It was somewhat different from what I was expecting but it was also better than what I was expecting.
You know how it is when you're travelling on your own or as a couple in a new country. You don't know much of the language or the culture and you've only been there a few days.
Then you meet up with, say, a friend of a friend, and that person takes you out for an afternoon or evening. It is quite a treat:
(i) You don't have to worry about understanding the language because your host can translate.
(ii) You don't have to figure out which places to go or what to order when you get there because you've got a local expert.
(iii) You don't get lost en route -- you don't even have to pay attention to where you are or how to get back.
(iv) You can quiz your local host for advice on what to do and what to see and what to eat while you're in town.
Our evening with Dirk was like really lucking out in finding a friend's friend who happens to be an expert in local food and ale and who speaks great English and who is not only a native of the city but local tour book writer and journalist.
There were three of us plus Dirk for the evening adventure. We met at a designated place and time (6 pm) and then walked to the Covered Food Hall where we sampled some cheeses and meats at one of the stalls. Next was a stop for some delicious ale (I have no problem believing Dirk's assertion that it is at the best beer in the city). Then we travelled by U-bahn to a cozy restaurant in the Mitte where we enjoyed a typical sausage and sauerkraut dinner, followed by dessert and coffee.
The food was tasty but the element that made the evening five-star was sharing the meal and conversation with two interesting and congenial people who we wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise.
Note: We did Dirk's "Berlin Food Tour" rather than the "German Food Tour". However, because I don't see the Berlin Food Tour as a separate entry on Trip Advisor, I'm adding my review here. The Berlin Food Tour costs a few euros less than the German Food Tour. read more
