Nuremberg

Essigbrätlein In Nürnberg, Nuremberg, 3/12/25

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
exterior – Weinmarkt 3, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Essigbrätlein was a small restaurant in the historic part of Nuremberg.  They offered a tasting menu where vegetables are the main ingredients, showcasing local produce.  They have been awarded 2 Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star (for sustainability).  Chef Andree Köthe opened the restaurant in 1989 and won his first star in 1999 and the second in 2007.  He also was named Chef of 2012 in Germany by Gault and Millau.  Chef Yves Ollech joined Köthe in 1997 and Sommelier Ivan Jakir joined in 1999.  Together this trio presents a fabulous option to the standard tasting menu full of luxury ingredients and instead features the finest produce of the area.  The small dining room had bench seating along the walls facing nice sized white clothed tables.  The walls were dark wood, wood beams were in the ceiling, the wood floor was covered with rugs, and no music was in the background.  The windowless room had some dividers between tables, some mirrors on the walls and a mural on the wall above the door to the kitchen.  Their tasting menu was available in 5, 6 or 7 courses with optional wine pairings.  We chose the 7-course tasting with a bottle of white and glass of red toward the end.  The matches were great with decent size pours on the by the glass.  Service was as outstanding as the food.  This hidden gem of a restaurant has been discovered by Michelin and now you need to put it on your list to discover. Continue reading →

Bratwursthäusle, Nuremberg, 3/12/25

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – Rathauspl. 1, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Bratwursthäusle was in the heart of Nuremberg in the middle of a number of historic buildings.  A terrace surrounded a couple sides of the old stone building but it was too cold that day for most to be eating outside.   As you entered you immediately see the open beech wood fire grilling the Nuremberg Bratwursts. They make the sausages in their own butcher shop from a traditional recipe.  Sausages have been sold here since 1312 – it’s the oldest restaurant in Bavaria, Germany – which was what most people were eating.  They have menu alternatives but the sausage was what people come here for.  The good-sized place had old wood walls with a variety of wood tables set with chairs or benches.   Cookware pieces decorated the walls along with older drawings and photos.  No music was in the background and the lighting was pleasant, with minimal sun getting through the bullet glass windows.  Seating was communal style around the center grill area.  They had a good fire going but ventilation kept the smoke odor away.  A bar was on your immediate right as you entered with draft beer being a favorite accompaniment to the sausages.  Service was fast, efficient and friendly and it was a good starting place for a vacation in Germany. Continue reading →