The Food

Prior to leaving the US I heard the comment, "Hope you like sausage!" countless times. As someone that typically does not eat sausage of any kind I grew weary of the reminders that eating my way may be difficult in my new home. Researching calmed by nerves because I learned that bio (organic) eating is quite common in Hamburg and that led me to believe that if organic eating is popular, healthy food options should be available in restaurants. It seemed logical at least. Well, my gut feeling proved right as I have only been disappointed by one meal thus far (and it came from the only non-English menu we've encountered).

While schnitzels and wursts are plentiful throughout the streets of Hamburg and are enjoyed by many, so are salads and fruits. All menus we've encountered offer an assortment of meals to satisfy both Reg and I, who often have different food cravings. Potatoes are particularly popular, as is to be expected in this part of Europe. Fries drenched in ketchup and/or mayo can be picked up at any given corner and baked potatoes are equally as popular. They're often included as a meal under the vegetarian section on menus. Reggie recently introduced me to flammkuchen, (translated here as French Pizza but is nothing like French bread pizza) which is amazing and wonderful and unbelievable all spread out onto an ultra thin crust. Mine was topped with ricotta, fresh parmesan, and a mountain of arugula and as you'll see below, I ate the entire thing--without regret.

8:30pm

8:50pm

(Some of you may be thinking, "Isn't she supposed to be avoiding gluten?!" Well, I chose to indulge myself this night and am happy to report I felt completely fine even after the joyful gorge. Bring on the flammkuchen!)

The salads, too, are incredible and tend to be as much of a work of art as they are a healthy treat.

We've learned to navigate the grocery stores and produce markets and have been able to find our favs: chips for Reg and veggies for me. With these items, doners, salads, and flammkuchen I suppose we'll make it here. Yes, I think we'll survive in Germany without starving.