wine

3rd Gourmetsalon at the Schlosshotel Kronberg

3rd Gourmetsalon at the Schlosshotel Kronberg 1536 2048 Galia Brener

Last week was a very delicious one indeed! Being a foodie since I could chew as a child, I have always looked forward to any and all meals of the day. I used to run around the kitchen, annoying my Mama with thousand questions about what we will eat, what is she cooking, how is she cooking and when will the food be finally ready. Unlike many other children who simply wanted to eat quickly and go outside to play, I rather stayed at home to eat slowly, taking my time to taste and savor my food.

Needless to say, when my invitation arrived for the 3rd Gourmetsalon at the Schlosshotel, I was ecstatic! Not only is this one of the most beautiful hotels in this region, it is full of heritage, history, elegance and style. Keeping this in mind, I immediately started sorting out my dresses and preparing the ones that are not too tight around the waist – looking for the perfect one that I can eat in all night, in large quantities and nobody would notice! The magic dress that allows me to eat and eat and eat and not explode at the seam. Otherwise known as: a dream come true.

As we arrived at the Schlosshotel in Kronberg, there was a beautiful red carpet laid out for the guests and the excitement could be felt from miles away. Franz Zimmermann, the hotel director, greeted everyone personally at the entrance and gave us a warm welcome. Upon entering the lobby, we were given two cold flutes of champagne to enjoy. Across the lobby is a romantic Romeo and Juliet style balcony, where a band was playing and entertaining the curious guests. After most of the gusts had arrived, Mr. Zimmermann gave a speech and presented all of the Michelin starred chefs. I was incredibly impressed by the names that I heard. This evening we had a privilege to enjoy the creation of Philipp Stein, Marcello Fabbri, Alexander Hohlwein, Hans Horberth, Satoshi Fuji, Jörg Lawerenz, Cedric Schwitzer, Ronny Siewert, Christian Weber and Gerhard Wieser.

After the wonderful presentation of the chefs, it was finally time to eat! I could see how excited and hungry everyone was, and almost immediately the guests were gone and spread out into the various areas of the hotel. The cool thing about this event is that it takes place in all of the lovely areas and rooms of the Schlosshotel, including the large kitchen itself. I’m a huge fan of their kitchen, because it’s one of the nicest ones I’ve seen in a hotel so far. It boasts high traditional European ceilings and state of the art equipment. Of course being the little carnivore that I am, I directly made my way to the juicy steak and spent a while there, appreciating the perfectly prepared meat.

While in the kitchen, I met Gerhard Wieser, a two started Michelin chef, and had an interesting chat with him. Mr. Wieser told me that he is inspired by nature. He comes from Südtirol and grew up with the Italian, farming and Mediterranean culture. His mother was a cook and he learned the magic of perfect food from her. We had a lot to talk about, considering that we both love food so much! Gerhard Wieser is also a best selling author, having sold over 1.5 million books called, “So kocht Südtirol”. For tonight, Mr. Wieser prepared delicious tortellini with chicken, Parmesan and black truffle. Having an amazing Michelin chef, a famous author and lots of steak in front of me, I was compelled to ask him a curious question: what his opinion about the vegan lifestyle is. Mr. Wieser said that being vegan is like a fashion trend: it comes and it will go.

After eating all the steak and seafood that I can fill into half of my dress, it was time to fill the other half with the tasty delights in the other rooms. On my way out of the kitchen, I discovered the hidden Laurent-Perrier champagne bar perfectly balanced with fresh oysters. I was very happy to stay in this area for a while longer, enjoying the amazing Maldon oysters, delicious champagne, meeting new foodies and sharing our funny food stories.

Next stop for me was the red salon, which is my favorite room in the Schlosshotel. It’s warm, sensual, cozy and very romantic! There was a band playing all my favorite songs, which made the delectable goose liver cube in combination with rhubarb, salted caramel and Prinz von Hessen wine taste even better. What a spectacular explosion for the taste buds! I was very impressed by the depth of the various flavors intertwining into each other. I was curious to see more. Next were the restaurant, green and blue salon, which displayed more incredible temptations, including sushi, sashimi, fish, amazing dried meats, Norwegian scallops, pork belly, seafood, red shrimp, more steaks, desserts, pastries, pralines, fresh breads, delicious and rare wines, cheeses, chocolates and everything else that the heart, soul and body desire!

Slowly the second half of my dress was starting to become a bit tight. With a huge and satisfied smile on my face, I bid farewell to everyone, congratulated Mr. Zimmermann on a very successful event, looked back at the steak longingly, wishing I had more place in my stomach. It was time to leave the beautiful Schlosshotel Kronberg and make my way back to my favorite little cosmopolitan city with a big attitude. It was a wonderful evening full of Michelin stars, culture, wine, delicacies, exotic flavours, handsome chefs, music, champagne, surprises and delicious fun. I will definitely be back for more!

 

 

Cooking with Matthias Schmidt at the Genussakademie

Cooking with Matthias Schmidt at the Genussakademie 1280 1263 Galia Brener

The long-awaited day has finally arrived, and I was very excited about this evening’s wonderful activities. This cooking class was a present, which I gave to my best friend for his birthday. We were both very happy at the thought of cooking with a Michelin starred chef!

We made our way into the cold night and arrived at the Genussakademie on Ludwigstraße 33-37 right on time. I was already familiar with this beautiful location because I have been to quite a few Christmas parties here before. It’s a cool, big, loft space, which is a perfect place to cook, laugh, dance, eat, drink and have fun! It was a chilly Sunday evening, but that didn’t bother anyone, because it seemed like everyone was wearing a big and warm smile. We were a small group of about 15 hungry people.

The guests were greeted with a cold glass of champagne. Our well-known and beloved chef, Matthias Schmidt, was walking around the kitchen, preparing everything for our big cooking-jam-session. Matthias worked in a few 1 and 2 starred restaurants in Germany. When he came back to Frankfurt, he worked at the Villa Merton and was the head chef there since 2008. At the beginning, they had 1 Michelin star. Within the next years, Matthias and his team created a kitchen, which was based on the culture and products of our region. They used as many organic ingredients as possible, and in 2012, they got the second Michelin star!

We waited until everyone had arrived and the introductions were made. The people were relaxed, in a good mood and eagerly awaiting the big cooking bash. This was my first time participating at such an elaborate cooking class. The only time I ever took a cooking course before was at junior high, but unfortunately our team burned the teacher’s hair off! Horror of all horrors – she walked around with a crew cut the entire school year! I tried to avoid public heating elements ever since. But finally the time has arrived to brave the public stove once again!

After the first glass of bubbly and Matthias’s extensive information about our 4-course meal, it was time to start! Our menu was: Gebeizter Saibling, Schwarzwurzel, Short Rip and Grüner Hafer Eiscreme. It appeared like they were all cooking pros, because everyone seemed to know the techniques, tools and ingredients. Only I was staring at the fish skin like an alien, and didn’t know what to do with it. Matthias walked by, laughed, gave me scissors and told me to cut the skin in strips. After obediently cutting the dried fish skin, I decided to walk around the room and see if there was any trouble that I can cause. Unfortunately there were no chance for trouble, so I had to behave and follow Matthias’s cooking orders. I ended up cutting some long vegetable thingy, which I swear I have never seen before in my life! It was long, thin and very strange. Ze Germans call it “Schwarzwurzel”. After putting the komisch thingy into the oven, it was time to try the delicious white wine, standing in mass amounts of bottles on the counter.

Of course there was one Schlaumeier in the group, who seemed to know everything better than everyone else. She even tried telling Matthias how to do things better a few times. I couldn’t help but clasp my glass of wine in the background and laugh at the silliness of it. Who the hell tells a star chef how to cook?! There is a Besserwisser in every group and it wouldn’t be the same without her. When the good wine flows, even the showoffs can be pathetically amusing.

Our menu was quite fancy and delicious. I could probably reproduce the appetizer myself, but the main course was too complicated for me to repeat at home. Therefore I just eased into “eating-mode” and stepped away from my “trying-to-remember-and-doing-this-at-home-good-girl-cooking-mode”. I was super entertained at how my fish skins puffed up into tasty crunchy fish chips in the frying pan. I found the crispy fish skin to be the best tasting element of the appetizer, and many agreed with this. I was also pleasantly surprised that the Schwarzwurzel tasted this good, after all, it looked like a tree log at the beginning. After the third glass of wine, nobody was really cooking anymore except for Matthias and his team. All I can say is that the short ribs tasted absolutely amazing! I don’t think that I have ever eaten anything so soft, tender and juicy before. This officially makes Matthias Schmidt the new Meat Master in my books!

The sweetest part of the evening had arrived. Since I’m not so big on desserts, I took more meat instead of the ice cream. The men loved it and the ladies thought I was crazy. All in all, everyone was laughing, having a good time and I was happy to see that my friend was enjoying his birthday present. There were interesting stories rotating the tables and many funny jokes. Matthias and his team seemed to be enjoying the evening as well. I looked down at my watch and realized that we were cooking and eating for over 5 hours already! How incredibly fast the time flies by when you’re having fun.

The cooking lessons offered by the Genussakademie are perfect to attend as a couple, with friends, parents, siblings or even single! You will meet many new people and have tons of fun. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many different food categories, styles and chefs were on offer. The classes vary in time, location and price, so there is something for everyone. There are lots of different foods and delicious dishes to try, and you might even leave at the end of the evening with a new recipe or two – that is if you still remember it after all the bottles of wine. Try it, enjoy it and bon appétit!

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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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