Category: foodie

Der Döner™ in der EU!

Ich beobachte seit einiger Zeit, dass auch LinkedIn immer verrohter, polarisierter, flacher und nutzloser wird. Also die allgemeine Abwärtsspirale von Social Media – warum sollte es hier anders sein?

Wie dem auch sei, ich will nicht nur zuschauen, sondern aktiv beitragen mit einer hoffentlich emotional polarisierenden Extremposition zum Vorstoß der Türkei, den Döner in der EU, insbesondere in Deutschland, zu regulieren.

Aktuell: Tagesschau
Ja, es ist mir schon länger wichtig: mein Blog

Bei diesem Foodie-Thema, das mir naturgemäß sehr am Herzen liegt und das mir kürzlich über die Leber gelaufen ist, bin ich bereit, von meinen üblichen Prinzipien abzuweichen, also z.B.
– individuelle Geschmacksfragen nicht zu verallgemeinern,
– mich nicht mit zwei Optionen abspeisen zu lassen,
– kulturelle Fettnäpfchen so weit es möglich ist zu meiden,
– Kontext und Perspektiven der Präsentation zu würdigen und
– emotionale Reaktionen zu vermeiden.

Los geht’s: Ich stehe an der Seite von Huriye Özener in diesem heiligen kulinarischen Streit, in dem Christen und Muslime, Türken und Deutsche gemeinsam den guten Geschmack verteidigen und für einen echten Döner kämpfen!

In meinem heiligen Zorn habe ich folgende Details verstanden:
– Dönerfleisch wie wir es kennen (laut Bild und anderer Qualitätsmedien), würde es im klassischen Döner nicht mehr geben, weil nur Rindfleisch von Tieren, die mindestens 16 Monate alt sind, oder Keulen-/Rückenfleisch von mindestens 6 Monate alten Schafen verwendet werden darf. Hallo?! Hallooo… was sonst. Gerne erhöhen auf 24/12 Monate!
– Dönerfleisch wie wir es kennen darf dann keine nicht-tierischen Eiweiße, Stärke, stärkehaltigen Stoffe, kein Soja und keine Sojaerzeugnisse enthalten. Hallooo… Das ist übelste Panscherei – natürlich nicht!.
– Dönerfleisch wie wir es kennen darf dann nicht mehr ein Hackfleischanteil von bis zu 60% haben? Hallooo… Ich will Döner, kein Ersatz-Surrogat-Extrakt.
– Dönerfleisch wie wir es kennen darf dann nicht mehr mit dem seelenlosen Fleischrasierer abgehobelt werden, sondern muss fachmännisch mit einem 55cm Dönermesser von oben nach unten geschnitten werden. Hier verweise ich auf die Spanischen Cortadores de Jamon, ja es ist Kunsthandwerk!

Es ist an der Zeit, die Klingen zu schärfen und die Flammen der Leidenschaft für ordentliche und vernünftige Döner neu entfachen!

PS: the image is a real Döner – I tried to generate one with the current AI tools and they miserably fail at this task wich makes the fight for the true Döner even more important!

2024-08-21
Discover Rioja: a blend of history, culture and exquisite wines

When you think of Rioja, you inevitably think of its world-famous wines. But Rioja, a vibrant region in northern Spain, is much more than a wine-producing area. It’s a place where culture, history and winemaking come together to create a truly unique experience. Here’s a first slice from our exploration of the wonders of Rioja, where we have been guided by our marvelous guia y professor Manuel and his wife Merce, from its breathtaking landscapes to so much more (…I will cover later). Let us start with the deep-rooted traditions of its historic wineries and its exceptional wines.

A Journey through Time and Vineyards

A center of Spanish viticulture: For over 8,000 years, wine has been cultivated. In Rioja, it must have arrived – at the latest – with the Roman empire, shaping not only the landscape but also the soul of its people. The ancient craft of winemaking has been passed down from generation to generation, making wine an inseparable part of Rioja’s identity.

The Bodegas: Where culture meets the vine

Architectural wonders and historic estates: Rioja’s bodegas are more than just wineries; they are landmarks and repositories of history. Iconic estates like Marqués de Riscal blend contemporary design with tradition, with avant-garde structures that stand in stark contrast to the rolling vineyards. Ysios and Marqués de Murrieta echo this heritage, each telling a story of the region’s evolution through their wines and architecture, and there are so many more to explore and enjoy, as Bodega FyA.

Vivanco and Muga are synonymous with the Rioja wine tradition. Vivanco not only brought Rioja everywhere, but he spent a good amount on preserving the heritage and building an impressive wine museum that celebrates the rich history of viticulture. Muga, on the other hand, remains a testament to procedural excellence and traditional winemaking techniques, using oak barrels made in its own cooperage.

The wine itself: A symphony of flavors

Exclusive collections and everyday pleasures: Rioja wines range from high-end “vinos de pago” stored in vaults to accessible varieties that grace everyday meals. Rioja wines have something for every palate, whether it’s a robust Tempranillo or a light and crisp Viura.

Wine & Pintxos

Wine at noon – in-between

Wine & Pizza – always a good match

Wine + Lamb

Wine + Seafood

Wine with our friends and the best meal ever 😋🍷

Wine Tastings

More Wine Impressions

Living Wine Culture

Wine Superstars and Patrons: Rioja is home to celebrity winemakers and patrons who have elevated the local wine scene to global fame. Their dedication is evident in every bottle and in the thriving wine tourism industry.

Terroir and Tradition: The concept of terroir is deeply rooted in Riojan winemaking, emphasizing the geographical and climatic conditions that give Rioja wines their distinctive character.

Beyond the Vineyard

Cultural richness: Rioja’s culture goes beyond wine. The region’s festivals, such as the vibrant San Mateo, and the daily lives of its people reflect a deep appreciation for both tradition and modernity.

Historic Landmarks: From the dinosaur footprints preserved in Enciso to the medieval streets of Laguardia, history is alive in every corner of La Rioja.

A Promise to Return

Lasting impressions: At the end of any visit to Rioja, one is left with memories not only of incredible wines but also of a warm, welcoming culture. It’s a region that promises – and delivers – a reason to return.

Stay tuned for the next post on Rioja

2024-05-20
Rioja, A Love Letter

Embark on a vivid journey through the heart of Rioja, where every turn along its winding roads brings a new vignette of vibrant life, timeless tradition, and breathtaking landscapes. This blog post is my ode to Rioja— a region that captivates the soul with its rich red wines, sprawling vineyards, and the warmth of its people. Through a curated collection of intimate photographs, I invite you to experience the essence of this enchanting region. From the sun-drenched vineyards at dawn to the historic bodegas that whisper tales of the past, each image is a stanza in this visual love letter. Join me as we sip, savor, and stroll through Rioja, discovering the beauty that inspired me and hoping it moves you too. Stay tuned for more stories and snapshots, where every photo is a promise of the next delightful pour.

Feel the passion, embrace the scenery, and let the spirit of Rioja touch your heart as it has touched mine. Welcome to my journey, welcome to Rioja.

¡Hola Manuel y Merce! Os invito a un recorrido emocionante por el corazón de Rioja, donde cada esquina es un descubrimiento y cada vista una postal viva. Esta entrada es mi pequeña carta de amor a una región que me ha cautivado con sus vinos vibrantes y sus viñedos bañados por el sol. Con fotos que capturan momentos únicos, os llevo a sentir la verdadera esencia de Rioja. Espero que estas imágenes os inspiren tanto como a mí. ¡Acompañadme en este viaje y redescubramos juntos Rioja!

2024-04-21
Dubai

As Dubai continues to push forward with its innovative and ambitious steps towards a promising future, it is becoming more evident each day just how powerful technology can be in transforming societies. Based on a tradition as a trade hub in the last millennials, Dubai continues to establish itself as a center of blockchain-based solutions and technological innovation for businesses worldwide.

Moreover, their progressive policies have enabled multinational companies and skilled individuals from around the globe to thrive in this dynamic environment, making them unique stakeholders in reaping the benefits that these new technologies bring.

With every passing moment, Dubai ushers us closer toward a future full of prosperity and abundance – read on to discover why!

Sommer was fading in Munich, it was getting cold, and we were not members of the “let’s freeze to shock Putin party.” We looked forward to guaranteed warm sunny weather within an acceptable flight distance, so why not Dubai, which was still on our Travel-to-List?

We landed in an unexpected futuristic tomorrow holiday, spending the whole week in an arcology. We lived between the 65 and 75 levels and only left the skyscraper just once to see it from below.

You wake up in an ultra-modern stylish suite and enjoy your fresh coffee on the balcony overseeing the skyline of Dubai. You see a busy city with highways with ten lanes. You are happy that you can return to your air-conditioned room anytime – it is hot outside!

You are up to a busy lazy day. You start with a little workout at the gym, then you continue with a fantastic breakfast where you can choose from any international food style, and then it gets serious. It is hard work to spend the day at the infinity pool with a view of the Burj Khalifa, serviced whenever you wish to, listen to music, read a book, or hear an audiobook while lying in the sun until it is time for dinner.

The infinity pool is the highest on this planet!

We dress up, cool down, and increase our appetite in the EllaMia café.

Then you have to choose between the Italian Fi’lia with a fantastic concept: every dish, besides the excellent pizza, is available in three versions:

nonna | (among Italian speakers) a person’s grandmother

traditional Italian flavors your grandmother would make

mamma | one’s mother (especially as a child’s term)

contemporary twists on namesake classic

figlia | daughter (Italian)

the daughter’s modern approach to a generational masterpiece

It is paired with a view of the glittering night skyline of Dubai and the light show on Burj Khalifa. At least here, there is energy in abundance and not dark as in medieval times as it is now in Germany.

Or you go to Carna by Dario Cecchini, the contemporary steakhouse of the SLS arcology, where we had the best meat in our life.

Regardless of your steak, you must also take the tartar that Mike will love to serve you – it is heavenly good!

That does not end the day, and you still have to solve the riddle and find the secret pathway to the hidden Smoke and Mirrors. A Latin American lounge where you can enjoy the great varieties of Mezcal with even more cigars to choose from, enjoying the night skyline of Dubai with live Cool Jazz.

2023-03-22
Discovery Bande

Munich has something for everyone when it comes to food. Of course, it is less international and innovative than Frankfurt am Main, which is still the Benchmark in Germany.

You can go beyond plain vanilla traditional Bavarian fares like Weisswurst and Semmelknödel to a Munich starter of veal lung, tripe, and sweet and sour veal sweetbread or calf sausage baked with potato salad.

You will also find good restaurants offering international flavors from Italy, India, Peru, and whatever. There should be something for every palate in this large bustling village.

We always seek something more daring, such as wild Yeti, chapulines, or a local wolpertinger. For this, we still have to check out many locations.

To explore Munich’s food scene together with like-minded other foodies as a team, we founded the “Discovery Bande” last year. Since then, we have met regularly to explore new restaurants together — sharing our foodie experiences is much more fun.

When you want to join Angelika, Yasemin, Tanja, and Kurt, grab your friends, drop us a line, and let’s hit up one of the city’s many eateries — you won’t be disappointed!

2023-03-12

The Decadente – Guilt-Free Self-Indulgence

Our first and the last stop (we had to come back)

The Decadentes is one of the new young wild Portugees restaurants where traditional receipts based on local, high-quality products are spectacularly reborn.

It is this perfect experience when you stroll around, research planless with high expectations, and are surprised to get even more finally.

The restaurant is ideally located on the backside of the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, where you can have the best view of Lisboa at sundown. Unfortunately, we were even (un)lucky to have a street food event that we had to skip on our last stop. We knew we had still a lot on the menu card to explore.

Miguel described the food as: confusing, intriguing, but it makes sense

A perfect description, and I have to add: you have to experience it yourself!

The foodporn at Decadentes

Chargrilled Beef Heart Cabbage, Almonds Sauce, and Citrus

Iberian Black Pork, Smoked Celeriac, and Pecan Nuts

Smoked Lamb, Chargrilled Swiss Chard, Preserved Lemon

Compressed Cucumber, Black Pepper Merengue, Lime and Vanilla Granita

On our second visit we had…

Decadent’s Fried Chicken, Coriander, Piri Piri Sauce

Chargrilled Smoked Seabass, Cozido Broth, and Iberian Pork Chorizo

Caramelized Lemony Bread, Vanilla Smoked Cream, Orange Curd and Lemon Infused Olive Oil

Portuguese Pão-de-Ló, Olive Oil, Sea Salt flakes

The Team

Chef & Service (left to right) Melisa, Miguel, David (the chef)

It is a great pleasure with those guys – let them guide you through the menu and let them recommend.

Confusing, intriguing, but it makes sense – Miguel

The Location

Conclusion

Top Rank! Epic! 🤩

🤮	Miserable big fail! Runaway as fast as possible!
🙂	Acceptable. Quite OK! There are some negative aspects, but from an overall viewpoint, outweighed.
😋	Excellent! It goes on the Foodie Happy list
🤩	Top rank! Epic, milestone and beyond exceptional

The Kydroon Ranking System in a Nutshell: jump to the lists on google maps

2022-04-20

Döner, Dürüm und Falafel

Es ist mal wieder Zeit für einen deutschsprachigen Beitrag für das Kydroon’s Foodie Bewertungssystem 🤓 und was wäre besser dazu geeignet, als eine neuentdeckte Dönerbude, quasi direkt vor der eigenen Haustür? Ja, es gibt dieses Jahr auch gute Nachrichten! 😉

Fast noch besser ist, dass man nicht ausschweifend erklären muss, um die immer hinter jeder Ecke lauernde Tücke des Missverständnis fernzuhalten. Sprache ist geläufig, aber sehr unpräzise und jeder stellt sich irgendwas anderes unter schwurbligen Begrifflichkeiten wie “Agilität” oder “Digitalisierung” vor.

Hier ist es einfach, es geht um Döner mit Knoblauch und allem und Scharf in seinen schmackhaftesten Varianten und jeder und jede versteht exakt zu 100% was ich meine! Was für ein Gefühl. Wenn ich mich täglich durch mein Berateralltag rede, bin ich froh, wenn ich gefühlt mal auf ⅓ komme.

Um es vorwegzunehmen, die Gesamtwertung ist Exzeptionell! 🤩

Also, die beiden Mädels haben die Bude im Sommer aufgemacht und bereiten mit Spaß und Liebe fantastische Dürüms, Döner und Falafel zu. Alles super frisch und alle Beilagen selbst am gleichen Morgen zubereitet.

Das ist alles, der Rest ist die Magie, die sich aus der intrinsischen Spannung zwischen dem Döner-Fleisch, dem Yufka-Fladenbrot, das liebevoll vorher am Döner-Spieß gerieben wird und dem “mit allem, Knoblauch und scharf” ergibt.

Wo ist es zu finden? Am Parkplatz unter der Donnersberger Brücke (Nordende), wo sich die ganzen Internet-Giganten wie Google, Salesforce und Check24 tummeln.

🤮	Miserable big fail! Runaway as fast as possible!
🙂	Acceptable. Quite OK! There are some negative aspects, but on an overall view, outweighed.
😋	Excellent! It goes on the Foodie Happy list
🤩	Top rank! Epic, milestone and beyond exceptional

Listen der einzelnen Wertungsklassen

2021-12-19

Restart
no idea, why I was so lazy to post here…

let us start with an arbitrary selection not covered so far – pst me where I should drill deeper into – there is so much more…
- created by dji camera
2021-10-12
Cuisine in the Digital Age (Day 39)
This goes back to day 39.

The game has changed – forever!

The ramaining touch point

However, this is, after all, another workable approach for those times.
Parsley root puree, tiger prawns, salmon and an incredible arabic bean and prawn salad…
Overall evaluation:
An excellent modular menu from a Michelin one-star restaurant that you pick up and fly home to enjoy.

So what is so smart?
You do not have to reinvent the wheel. It is a well know procedure we all know from fast food. Here the focus is on real food and not on a value stream for stuff that is only legally considered as food and optimized to squeeze the last micro cent of margin. In terms of the Extended Business Model Canvas, it is just a new channel without any changes to the rest.
2020-05-19
Cuisine in the Digital Age
Cuisine, I mean real food, served at real places, from real chefs is probably amongst the most severely hit sectors of our global economy.
- Carless strolling through ancient lanes of historic cities to find a new gem – gone
- Browsing the menu – gone
- Chatting with the service – gone
- The somehow weird privacy in an overcrowded bistro sitting close to others and knowing the noise level is a perfect cover for intimate secrets – gone
However, the food itself is still there, and it is fascinating to watch the digital evolution right in front of you by exploring the new ways of enjoying cuisine in the digital age.

I want to start by sharing the fun with unboxing, preparation and enjoying “Müller’s Glücksmomente für den Muttertag”.

Müller’s Box

Nelson Müller and his fabulous work deserve more attention, but here I want to focus on his approach, which is very close to the Cuisine Value Stream along the cooking line that you have in any good restaurant.
- The chef is gently nudging you to a menu, and you should take that hint and order it.
- The stations have everything prepared for the last step to ship out quickly when the order ticket arrives at the cooking line.
The pre-processed ingredients you get are:

Bread and salted butter

Just give the bread a final kick in the oven and let the butter warm up at room temperature.

Vitello Tonnato

Vitello Tonnato ingredients

Just arrange the perfectly pre-cooked thin slices of veal meat on a plate and add the tonnato sauce (still looking for a more artistic way to do this without jeopardizing the amount). Decorate with the assembly of delicious antipasti.

Vitello Tonnato – served

Morel Essence ingredients

Just heat it and add the Mule Pockets, Crepe Roulades, and finely sliced root vegetables.

Morel Essence – served

Chicken Fricassee ingredients

The corn chicken breast meat in champagne sauce with champignons, asparagus, and carrots needs some heat and slight dilution. Of course, I have skipped the dilution and just heated up very carefully. Pour this over a bed of colored rice.

Chicken Fricassee – served

Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries and white chocolate truffles

Chocolate Mousse – served

The only trick here is to get it out of the box on a real plate.

Overall evaluation:

Excellent thought out menu that keeps you busy enough in the kitchen without taking to much time and letting you enjoy a tremendous multi-course menu at home. Next time we will try out the Grill Box.

So what is so smart?

None of the courses themself are stellar, but all guarantee a good enough outcome and keep you busy enough to let you think you have done something.

Therefore a
- low downside risk combined with
- realistically achievable business value with the
- available resources at a
- reasonable price with
- transparent control governance.
The secret sauce for business value in the digital age, right? Oh, my goodness, the business value artist in me once again slipped through 🤓
2020-05-16