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Food

The Best Way to Get to Know Berlin’s Foodie Scene

December 16, 2018

Over the last decade, the food scene in Berlin has changed drastically. The city has become an exciting destination for foodies from all around the world. From cozy eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants, a Berlin food tour – we suggest to have a look at the ones offered by companies like WithLocals – will cater to the diverse tastes of foodies.

The best way to get to know Berlin’s foodie scene is by savoring the most famous foods as you go about discovering the eventful past and exploring the monumental sights of this fascinating city.

Berliner Pfannkuchen

This traditional pastry is also called Berliner and is similar to the doughnut. It, however, doesn’t have a hole like a doughnut. It’s deep-fried then coated using icing sugar.

The Berliner may have chocolate or vanilla cream and is filled with jam. Both the old and young alike have a special liking for this delicious snack.

Pretzels

Known as ‘brezel’ or ‘breze’ in German, these treats are ubiquitous throughout Germany, and the city of Berlin is no exception. You’ll find this versatile treat being sold at many street food stalls, cafes, and bakeries lining the streets.

There are numerous ways to enjoy pretzels-you can have them with seed toppings, tender meat slices, decadent chocolate, or cheese. And what’s more, you can indulge in them at any time for they serve well as breakfast, light lunch, or even as snacks.

Currywurst

A tour in Germany wouldn’t be complete without tasting the famous bratwurst dish. Currywurst is a must-try. It’s one of the most famous bratwurst variety in the country and is made from seasoned pork sausage and curry powder with the addition of ketchup. The delight is eaten with fries.  

The Currywurst Museum in Berlin is an informative institution dedicated to this treat. Sausage fiends can visit the establishment after they’ve had a taste ofit.

Königsberger Klopse

This hearty and tender meatball dish is prepared using several ingredients including anchovies, ground veal, pork, beef, eggs, flour, and onions before cooking itin a broth.

It’s put in a cream sauce with capers and lemon juice and is usually served with potatoes. If you have a ravenous appetite, this delicacy will definitely fill you up.

Apfelstrudel

Do you enjoy cinnamon-flavored desserts, or do you have a sweet tooth? Then you’ll no doubt enjoy apfelstrudel. It’s a treat filled with apples and topped with cinnamon, raisins, breadcrumbs, and icing sugar. Apfelstrudel is served warm with aromatic vanilla sauce.

You can buy it from bakeries and cafes around the city, then have it as an afternoon snack or as a dessert.

Eisbein

These are pork knuckles and they are well-loved throughout Berlin. The meat is normally grilled or boiled and is served with potatoes, peas, and sauerkraut.

Kartoffelpuffer

Vegetarians will savor this dish. The kartoffelpuffer is a pancake that’s pan-fried. It’s made using flour, onions, eggs, and grated potatoes. This much-loved delicacy can be enjoyed as a savory or a sweet treat. It’s a savory delight when paired with meat or garlic sauce, or if you have sugar cravings, you can dip it in applesauce.

You’ll find kartoffelpuffer being sold in restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls all across the city. Visitors touring Berlin during the holiday season can buy kartoffelpufferat the Christmas markets.

Food

Food Photography Tips for Instagram

December 12, 2018

Instagram has quickly taken over as THE social media platform to be on, and it is easy to understand why. Tapping into the millennial’s penchant for photos and live updates, Instagram has grown from a mere photo sharing app to a colossal social giant. 

For the field of photography, this is a second lease of life where photographers can showcase their work and build their skills/reputation in a way that was unimaginable until recently. But the best thing about Instagram is that there’s no specific genre that you need to subscribe to. You can post photos/blogs on anything you’re passionate about and like minded people who are interested would congregate around the page. 

This is how food photography had burgeoned overnight in a big way. Everybody relishes food, and turns out they all love looking at delicious gourmet as well. To that end we’re lucky enough to have Paul the in-house photography expert from Canvas Factory here to give us some tips on food photography for Instagram.

1. Natural is the way to go

Very few people actually take into consideration that lighting plays as big a role in food photographs as it does on portraits. Indeed, for a beautiful image, you need the right lightning. So try to avoid indoor lighting when possible, as they tend to make your food look flat or give it an unappealing tone. 

Try and use natural lightning as much as possible. This means restaurants (though unavoidable for a food blogger) aren’t always the best venue for photos, but cafes can often work well. 

2. Apps are the perfect photo hacks

Filters have become ubiquitous with Instagram, and there’s a very good reason for it. While the photos on your iPhone won’t have great sharpness or white balance as one taken by a DSLR, you can still use various filters to make them look amazing. Just be careful with choosing the right filters because you don’t want your food to look pink or green. Use multiple apps like Snapseed to edit the brightness, temperature, horizon of the photo and then add in filters on top of it. Make sure you don’t overdo it because you want your blog to look authentic and not tacky.

3. Reflectors can be handy

While most people can’t take DSLR photos without a reflector, they seem quite content without one when it comes to food photography on their iPhone, which is ludicrous. Reflectors can be as cheap as a foam board, yet it’ll allow you to bounce off the light into the shadows of your frame, and sometimes even diffuse the light. These days they can be acquired at a very cheap price also, so don’t let that hold you back.

4. Everybody loves a story

Food photography isn’t just taking pictures of your afternoon lunch, or sumptuous but meaningless meal. Every photograph needs a story to captivate the audience, so try and construct a story behind it. Whether it’s the chaos of a birthday party, exotic food you’re tasting in a foreign locale or the everyday sweetness of your SO making you breakfast, try and tell a tale that resonates with your fans. 

5. Take your time

Even thought it’s just a picture of the food you’re going to eat, and you’re sort of worried of it becoming cold, it’s highly recommended to take your time with the shots. Set them up, and compose each shot; use ideas like rule of thirds or leading lines to serve as inspiration.

6. Shadows aren’t all bad

While natural lightning is amazing, don’t be wary of the shadows either. Shadows can be a significant asset, especially if you use the right app to edit the photos. In fact, with split lightning, your phone could actually meter off the light in the photo, making much easier to bring out the contrast in the pictures. 

              

Food

The Growing Culture of Foodies

October 9, 2018

Thanks to a variety of phenomena, such as different kinds of wealth distribution, different uses of time for various people in society and the abundance of restaurants that continue to crop up, we’ve seen an emergence of a new hobby, a new interest to jot down on a dating profile or even on a resume if one felt so compelled to do so. If you haven’t figured it out by now, it’s that of a foodie.

This trend is fanned by shows such as Top Chef, Hells Kitchen, The Food Network, Rachel Ray, travels with the late Bourdain, and many other cooking and eating shows in the market.

Being a foodie is not something to take lightly either, food is a staple of our lives and being a card-carrying member of the foodie club requires more, it requires a bit more Joie de vivre and a longing for je ne sais quoi, a search for the interesting and the distinct, a yearning to continue to strive and discover more about the world and more about life through the joy of food.

This new interest in treating food as not just an input and as something more, as something that can be enriching to our lives in more ways than one, something that transcends many boundaries in life and unites people from all backgrounds.

A common cause, united for the love of great artisanal, organic and natural food. A hobby that is sought not only to feed the stomach but to feed the mind and the soul as well.

The rising craze defeats many a bland purveyor of cuisine, the traditional chain restaurants that have been around lament the loss of the dollars of the new class of food lovers and seek to find ways to innovate and capture their interest once more. They seek to draw the millennial and their insatiable wants into their fine or not so fine establishments once more.

Let’s talk more about how foodies came about and the sorts of changes that they will bring to the food sector.

A brief history foodies and their impact on the restaurant landscape

This is a time where we not only have pizzas but pizzas of all sorts and styles made from different regions and places, pizzas with stuffed crust, gluten-free, or pizzas that are woodfired, this is a time of many different food innovations that stroke the inner fire of many a foodie.

But where did the foodie come from? Who was the first foodie? We may never know but we can try and understand how the trend came to be.

The first theory is that of loneliness and homesickness. This theory was posed by the great and late Anthony Bourdain. There is certainly a lot of credence to this theory, due to globalization many people had to move from one place to another. They might not have had the same networks, experiences, and events that they had when they were back home and so food comes in and plays the role of a comforter and a connection to something that once was.

Sites such as Instagram and Yelp might have had something to do with it as well.

Instagram allows one to take beautiful pictures of their food and show it to the rest of the world. Not too many people are Instagramming a twinkie or a peanut butter sandwich that they made at the house. They are Instagramming finely created and presented meals from various restaurants across the world.

Yelp provides a review platform for one to consciously think about their food and write about how great or poor it was, the reviews can go on about experiences, the food, the presentation and even more.

A culmination of a variety of these factors might have led to the rise of the foodie. We know that depending on their interests and wants, food suppliers, restaurants and others in the industry will have to follow to thrive and succeed.

Yet it is also important that foodies have a resource to go to in regard to making sure that they are following positive and healthy trends. This is where an important resource such as the Consumer Health Digest comes in.

The Consumer Health Digest

The Consumer Health Digest is a resource that allows people to manage their health and the different aspect tied to their health in a fresh and rejuvenating manner. Individuals can find that they will be able to see a medley of different types of information that will be relevant for their lives and the lives of the people around them.

Individuals can find research and information related to issues such as weight loss, sleep disorders, fitness tips and interesting topics such as an examination of bone broth and its relevance to your health.

Foodies can turn to such a resource to have a well-balanced life that accounts for overall health from fitness to the necessary nutrients and combating obesity and other matters as well.

The Consumer Health Digest is a valuable resource for foodies, their friends, and their families to learn more about health and how to maintain it in the best ways possible.

While we may never know where the first foodie came from we do know that with resources such as Consumer Health Digest we can keep people healthy and keep the trend going for years to come.

Food

All That You Wanted To Know About Vitamins

October 6, 2018

Vitamins are essential for good health and overall well-being as they play a crucial role in a number of bodily functions, such as immunity, metabolism, and digestion. While we need them in tiny amounts, their deficiency is linked to serious health outcomes, including increased risk of diseases like scurvy, night blindness, rickets, and pellagra, among others.

If you are wondering why we need these micronutrients or are worried that your family might not be getting them in recommended amounts, this post is just for you.

In this post, we’ll discuss the following:

  • Different types of vitamins

  • Why we need vitamins

  • Food sources rich in vitamins

Different Types of Vitamins

According to our friends from MedAlertHelp, there are 13 vitamins in total, divided into two categories: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

  • Fat-soluble vitamins – The body absorbs these vitamins through fatty tissue. There are four fat-soluble vitamins, namely A, D, E, and K. Our body stores these vitamins in fatty tissue and the liver.

  • Water-soluble vitamins – As the name suggests, these vitamins dissolve in water. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and C are all water-soluble vitamins. Our body doesn’t store these, except for B12. Instead, it absorbs whatever is needed and flushes out the excess through urine.

Why We Need Vitamins?

Here’s a brief description of the role each vitamin plays in the body.

  • Vitamin A aids immunity function, promotes healthy appetite, fights cell damage, and helps maintain healthy bones

  • Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and teeth, besides offering protection against diabetes and cancer

  • Vitamin E helps reduce free radical damage and promote healthy skin

  • Vitamin K helps in wound healing by ensuring blood coagulation and improves bone health

  • Vitamin B7 aids metabolism and fetal growth

  • Vitamin B9 supports healthy fetal development, enhances brain function helps reduce free radical damage, and improves immune function.

  • Vitamin B3 boosts brain function, may help lower cholesterol, and improves skin function

  • Vitamin B5 aids metabolism, promotes heart health, supports liver function, and helps keep skin healthy

  • Vitamin B1 promotes energy production, protects nerves, improves memory, and helps prevent heart diseases

  • Vitamin B2 plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells

  • Vitamin B6 helps maintain brain function and formation of red blood cells

  • Vitamin B12 helps produce red blood cells and supports metabolism

  • Vitamin C promotes oral health, helps maintain healthy tissue, and aids wound healing

Food Sources Rich in Vitamins

The best way to obtain vitamins is by adhering to a well-balanced diet. However, there’s one vitamin that can’t be obtained from food only—Vitamin D. The most natural way to obtain it is by being out in the sun.

Now, let’s see which foods provide which vitamins.

  • Vitamin A – Dark leafy vegetables, dark-colored fruits (like blackberries and apple), egg yolk, fortified milk, and dairy products

  • Vitamin D – Fatty fish (like salmon, tuna, and mackerel), cheese, egg yolks, beef liver

  • Vitamin E – Dark green vegetables, avocado, papaya, mango, oils (sunflower, corn, and safflower), and nuts

  • Vitamin K – Dark green vegetables, cabbage, dark leafy vegetables, cereals, fish, and eggs

  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – Egg yolk, milk, nuts, chocolate, cereal, and pork

  • Vitamin B9 (Folate) – Beets, fortified cereals, asparagus and broccoli, green, leafy vegetables, dried beans, peanut butter, and lentils

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – Eggs, avocado, lean meats, fish, potato, legumes, and poultry

  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – Eggs, avocado, broccoli and kale, mushrooms, milk, and legumes

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Eggs, dried milk, lean meats, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and peas

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – Beef, milk, mushrooms, spinach, pork, fish, and tofu

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – Banana, avocado, legumes, nuts, meat, whole grains, and poultry

  • Vitamin B12 – Eggs, meat, milk, fortified foods (like soymilk), shellfish, and poultry

  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, citrus fruits, and spinach

A healthy diet minimizes the chances of developing the vitamin deficiency. However, certain health conditions (like intestinal or liver disorders), alcoholism, and emotional disorders can make it difficult for the body to properly absorb vitamins, even when your diet is well-balanced. If you or a loved one constantly feels lethargic and suffers from chronic health problems, consult a doctor to rule out vitamin deficiency.

Food

A Guide to Food and Drink on Cruise Ships

October 4, 2018

So, you’ve decided on a cruise for your next holiday, but what can you expect from your onboard experience when it comes to dining? There are lots of options, but here are my tips on how to get the most from your experience and satisfy your inner foodie.

Is food included?

The great thing about cruising is that whichever company you go with, all your meals while onboard are included in the upfront price of your holiday – this includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, some speciality restaurants or franchise coffee shops may charge an additional fee, so make sure you do your research.

Dietary requirements

If you have specific dietary requirements, food intolerances or allergies, it’s always worth flagging these to your cruise line ahead of your voyage, as they’ll usually be very accommodating to your needs. It’s worth researching the best cruises for vegetarians and vegans, as some ships will allow you to bring vegan wine onboard, although a corkage fee may be charged in the restaurants.

What about drinks?

Drinks are usually extra but it’s possible to purchase drinks packages in advance; these can be a cost-effective option. Some cruise lines do offer fully inclusive options, which means all meals and selected alcohol and soft drinks are included in the initial cost. If you’re on a budget, consider choosing a cruise line that offers this.

What type of drinks can I get?

Generally speaking, you’ll be able to get any drinks you’d expect to get on dry land, with most ships offering a good selection of wines, beers and spirits in their bars. If you’re after elegant evenings, choose ships with upmarket cocktail bars, some of which have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy the views whilst sipping a Martini or glass of bubbly.

Buffet dining

Most cruise ships have a buffet restaurant, offering relaxed and informal dining and a feast of fabulous food. You can help yourself to a mouth-watering selection of foods and refill your plate as often as you like. Beware those infamous cruise kilos though, and consider counteracting a little indulgence with a trip to the onboard gym!

Breakfasts

Ships will usually lay out breakfast options in their buffet dining area where you can expect to graze on fresh fruit, go for a full English or enjoy toast, pastries and pancakes, accompanied by a choice of teas, juices and coffees.

Speciality restaurants

Depending on the size of your ship, you’ll usually have a choice of speciality restaurants to dine in. Obviously this will vary, but you can expect international favourites such as grilled steak and chicken through to Italian, Japanese sushi and Mediterranean morsels. Some ships also offer afternoon tea, allowing you to enjoy finger sandwiches and a selection of sweet treats as well as a pot of tea.

Always check the dress code before you head to your chosen eatery, as some require formal attire.