Ode to Autumn

And so it is this way every year.

One day you´re waking up basking in the late summer rays, and the next in comes the gusts of Autumns' cold breath- our annual reminder that Winter is just around the corner.

Berlin has grown cold yet again and thoze lazy, hazy days of Summer are long forgotten.

Alas! It´s not time to lament this period of eternal cloud (its started already, nooo), but rather to celebrate all that we have in store.

Pumpkins. Cinnamon Schnecke. Piping hot soups with crusty brötchen. Glühwein and iced star-shape cookies. The Christmas markets and their ubiquitous Raclettes.

The shorter days are not to be afraid of, but embraced. It's time to make the most of the hibernation to read our favourite books, finally learn how to crochet and of course to enjoy our most comforting foods.

If we can however, find it in us to crawl out of our cozy havens and venture into the dark, damp depths of the City, (and we do, I remind myself many times a day), then here is a list of some of my favourite spots to have a munch or a slurp.

They´ll be sure to warm your soul and give you that little spring in your step we need during these colder months.

Hirsch- the cosiest of cosy. Traditional South-German fare. A schnitzel and a schnapps will be sure to warm your cockles.

Michelberger hotel- exquisite yet unpretentious. Seasonal, local cuisine. A rustic countryhouse that lost its way and became a restaurant in Berlin. (Fantastic vegan options available).

Perlin- wine and tapas bar where you pay what you think it was worth. You can´t get more welcoming than that!

Victoria bar- step back in time to the 60s and enjoy joyful service and equally as pleasing cocktails.

Fraulein Kimchi- spicy, fermented cabbage will always warm your bones and add that to an awesome ramen burger with the BEST fries ever and you´ll be golden. (Fantastic vegan options available).

Beusters- beautiful Beusters and their beautiful cocktails. The Sloe-gin fizz is nectar of the gods.

New Year, New You

So Christmas has been and gone and 2017 is upon us. New resolutions are set and this is going to be your year!

Yes, we said the same thing last year but this time its true, new start, new outlook, new me.

Either way, after much indulging...well- gorging during the Christmas period, however you want to put it, January is a logical point to take a little extra care of our bodies. Go for a few trots around the park and shoot back a ginger shot or two.

´Veganuary´has been the buzzword of the last couple of years and the start of 2017 is no different.

For many, the thought of eliminating meat and dairy from their diet for a month will not go down well. Feelings of fear, confusion and disgust will be commonplace. Yet that would be ill-founded!

Vegan food is easily as delicious and satisfying as their carnivorous counterparts and with Berlin being the Vegan capital of Europe, I thought it only apt to account a list of some of my favourite vegan spots in Berlin to kick of the new year.

So this is for the vegans, vegan-curious and even those that cannot imagine a plate without a pound of flesh upon it.

Enjoy.

Alaska Bar

This bar is Vegan Heaven and that is no exaggeration. Classic tapas devoid of meat, dairy or eggs but all the taste. Tortilla with aioli, croquettes, patatas bravas and even more. Enjoy with a little glass of Vermouth. This place would fool even the most dedicated meat eater.

Black Sheep Cafe

Charming all vegan cafe nestled within the leafier section of Neukölln on the border of Treptow, it is definitely worth the treck. Bagels with marmite and cheese, (a classic from where I'm standing!), beautiful cakes and pastries- and they brew their own Kombucha to give you that healthy kick we all need right now.

Chay Village

Vietnamese classics such as crispy pancakes and steaming plates of Bun Xa. No meat can be found here with nearly all options now being completely vegan, this is one of the best spots for Vietnamese food in Berlin with or without meat.

Let it be

Another all vegan option, offering a wide selection of burgers and crepes. Sweet and savoury crepes and fantastic fries and wedges to accompany these junk-food fantasies, this place is perfect for anyone with a fast-food craving.

Lily Burger

With a selection of vegan burgers to rival their regular meaty options- this place is great if you are with those that cannot commit to Veganuary. Their vegan mayo is so convincing I had to ask twice if they were positive it was not just a regular jar of Hellmanns.

Sababa

Israeli cuisine in all its glory. Roasted aubergines, silky tahini sauce, pillowy pitta breads and fresh salads- their vegan options are sublime.

Chutnify

South Indian cuisine with all the flavour and punch that most Indian restaurants in Berlin lack.

Plenty of vibrant vegan options here such as traditional dosas with sweet potato and the Bombay bhel (pictured below) was like nothing I have ever tried before! Teamed with fresh and fragrant chutnies- go, go, go!

Michelberger Hotel

This restaurant is a little bit special. Gorgeous ambiance and they always have one really beautiful vegan option. The lack of choice makes things easier and it never disappoints.

Brammibals

DONUTS! Oodles of donuts, all different flavours- now who cannot be happy with that?

BergmannCurry

Vegan Currywurst is not too easy to find, even in the Vegan capital, but this little stall has one for all you vegans wanting to try this Berlin classic.

Monella

Amongst all the regular pizzas, Monella offer a couple of good vegan options. Not being a massive fan of the phenomenon that is vegan 'cheese', they don't mess around with food substitutes but rather celebrate naturally vegan ingredients- beautiful tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, pine nuts etc.

Pele-Mele

Great place for lunch. Bagels, ciabatta and juices

Superfoods & Organic Liquids

As it says in the title- this is one for the healthy vegan. Super salads bursting with vitamins and green smoothies galore.

Ode to Autumn

And so it is this way every year.

One day you´re waking up basking in the late summer rays, and the next in comes the gusts of Autumns' cold breath- our annual reminder that Winter is just around the corner.

Berlin has grown cold yet again and thoze lazy, hazy days of Summer are long forgotten.

Alas! It´s not time to lament this period of eternal cloud (its started already, nooo), but rather to celebrate all that we have in store.

Pumpkins. Cinnamon Schnecke. Piping hot soups with crusty brötchen. Glühwein and iced star-shape cookies. The Christmas markets and their ubiquitous Raclettes.

The shorter days are not to be afraid of, but embraced. It's time to make the most of the hibernation to read our favourite books, finally learn how to crochet and of course to enjoy our most comforting foods.

If we can however, find it in us to crawl out of our cozy havens and venture into the dark, damp depths of the City, (and we do, I remind myself many times a day), then here is a list of some of my favourite spots to have a munch or a slurp.

They´ll be sure to warm your soul and give you that little spring in your step we need during these colder months.

Hirsch- the cosiest of cosy. Traditional South-German fare. A schnitzel and a schnapps will be sure to warm your cockles.

Michelberger hotel- exquisite yet unpretentious. Seasonal, local cuisine. A rustic countryhouse that lost its way and became a restaurant in Berlin. (Fantastic vegan options available).

Perlin- wine and tapas bar where you pay what you think it was worth. You can´t get more welcoming than that!

Viktoria bar- step back in time to the 60s and enjoy joyful service and equally as pleasing cocktails.

Fraulein Kimchi- spicy, fermented cabbage will always warm your bones and add that to an awesome ramen burger with the BEST fries ever and you´ll be golden. (Fantastic vegan options available).

Beusters- beautiful Beusters and their beautiful cocktails. The Sloe-gin fizz is nectar of the gods.

Berlin restaurant inspiration- Dr.To's

I love to cook. Cooking is always a very creative process for me, it feels akin to painting or singing. Often in my kitchen cooking and singing go hand in hand, its quite a spectacle, 'Don't cry for me Argentina' anyone?

Anyway, I take a great deal of inspiration from many of the dishes I have tried while eating out in restaurants in Berlin. Ranging from Palestinian food to Pan-Asian to traditional German and with the truly delicious ones, I attempt to recreate at home.

So I'm happy to introduce these restaurant inspired recipes and my take on some of my favourite dishes I've discovered from Berlin's eclectic food scene. Berlin, like other capitals, is a melting pot of vibrant cultures and this is reflected in the diverse choices when it comes to food and therefore eating out has truly enhanced my own kitchen.

Let me begin with this dish of udon noodles with tomatoes, aubergine and tofu. This was born out of sheer admiration for the exquisite tomato, aubergine and coriander salad at the insurmountable Dr. To's.

The Original. Dr.To's tomato, aubergine and coriander salad

Dr. To's is an all time favourite of mine and somewhere I always take anyone that comes to visit. They offer Pan-Asian tapas and this little salad is a show stopper. So simple but so good.

Now let me just say, I do not profess to be cooking in accordance to how Dr.To's prepare their salad. I have taken the delicate flavours that I tasted and created this udon noodle treat. Adding these ingredients makes it a meal in itself and it is a warm dish rather than a cold salad. Udon noodles and tofu are usual contenders for my Dr. To's menu picking, so it seemed an appropriate ensemble. This recipe is my interpretation and attempt to honour the dish I enjoy so much there.

And if I do say so myself, it's great. One of my go to weeknight suppers. Deliciously fragrant, healthy and satisfying. Enjoy!

Shopping list:

Serves 4

5 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 aubergine, cut into large chunks
600g of Udon noodles
200g firm tofu
bunch of coriander, roughly chopped, stalks and all
2 red onions, peeled and sliced
soy sauce
2 inches of ginger, peeled and grated
2 tbsp of good quality vinegar

Add olive oil to a large pan and cook the aubergine for 5 minutes on all sides. Liberally add soy sauce and cook for a further few minutes and then add the vinegar. Cook until evaporated off.

Now add the tomatoes, coriander stalks and ginger and cook until softened.

Add the sliced onions and stir until they are warmed through, you still want a nice crunchy freshness to them.

Now add the udon noodles, and with your hands, crumble up the tofu and stir into the vegetables and heat through.

Finish off with some more soy sauce and a large handful of roughly chopped coriander and serve.

And don't forget to try the original at Dr.To's!

Dr.To's, Weichselstraße 54, 12045 Berlin