Mai Beck restaurant, Cologne, Germany

Sometimes it's half and half to rely on the forums for food/travel critics.  This time I'd bet on tripadvisor  for naming this restaurant as the no. 1 German restaurant in Cologne.  Another major factor made me a decision is the convenience of this restaurant, just only door steps from the hotel I stay and it's very near the cathedral.  Tried a German cola - not bad.  The bread was served in a very cozy presentation.  It's not just a look but it tasted so good that I asked for another one.  Ordered their house specialities - glazed five belly pork and a stewed filet.  Both were impressive, and the mashed potato was a plus.

fruh Gastronomie, Cologne, Germany

Noticed there were quite several tour groups stopping by this restaurant.  Out of curiosity, I came in for a try.  This place seemed to be quite historical with many old photos and antiques.  Seldom do I order a beer but this time I felt like getting one to go with the pig's knuckle.  Frankly I prefer Tsing Tao beer, probably because of my fond memory of my father.  

When I was almost done with the meal or I should say I didn't feel like finishing the meal, there went a chill-out rat strolling under the table next to mine.  Though I'm not that afraid of rats, there wasn't a reason for me to stay any longer.  What a gastronomie!

Haxenhaus, Cologne, Germany

Ordered a half meter long sausage and a salad.  The sausage was nicely grilled and it's not that heavy.  With the pickled cabbage and the green salad, it's something quite refreshing.  Noticed on the bar table, there were a few photos (photo 2) showing PM Merkel has been here.  This place looks quite historical with many past news on the walls.

Berliner, German bar & restaurant, Wanchai, HK

There are more and more western cuisine in Wanchai area.  This restaurant's signature is their home made sausage.  So I had to give it a try.  Though I am not much into it due to some fat meat being used, it's really nice to try various flavour of sausages.  To offset the greasy feeling, recommend to try their house chef's salad with lemon olive oil dressing.  Will come back here to try a few more other dishes.

Alt Berliner Biersalon, Kurfurstendamm, Berlin, Germany

Just a 3 minute walk from the hotel art'otel by Park Plaza, right around the corner of the busy main street Kurfurstendamm, I saw this interesting restaurant.  The photo of the pig's knuckle caught my attention and even it's not yet 12noon, I decided to have a full lunch.  A bit too greedy!  The portion is good for 2 persons.  When I chatted with the waitresses, I was told it's just a normal German size.  So Euros 14 for this super big portion is really a good deal.  Also, boiled knuckle is better than the grilled one, as it's more tender and juicy.  Their meat ball is very nice too.  This meal can get me full until 8pm.

Bei Otto, deli shop, cafe and restaurant, soi 20 Sukhumvit BKK

This place caught my eyes after my visit from Jer Ngnor the other night.  Then the next morning I decided to give it a try.  I got a breakfast set with an orange juice, a cold cut platter and bread and a cup of coffee at TH325++.  It can be considered pretty expensive but considering all the cold cut is important (though it's something a common quality), it is still a nice meal to try something German.