foodie

My Luxury Birthday Weekend at the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera

My Luxury Birthday Weekend at the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera 1365 2048 Galia Brener

The week started off with my usual yearly birthday blues. I always get them a week before and after. I find that there is something about getting older that is bitter sweet. The upside of having a birthday means that we get a yearly life extension and fresh start to tackle all of our dreams, wishes and goals. Yet the downside to it is that we are – one year older! I have learned to see it all philosophically, knowing that fate has a plan for us anyways, so why not enjoy the ride while we get to the destination? That’s when my phone rang and the lovely Mrs. Wagner invited me to celebrate my birthday in style and luxury at the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. At this exciting prospect, my blues were starting to fade into whites, which I knew would eventually turn into pinks and reds.

I think it’s a very cool concept to be able to have a nice weekend holiday within your own city. What a novel idea! Who says one has to drive many kilometers away to feel rest and relaxation re-enter your body, while the evil work-demon leaves you in peace? I made an experiment and stayed inside the Sofitel for my entire birthday weekend and came out feeling happy, rested and recharged.

The adventure started with my arrival at the hotel. I was very impressed to see that the entire staff was briefed about my arrival and I didn’t have to explain anything. I was checked in quickly and shown to my suite. The first activity for my birthday weekend was the glamorous photo shooting. The first stop was on the fabulous terrace of the presidential suite, where one can see the entire magnificent Frankfurt skyline. I was quite familiar with this stunning view, because the Frankfurter Neue Presse photographed me there on New Year’s in 2016. Before the action with the photographer and stylist began, I took a few moments for myself to enjoy and breathe in the mesmerizing scene in front of me. I always feel a moment of joy when I see our skyline. For me, this is the equivalent of being at home.

The wind was blowing and the air was warm and sweet, whispering to me, encouraging me to enjoy and live in the moment. I felt like I could have stayed on that terrace for ages! Later on we took some elegant photos inside the presidential suite and on the bed as well. I have to say that Sofitel definitely has one of the most comfortable beds I have slept in. It’s really like resting on a cloud. After a day full of photo shooting – 5 locations, wearing 3 different outfits – it was finally time to rest and get ready for my birthday dinner.

Being the notorious foodie that I am, I was really looking forward to try out the Schönemann restaurant. We were seated at a large table and greeted with a cold glass of champagne. The chef himself came out and announced our menu for the evening. I really felt like a princess there, because Sofitel did everything possible to make me feel very welcomed and pampered! We started off with a fresh Caesar salad and succulent king prawns. Next was a cold refreshing gazpacho soup, made in the traditional Andalusian way. I acquired my love for gazpacho on Ibiza and was happy to have it here again. For the main course, we were served the signature dish “Coq au Apfelwein” prepared with organic chickens that are raised 30km away from Frankfurt and the city’s beloved apple wine. Last but not least, came two sweet delicacies – a heavenly crème brûlée and a rich chocolate mousse tarte. The dinner was accompanied by a savory selection of the best wines, and of course my favorite was the Rosé de Diel. We ate to our heart’s desire and enjoyed every exquisitely delicious moment.

The lovely evening was running quickly and it was 11pm already – only one hour left until the big day. It was great spending the entire weekend at the hotel because everything was under the same roof. It was time to float over to the seductive Lili’s bar, where I like the dim lights and very mysterious atmosphere. While waiting for the others to arrive and being the tequila fan that I am, I tried a few sorts at the bar and was very impressed. I always judge a good bar by the type of tequilas they have, and this one offers a rich international selection. Everyone arrived and as the time was approaching midnight, the bar manager brought out a special bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, which they have ordered just for me. All of a sudden, becoming a year older didn’t seem so bad after all. We drank, we laughed, we danced and had a very exciting evening! I couldn’t help but smiling to myself all the way back up to my suite. Yes, turning 28 again was quite fabulous indeed.

The next day was quite relaxing because my only plan was eating a huge breakfast, going to the spa and getting a special birthday massage. Life could be much worse! The breakfast buffet at the Sofitel offers everything that the heart desires, whether a meat-eater, vegetarian or vegan, everything can be found – including delicious sparkling wine, to make the celebrations even brighter! I ate everything that my eyes and stomach desired, because I have an important rule in life: no diet on the birthday!

Later on, I made my way to the spa area. I have been to a “So Spa” in Paris and was curious to see how Frankfurt will compare. I was impressed by the decor and combination of black and white colors – very chic indeed! I received a full body massage for an hour, which relaxed me to a dreamlike state. After the massage I was really looking forward to try the Skinjay essential oil capsules in my suite shower. I have read about this new addition to the Sofitel family and was very intrigued to see if it really is as fabulous and they promise. And indeed it was. It looks like a Nespresso-like capsule, which you place into the shower hose with your favorite natural oil aroma, and it mixes directly into the water! I read that it is based on a proprietary technology called micro-nebulization, which is activated at the heart of the mixer. It’s such a cool wellness experience – definitely a must to try out.

My amazing weekend was coming to an end and it was time to check out of paradise. I was greeted warmly by name at the reception and they made sure that all my needs were met. I have stayed at many 5-star hotels before, but this was definitely my favorite birthday experience. The French really know what luxury and pampering is all about! As I walked outside and looked up at the beautiful old opera building, my birthday blues were completely gone. I looked up at the skyscrapers and knew that becoming a year old meant becoming a year stronger and wiser. I really enjoyed this birthday weekend in my own favorite city – a truly unforgettable experience.

Thank you to the amazing Sofitel Frankfurt Opera team for giving me a fairytale birthday weekend!

 

www.sofitel.com

Sponsored Post.

 

 

Food shopping and flirting paradise at the Kleinmarkthalle

Food shopping and flirting paradise at the Kleinmarkthalle 1080 530 Galia Brener

One of the things I love most about Frankfurt is the amazing Kleinmarkthalle. For those who don’t know what this is, it’s a public indoor market with various food, drinks and flower vendors. Some stands are exotic and international, and some are locals from the Hessen area in Germany.

It’s a wonderful traditional that we have here in Frankfurt. We like to grab our friends and come for a glass of wine at the Kleinmarkthalle on a Saturday afternoon. Here you can find people from many walks of life, tasting delicious wines from local wineries and chatting about life and the world. It’s a great place to talk to the person standing beside you, or smile at someone across the wine stand. The atmosphere is one of pleasure and relaxation.

I always recommend the Kleinmarkthalle to my friends on a Saturday as the perfect place to meet new people, and maybe even spark up a conversation with a potential dating partner. Since the people are quite relaxed here, it’s a perfect place to flirt. My favorite days are when the sun shines, directly on people’s faces and also reflects on the full wine glasses. I love it there in the summer time, as well as on the cold but dry winter days.

The wine tasting and drinking happens outside and on the top terrace area, whereas the delicious food shopping takes place inside the Kleinmarkthalle itself. Sometimes I come alone here, and walk slowly isle after isle, discovering all of the unfamiliar food and drinks. This is like therapy for the eyes and heart. It’s like drifting away to a culinary world, where everyone is on the same mission to find the perfect flavor to tease and tempt their taste buds! This is also a great place to buy or create that unforgettable bouquet of flowers for yourself and loved ones.

Last Saturday I discovered the best thing ever! I am addicted to fresh coconut water, and I found a stand that sells fresh coconuts. They open up the nut for you, and you can drink it directly there or take it home. As I was walking around like an alien with my huge coconut, I felt a bit misplaced amongst the wine lovers. But it was detox week for me, so it was the perfect drink to compliment my diet. I even took the coconut home and ate the inside part the next day.

I have to say that all the relaxing sounds, flavors and colors make me appreciate how lucky I am to be able to enjoy this on the weekends. I bought a few healthy Mediterranean tapas to take home with me. Included were green olives, Taramasalata, artichokes, Aioli, octopus salad, sun dried tomatoes, pickles and a fresh loaf of sourdough bread.

As I left the Kleinmarkthalle, I looked around at the beautifully blinding sun, and was happy to see all of the people mingling outside, sipping their Riesling, flirting and enjoying the sun! This is definitely a must see in Frankfurt on a Saturday afternoon.

I wish you a great start to your week!

Hugs, Gali

 

My outfit: Jacket @patriziapepe, shirt@hm, leggings @calzedonia, bag @burberry,  sneakers @prada

Photo by: Polina Brener of Who Would Think?

www.facebook.com/galiabrener

 


 

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Apéros Bordeaux – Party in Frankfurt on Sept 10th with a French twist!

Apéros Bordeaux – Party in Frankfurt on Sept 10th with a French twist! 1200 400 Galia Brener

The long-awaited event “Apéros Bordeaux” has finally made its way to our cosmopolitan little city with a big attitude. This evening will be presented to us with a delicious variety of Bordeaux wines, DJs spinning their hypnotic chill-out sounds, tasty culinary delights, dancing, networking and maybe even meeting a special person for a flirt or more!

 

Ladies put on your nice dresses, killer heels and make your way to The Cooking Ape at the Walther-von-Cronberg-Platz 2 on September 10th, starting at 7pm. For an entrance fee of 5 Euro, you shall receive a savory glass of Bordeaux wine, which is the perfect way to jump-start your evening and leave all the office worries behind you. Gentlemen, leave the ties in your car and come dressed with your best smile on, because this will be a night to remember!

 

The 5 Stations concept is super cool – think of it as your own little adventure to France, but all in the comfort of our favorite city in Germany! You have the chance to taste a variety of affordable Bordeaux wines in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Upon your arrival, you will receive a Wine Passport at the first station Bienvenue, which is your magical entrance to the world of Bordeaux experiences. After a glass or two, make your way to the Photography station – where you and your friends can have your photos taken with funny accessories in front of stunning Bordeaux scenery. These photos will be available to you later at www.aperos-bordeaux.de, where you can download and share them online. The third station is called Smell, where you can open up your senses to the fine Bordeaux aromas. Next comes the Taste station, where you can learn about winemaking, experience the grape type and see if your date has good taste. If everything smells and tastes the same to him/her, then you know what to expect with the kissing. Next! New date and next station! Last but not least is the Foodpairing station, where you can discover the unique variety of wine aromas combined with delicious and exotic dishes to tickle your taste buds.

 

VIP entrance to the event: if you register in advance online at www.aperos-bordeaux.de, then you get priority entrance without waiting in line, plus have the chance to win 1 out of 12 surprise packages, including a variety of wines and the chic Apéros Bordeaux glasses.

 

100 Bordeaux wines to discover: 100 wines are selected every year in the price range of 5 – 29 Euro, for you to enjoy at the Apéros Bordeaux event. You will be enticed with a selection of fresh white, rosé and fruity red Bordeaux wines for you to taste and savor. More information about the different selections is available online at: www.bordeaux.com/de/weine/auswahl

 

Bordeaux in the City: September is Bordeaux month in Frankfurt! In cooperation with 25 selected wine merchants and restaurateurs, you have the chance to attend various tastings and wine seminar in the city. Details available online at: www.bordeaux-in-the-city.de

 

I am very happy to announce that Frankfurt is finally getting on top of the Bordeaux wine and culture experience, with the help of this fabulous Apéros Bordeaux evening. I am always on the lookout for new and exciting events in the city, and am happy to share this unique one with you! I am really looking forward to taste the different wines, dance to the melodic lounge beats, socialize and meet new people. You never know who will drop by – maybe even Prince Charming and Ms. Right! So join us and find out.

 

Looking forward to see you all there,

 

Your Gali.

 

Apéros Bordeaux Roséwein

Apéro Bordeaux Weinkühler

Apéro Bordeaux Food

Apéro Bordeaux Weinflasche

Apéros Bordeaux Roséwein

Apéro Bordeaux


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