Air Force Master Sergeant Daniel Jones, at the 7th weather squadron headquarters at Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg, now on his second tour of German, really appreciates the endless variety of cuisines available in Germany.
Since Jones grew up in Pennsylvania near the Amish country, he was fairly familiar with German cuisine and has since learned to enjoy many varieties of German schnitzel, game soups, onion cake, and spargel (white asparagus). When he grills food, he likes to purchase a variety of wursts.
Although Jones enjoys native German cuisine, he is quick to point that out that food available in Germany is literally a melting pot of flavors.
"There is a Lebanese restaurant in Frankfurt that is just unbelievable," he says. "You could eat in Frankfurt for months and never go to the same restaurant. They have Thai, Chinese, Turkish, Greek, Italian, Indian, Spanish, and Cuban just to name a few.
Jones acknowledges the challenge in exploring foreign cuisines, but urges others to conquer them.
Army Captain John Matlock, Chief of Claims at the Legal Assistance Center, has been stationed at Patton Barracks, Heidelberg, for 3 years and has also become thoroughly familiar with Germany's culinary delights. He quickly learned to enjoy many native German specialties, such as the popular rump steak, noodles, and dumplings. He also savors the Italian foods available in Germany.
"It's authentic Italian food because almost anyone who runs an Italian restaurant has moved up here from south of the Alps,” he says.
Matlock has also explored some of the German restaurants with high ratings in the Michelin Guide, and often uses the Internet to research restaurants.
To make your tour in Germany a truly culinary adventure, follow the example of Jones and Matlock:
* Don’t limit yourself to U.S.-style food, even though it’s readily available.
* Find someone with experience to accompany you as you try German cuisine.
* Learn the German language, if only enough to read menus, but many servers speak English.
* Don’t let an occasional disappointment stop you from exploring all that is available.
* Take advantage of programs on German culture offered at your base.
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