I had occasion to visit this bakery because I met the baker's wife, Ulli, about 17 years ago in San…read moreFrancisco. She hadn't yet met her husband-to-be, Lars Inacker. Her two terrific kids, Linus and Lucia, were still a twinkle in her eye! A few years ago we reconnected on Facebook and she invited me to come to her little village. It was one of the highlights of my stay in Germany! As a guest of the Inacker family I had the enviable opportunity to sample many of the pastries that are offered in this bakery. I also had an occasion to visit with Lars behind the scenes in the bakery where he proudly shared some of his experience and knowledge with me. I learned how he keeps everything so fresh and I got to help out a bit. The pastries at Bäckerei Inacker are as good as any pastries I've had in Paris! The bread was delicious as well, especially with a dollop of Nutella or a little herb butter. It's said that something of a cook's essence winds up in the food and, if this is so, then that helps to explain the exceptional appeal of the pastries here. I think the secret ingredients are love and joy. Lars's enthusiasm and joy for what he does are infectious. In California, where I'm from, we call that Good Vibrations!

Coming from a city that's known for its cultural diversity and hipster neighbourhoods, I was eager…read moreto pay a visit to Kassel's so-called hipster coffee shop "Rokkeberg", per recommendation by family. Easy to find, I made my way to the chain's newest outlet at Ständeplatz crossing Wilhelmsstraße on a rainy day. Upon entering I was greeted by a white-tiled bathroom-reminiscent floor, a Soundcloud playlist featuring an eclectic mix of acoustic folk, singer-songwriter and "we listened to them before they became famous" kinda artists and a team of three baristas/waiters, presumably local students. Without the typical snobbiness or flakiness you might encounter at various coffee outlets in Berlin, I placed my non-complicated order and enjoyed 400 ml of lactose-free "Ettli organic brew" cappuccino (3,60€) goodness by the window. However, this branch is rather small with 12 "people watching"-worthy seats (bar stools in pastel pink and blue) on the bottom floor and about another 15 on the first floor, which I'd avoid at any costs 'cause it might as well have been a broom closet in its former life. It lacks decoration and warmth and overall 'hipster chic'. In conclusion, come here for the coffee and not the interior.