. Another food not to miss especially in Munich is Haxan. I think that is the correct spelling We enjoyed it very much.

I love sauerkraut, I never eat it unless I am within 100 ft. of a bethroom, preferably PRIVATE, WHY do German commodes have that little tray in them??????????????

Spargel is white asparagus which is one of Germany's specialties. Many restaurants in Germany serve it different ways and it makes a nice change from all of the heavy food they serve. If you visit Germany during the spring or summer, see if they have fresh spargel on the menu.

Hello Meredith, <BR> <BR>I´m German and I can tell you that in the most parts of Germany it`s more difficult to FIND Sauerkraut than to avoid it. <BR>In Hessen, the area around Frankfurt it`s a popular dish, especially when you visit traditional(or very touristy) restaurants. But even at those places you`ll always have a lot of other choices. <BR>In Northern Germany or the Rhineland however you`ll even have problems to find Sauerkraut on the Menue at all. <BR>I second Philips to try aspargus from April to July... <BR> <BR>Miriam

Sorry, <BR> <BR>the last sentence should be "Philip`s recommendation"... <BR> <BR>Miriam

Meredith: <BR> <BR>Of course you can't stand sauerkraut -- most folks in the U.S. purchase it in cans or those antiseptic plastic bags, heat it up and serve it. Ugh! I make my own using a sauerkraut cutter that my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother used and which my grandfather designed and made with oak from the old tree in their backyard. Making the kraut has become a family tradition in the fall. You'll find most kraut in Germany, Alsace-Lorraine, and other eastern european countries is less "briny and salty" than what you are used to here in the U.S. Most recipes call for long simmering and/or baking with other meats, vegetables and seasonings. My own Polish recipe calls for baking it with bacon, caraway seed, juniper berries, wine and chick broth for 2 hours. It's delicious. I once had a very similar dish at the Brasserie Lorraine in Paris (2, place des Ternes) and thought it was delicious. They served it with sausages and potatoes. Take a chance and try it - you might like it. <BR> <BR>Have a great time on your trip. <BR> <BR>regards, <BR>Spanky

I don't even want to *think* about why German [and Austrian] commodes have that little tray. I *will* say that it's one of the few times while traveling that I have been happy to have sinus problems.

I assume that tray in the toilet is to allow you to oserve your latest creation.

What's wrong with Sauerkraut ? I intoduced into the diet of my sailors when I was embarking on my epic voyages. It warded off scurvy & didn't 'go off' en route. ( Didn't help me in Hawaii, however ). <BR> <BR>It has been said that the reason that German toilets are made the ( awful ) way they are is that there is no real German art to speak of, so as stated, one "makes one's own". Don't laugh !, an American "artist" sells cans of his own poop & calls it art...

Dear Pete <BR> <BR> <BR> Liked the response about after effects of saurkraut. The American response to that would be Taco Bell burritos. I would stack those up against any American or European food for the commode award.

Give me a delicious sausage on a bun with good mustard and sauerkraut...und, Mein Gott, ich bin in Himmel! :~)