Restaurant Review: Kempinski Hotel Gravenbruch Frankfurt - Stranded Traveler's Buffet

Even the greatest and most admired among us make mistakes. People are not perfect, things go wrong sometimes, and the true test about how we measure up as people and as societies is how we adapt to the curveballs which life occasionally throws our way.

That's why I was rather forgiving towards Lufthansa for the debacle which resulted in delays, canceled flights, and, ultimately, Dangerbelle's and my overnight stranding in Frankfurt on our way to Milan last week. This usually impeccable airline had a bad day, and such is life. The good thing about being stranded in a European airport, though, is that they are required by EU law to compensate you with a hotel and meals during your stranding (and 250 Euros cash for the canceled flight!). There are no huddled masses of people sleeping on backpacks and coats like you'll find in O'Hare or JFK. If that's socialism, sign me up!

Recipe of a Week: Easier than you ever would have expected Chocolate Fondant

Creme brule, tiramisu, cheesecake, and.... chocolate fondant! These are the favorites which always catch my eye on a restaurant's dessert menu, and although each one of them are delicious favorites in their own way, it's not often that I come across one that is done incredibly well. Creme brule without a crunchy top, tiramisu with too soggy of angel fingers, cheesecake which is too gelatinous...

Chocolate fondant is probably the one that seemed the hardest to get right of the lot ("How do they get the hot, liquidy, chocolate center into the middle of the cake? Do they inject it like a jelly donut?"). So I knew that undertaking this difficult treat would be hit or miss.... until I realized it's not difficult at all. In fact, this seemingly impossible French dessert is so simple, the French probably would prefer that I don't tell you how to do it. But who cares what the French think, right?

Recipe of a Week: Mags Magoo's Magnificent Muesli

Rolled oats, Sugar, Sultans, Raisins, Dried Cranberry Pieces, Dried Apple Pieces, Salt, Natural Flavoring (unspecified), Lecithin Stabilizer, Vegetable Oil...

These are the ingredients of a basic box of store bought muesli. Dried fruit like raisins and cranberries are not the culprit, but sugar as a number 2 ingredient is a complete insult to the natural sweetness of these nature's delights! Muesli is a healthy and happy snack, and a perfect breakfast with some yogurt or milk. That is why learning Mags Magoo's recipe for homemade muesli has kick-started my days in a way the store bought crap never could have dreamed of.

Restaurant Review: Taverna Romana (Roma, Italy)

Et tu, Brute?

These are famously referred to as the last words spoken by the Roman military and political leader, Julius Caesar, as he he was murdered by Senators and colleagues on March 15, 44 B.C. in the Theatre of Pompey (Teatro di Pompeo).

Why do I bring this up? Well, because the Teatro di Pompey is exactly 1.5 km, or 19 mins by foot, from Taverna Romana, which stands in my mind as one of the most important sites the city of Rome has to offer. While only in business for a mere 200 years, and thus 1,853 years younger than Mr. Caeser's fateful Ides of March date, it has quickly (all things are relative here, people) made a name for itself, at least in the opinion of this humble reviewer, as one of the best restaurants the city of Roma has to offer. But you won't find it in any guide books, and the owners want it that way.

Recipe of a Week: The Godfather of all Meatballs

..... To multiplex cinemas!!!



That's right... I'm over the multiplex. Overpriced, overly synthesized movie experiences. One is the same as the next, and none any better than the other. And, best of all, not only do the local guys show a ton of the new movies (but usually only the GOOD ones), they also hit you with classics which you may never have had the chance to see in a movie house. My decision to check out my local 'kino' this week led me to a very pleasant surprise... The Godfather at Kino Svetozor!