Nocturne night, an Ode to Norway
Currently taking place is the Frankfurter Buchmesse one of the biggest events on the Frankfurt calendar. Over 285 thousand people pass through its doors sharing and exchanging ideas, exhibiting content of all kinds and exploring avenues they have perhaps not explored before.
Each year the Frankfurter Buchmesse chooses a country as its guest of honour. This years Buchmesse guest of honour is Norway. And on Wednesday evening Kelly and I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Neo-Fjordic cuisine extravaganza presented by the Norwegian Seafood Council. What a delight! We were educated, entertained, indulged (I consumed more calories than I care to admit) and treated to some delicious Norwegian cooking!
What is Neo-Fjordic cuisine you might ask?
Well, it’s the brain child of Norwegian chef Christopher Haatuft. And what initially began almost as a joke has developed into somewhat of a revolution of Norwegian cuisine. Haatuft knew he wanted to change the way Norwegian cooking was perceived and thus begun this culinary journey. Bland, one dimensional food of potatoes and herring, no thank you! Instead, rich and satisfying dishes heroing flavours so representative of the Norwegian culture and way of life! Think halibut, smoked mackerel, brown cheese and Reindeer.
With an incredibly successful international career spanning many continents and countries Haatuft decided to move home. 6 years ago he opened his restaurant Lysverket in Bergen. And, the rest as they say is history.
He goes on to expand on the idea and inspiration behind his restaurant. Haatuft references the French, he explains how proud and passionate the French are of their cuisine, all aspects of it. How each region has something to offer that they feel is world class. And that they believe with every ounce of their being that it is better than most, and so of course, we all believe it too. To say many don’t believe French cooking to be the pinnacle in cooking would be a lie.
Also, he mentions that perhaps we should all take a sheet out the French notebook and do the same. It’s not necessarily the ingredient or product per say, but rather, seeing what your region/your country has to offer and believing in its value. Finally, it’s going one step further and exhibiting immense pride and passion in whatever that is!
On Wednesday night Haatuft left the shores of Bergen to delight us in Frankfurt with his Neo-Fjordic cuisine, and serve it with a very generous helping of humour!
On the menu for the evening:
-
Fish soup
Somewhat reminiscent of a chowder. A dish typical of Western Norway where Haatuft is from. Thick, delicious and a complete comfort food for those long cold winter months. One of the secrets Haatuft mentions to creating the depth in flavour of the soup is the stock. Avoid doing it the French way, in other words, easy on the straining. Haatuft uses eggs, cream, sour cream, butter and flour to create the thickness…a recipe for the ‘rich’ he jokes – in bygone years and times of austerity the soup was made with milk and potato starch
-
Ceviche with a Nordic twist
Unlike the original Peruvian version no lemon was used to cure the fish. Instead, basic vinegar and maleic acid are used to create the acidity needed to cure the halibut. Next he adds cucumber juice which adds the beautiful green colour. He finishes it off with shavings of crunchy fennel, onion and fresh apple.
-
Smoked mackerel butter wrapped in a potato flat bread
Smoked mackerel butter piped into the centre of these tiny burritos (for want of a better word) and finished off with pickled dill flowers to cut through the richness. Its always the smallest details that complete a dish
-
A layered apple desert
Somewhat resembling a trifle with it’s layering (though tasting nothing like one) was this beautiful desert. Rich layers of creamy decadence, caramelised apple and cinnamon and and almost biscuity layer for crunch. A complete melt in your mouth experience. An hour at the gym was never going to be enough to limit the damage.
-
Brown cheese chocolate truffles
To finish, truffles of absolute yumminess! Now, I am not a fan of desserts and almost certainly always choose cheese over chocolate. Here however I didn’t have the choice. I loved that the dish was not overwhelmingly sweet but was still full of richness, hints of goats cheese coming through on the back of the palette while still allowing cacao to be the hero.
Good to know
- for a fantastic ceviche in Frankfurt check out La Cevi
- the final Sunday at the Frankfurter Buchmesse offers a great opportunity to pick up a bargain as many of the books are on sale
The Norwegian Party
As most of you know the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2019 has opened its doors today. An event all of you should most definitely check out. This year’s Guest of Honour has come to us from all the way in the North, Norway, bringing with them Norwegian artists, creatives, and writers including internationally renowned literati such as Karl Ove Knausgård, Jo Nesbø and Maja Lunde, together with the Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
To ensure Norway gets the proper treatment, the Frankfurter Buchmesse and the Museum Angewandtekunst have collaborated to bring us a visually stimulating experience. See Janice’s post here about the opening of the House of Norway exhibition. Last night we were so kindly invited to join the kick off of the Buchmesse’s glorious event, The Norwegian Party at the Museumangewandtekunst where we experienced Norwegian food, music and glorious company.
I have to be honest I’ve never been to Norway nor do I know much about Norway or the culture but if the food and music is anything to go on then I’m there. My favourite dish of the night was the Crispy bacon from Haugen farm made up of carrot cream, Kraftkar blue cheese from Tingvoll and rosemary caramel, oh my God was it delicious. I also enjoyed the Lofoten Lamb Confit made up of celery cream, Jerusalem artichoke chips, sautéed garlic and dill and Janice loved the Torched Salmon from Frøya, fermented lemons, birch sap and cucumber vinaigrette.
We also enjoyed music by Embla Karidotter, Hanne Hukkelberg and Karima F.
Janice and I are very excited to attend the Buchmesse today and will be sharing our favourites with you shortly.
Trade visitors and press.
Wednesday, 16 October – Saturday, 19 October 2019
9.00 am – 6.30 pm
Sunday, 20 October 2019
9.00 am – 5.30 pm
Private visitors.
Saturday, 19 October 2019
9.00 am – 6.30 pm
Sunday, 20 October 2019
9.00 am – 5.30 pm
See website for ticket information.
House of Norway presented by Museum Angewandte Kunst
An Exhibition dedicated to Norway
Museum Angewandte Kunst has become a space dedicated to Norway. In absolutely spectacular fashion it has in essence become ‘House of Norway’.
Norwegian Artists and Designers have completely transformed the space through their works, creating an ‘ode’ to our dear Scandinavian friend, Norway. Norway, is this years guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Buchmesse 2019. Throughout the exhibit simplicity, minimalism and functionality along with reinterpretations of classic forms and understated luxury are found. It beautifully reflects all the concepts that Scandinavian design has become synonymous with.
There is something special about being amongst some of the first to see an exhibition. Thursday evening I had the pleasure of attending the opening of House of Norway. Let me just say I can’t find enough superlatives to explain my level of enjoyment! In all honesty though, I probably enjoyed the diversity of the exhibit, a labyrinth of discovery!
There is almost certainly something for everyone, a concept store, a ‘memorial’, a cinematic experience, jewellery, photography, sculpture and fashion.
Exhibit Highlight, Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch, internationally renowned Norwegian artist is one of the exhibits highlights. Munch exhibits pieces that have to date never been publicly displayed. Believed to be precursors to other published works, the pieces are an amalgamation of sketch and lyrical prose text.
Along side Edvard Munch you’ll find contemporary artists Frank Ekeberg, Kari Steihaug, and Ingrid Torvund. Joar Nango and Sverre Fehn fly the architecture flag. Finally, Northern provide a beautiful example of a concept store.
Máret Ánne Sara’s installations in particular struck a cord with me, throwing me back to my childhood growing up in a farming community in South Africa. The rawness of the reindeer remnant sculptures, used to draw attention to a marginalised ethnic group in Norway. It simultaneously reminds me how part and parcel death is to the circle of life and life on a working farm.
Also, the photography of the jawbone necklace bearing man, draws parallels to imagery we have almost certainly grown accustomed to associating with Africa.
There is far too much for me to cover in just one write up. I really do encourage you to make your way to the Museum Angewandte Kunst and explore the exhibition for yourself.
*please note all opinions are my own and I do not claim to be an authority on art
Good to know:
- Exhibition is on until 26 January 2020
- Exhibition can be found at Museum Angewandte Kunst
Orange Peel
If you looking for something slightly ‘off beat’ something a little less mainstream you likely to find it at Orange Peel! For example, you’ll find classic jazz and blues concerts, jam sessions, improv evenings, readings, many independent quirky theatre productions and salsa on a Sunday. Plenty of live entertainment and dancing to choose from. Set just off Kaiserstrasse in Bahnhofsviertel, its location can be a little obscure if you not sure where you going. To clarify, you need to make your way along a short victorianesque passageway where initially only a sliver of of what lies beyond can we seen. As one walks closer a glorious luminescent mural slowly begins to come into view. Finally, you find yourself standing in glass domed ‘courtyard’ with a giant sword yielding one eyed purple octopus staring you down! AWESOME! In other words, these guys know how to make an impression! Continuing inside, the downstairs space is small and intimate, perfect for interactive audiences. The bar runs much of the right side and serves a fairly basic bar menu with a very clear message ’Save the world with Art’. Meanwhile the large luminescent murals continue, a large ‘heart beat’ commanding the side wall. Finally, make your way upstairs where a second bar and stage can be found. Needless to say, there is plenty of space for creative and self expression! Good to know:
Address: Hours: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: €-€€
Kaiserstraße 39
60329 Frankfurt am Main
Dependent on line up
Frankfurt on Foot English Walking Tours
Frankfurt on Foot is the brainchild of Jo and Dave Ator. They provide beautifully curated English walking tours of Frankfurt. In my opinion, on foot is the best way to experience a city! In addition, if you have the right guide (we did), your feet shouldn’t notice the distance you covered. I took my parents and seven and 5-year-old for the tour, and my kids barely moaned. Unfortunately, I believe absolutely no moaning would require earplugs. We covered around 7km on the day and found ourselves thoroughly entertained! In addition, we learned plenty along the way! I’ve done a fair amount of travelling in my time and thus my fair share of hop on, hop off buses. As a result, I’ve learned they are a great source of transportation in a city I don’t know but are often far from scintillating educationally (of course, I’m generalising here). Two of my most memorable and educational city tours have been walking ones. Firstly, with Varanasi Walks (Indian theology is on another level!) and now Frankfurt on foot. My dad is a history buff and literally reads everything and anything he can get his hands on! Therefore, for him to be impressed and learn something new is one for the record books. For the masses who aren’t history buffs (and have no desire to become one), having a guide that doesn’t bore you to death is the goal. Learning something is an absolute bonus!! I shan’t bore you with rehashing all the places we visited that day! However, I invite you to take the tour and find out for yourself. So much history, so little time!! Many people have knowledge. A few of those people can impart their knowledge to others. And then, finally, a tiny and elite percentage of people can draw their audience in, hold their attention and teach them something new. Dave Ator is one of the latter; his humour is great, too, albeit leaving me speechless at times (in a good way)!
A Note about our Guide:
Good to know:
Price guide:
How to find a paediatrician in Frankfurt
‘Just call the Paed’ they said…
If I say that this very simple and seemingly benign phrase caused a little stress in my life it’s a MASSIVE understatement. Finding a Paediatrician in Frankfurt is easier said than done. In fact, it may be easier to get an appointment with the queen of England than it is to get an appointment with a paediatrician in Germany.
Why you need a registered Paediatrician
If you live in Germany and have kids younger than 6 years old there are a number of mandatory checks (U1-U9) your child must attend. Unlike the UK where these checks are carried out by a health visitor, in Germany, they must be performed by a registered paediatrician at specific intervals (see table below).
What are the U screenings in Germany?
These check ups or rather Kindervorsorgeuntersuchung/untersuchung (just rolls off the tongue doesn’t it) are classified as U1->U9. They are the equivalent of the Baby Health and Development Reviews in the UK and Well Child visits in the United States. The purpose of these visits is to identify any early health and developmental difficulties and treat them in a timely fashion.
U1 to U9 Break Down:
How to find a Paediatrician
- when you arrive in Frankfurt begin registering with a paediatrician immediately . Many paediatricians are over subscribed so finding one is very time consuming
- don’t wait until a U screening is due (read my experience below)
- useful websites
- Doctor search (specify requirements and language) = TK
- Doctor search (specify your requirements) = Med Kolleg
- US embassy = list of English speaking doctors
- perseverance is your best friend
My personal experience:
Unfortunately I missed the U9 appointment (I had no idea that it needed to be done!) . A rather intimidating letter from the city of Frankfurt (all in German) arriving in the mail was my first clue! Simultaneously I panicked, hyperventilated with visions of child services arriving, I called their helpline immediately. However, the phone call ended almost before it began. That is to say, my German leaves much to be desired and their help desk spoke not a word of English! I then tried email and managed to get an extension on the deadline specified in the letter. Unfortunately they offered no help on how to find a paediatrician who would accept my child.
Consequently I turned to Google and armed with a map spattered with hundreds of little red dots (ie registered paediatricians) I assumed my task simple! No is the short answer. As a matter of fact it took 107 thousand phone calls and close on 45 to 50 paediatricians before finding one willing to take my little boy. At one point I even resorted to going into some of the practices hoping they’d find it more difficult saying no to my face, unfortunately they found it just as easy!
Good to know (Recap):
- Kindervorsorgeuntersuchung/untersuchung (U1-U9) are required to be done by a paediatrician (Kinderarzt) not a general practitioner (hausarzt)
- If your child is born in German they give you a yellow booklet at birth (das gelbe Heft). It details when these check ups are due
- For kids born outside of Germany you can obtain this book (das gelbe Heft) from your paediatrician.
- Start trying to register with a paediatrician the moment you land in Germany
- Persevere you will get there in the end (you may need a coffee though????)
Useful Terminology:
- child health check up = Kindervorsorgeuntersuchung/untersuchung
- Family Doctor (general practitioner) = Hausarzt
- Paediatrician = Kinderarzt
Nosh
International cuisine served up in the heart of Sachsenhausen. Nosh is brought to you by Constantin von Bienenstamm (Coa) and Andreas Schlotterbek (Maison du Pain) who are no strangers to the restaurant business in Frankfurt! Saying this, they take their inspiration from All across the globe with Mediterranean favourites, local German classics finished off with Indian curries and Italian comforts. In other words, they make NOSH a mouthwateringly good International affair. We visit on a very chilly winters evening which make the rich interiors, leather sofa seats and soft drop pendant lighting all the more welcoming! Also we find the space inside is very cleverly divided to bring a sense of intimacy. Having said this, they also manage to create a feeling of community with their open kitchen and ‘long tables’! A team of ‘soldiers’ can be seen in the kitchen working effortlessly chopping, sautéing and grilling to absolute military precision! Their focus too, is to use seasonal and fresh local ingredients. The ingredients along with absolutely passionate cooking come together and sing on your plate, YUM! Outside, they have two deck areas which are open all year round. Those brave enough can head outside during the cold winter months and entertain their kids with breath vapour clouds. Just kidding, heaters warm the area during the colder months. Try the miso aubergine starter with chilli – it’s totally morish!!
The Vibe
Good to know:
DIE KLEINSTE disko DER WELT
When I first moved to Frankfurt I was hungry for cool dance parties. I wanted in on the next cool thing. One party I was delighted to discover was DIE KLEINSTE disko DER WELT, a cool free dance party right on the river! The one thing you should know about Frankfurt if you’ve just moved here or are now just tuning in, it has a cool scene! There are a lot of awesome things happening around this city. You just need to be curious, maybe ‘stalk’ some people on instagram (just kidding btw) or better yet, use us as your guide. So what is DIE KLEINSTE disko DER WELT? Well, it is an amazing party organised by the very cool Morgen Interiors manufacturer and showroom in Osthafen. Out back on their loading dock, facing the river, is where this beautiful kleinste disko takes place. It’s free and anyone can join! They have djs, live music, drinks and food stalls. Also, they collaborate with Blauses Wasser, throwing a huge summer parties! So in short, it’s a party not to be missed! And finally, not only cool free dance party but it’s in a great location, there’s great company and of course great music!!!!! Good to know:
About DIE KLEINSTE disko DER WELT
BAM BAM thank you Elaine Mam
BAM BAM Session together with Elaines Deli create a little bit of awesomeness and magic in the open space in front of the deli! Mini ‘music festivals’ if you will, all outdoors and just perfect when the weather is fine. The DJ sets begin at 5 and they spin their decks until 10! By 10 the crowd is heaving and there is no space to swing a cat (if you into that sort of thing ????). Of course if we were in Spain everyone would only just have risen from their siesta and the party would only just be getting started. If you ‘continental’ like that, don’t panic just make your way over to Off Yard for the after party and watch the sun rise! BAM BAM thank you Elaine Mam! Free for anyone to join, bring a picnic blanket, a few cold ones & a smile. Otherwise, just bring yourself & your special red shoes click your heels together twice & dance!! Until the next one, we say…BAM BAM thank you Elaine Mam Good to know:
Address: Hours:
Taunustor 1-3
60310Frankfurt am Main
5pm – 10pm
Pottery workshop “Play with Clay”
Pottery Workshops hosted by Hartmud Studio
I recently had the pleasure of attending a pottery workshop hosted by Hartmud Studio (one of our favourite potters). Ignorantly I went in thinking that the pottery making would the challenge. That my only take away from the workshop would be a badly made bowl or a cup! Boy was I way off the mark! My biggest take away was in fact to ‘trust the process’ and the bowl would form. Essentially, this meant I couldn’t rush.
My current daily grind includes rushing from the moment I open my eyes until the moment I finally put my boys to bed and collapse on the sofa (for a while I managed to wake an hour before anyone else in my house and fit in my meditation, I now push the snooze a little too often!). The not rushing was an enormous challenge for me! Needless to say, my first attempt was riddled with cracks that no amount of massaging and moulding could coax away – finally I accepted that it was a failure.
In fairness though I did learn something with that first failed attempt and my second attempt was significantly better. Of course having come from such a low bar it was still no masterpiece I did however almost puff my chest out a little with pride!
OMG you’d swear I was writing a self help book right about now! And, if you know me you know I’m generally not a fan of the self help genre! So back to the workshop, it was an immensely satisfying experience. It’s so rare as an adult that you get to really ‘craft’ anymore (and I’m not talking about the kind you do with your kids) or do something that doesn’t require a keyboard and a screen.
The Workshop a brief overview
The workshops are Isa’s brainchild and she leads them with such grace. She briefs everyone at the start her calm energy setting the tone (along with her playlist) for everyone to begin their own individual creative process. She gives advice but only when needed allowing everyone to discover and learn, essentially find their own rhythm and individual process.
Good to know:
- trust the process the bowl will come
- you literally slap the clay between hands to create your initial spherical ball as apposed to kneading it (I know right?)
- Working slowly is your best strategy (until you know what you doing)
- I found it an incredibly meditative process
- It wasn’t as messy as I imagined it would be
- working from the inside out or from the outside in create two vastly different outcomes
- to find out more about their products and workshops visit their website
Stanley Diamond - fine dining in Bahnhofsviertel
We love Contradictions! We also love the fact that life is so full of them! Take for example Stanley Diamond, the latest addition to the Ardinast brothers repertoire, fine dining in Bahnhofsviertel. Ten years ago these two words wouldn’t have found themselves in the same sentence let alone been on offer. Like its sister restaurant Maxie Eisen, Stanley Diamond gets its name from a Jewish American Mobster, ‘street cred’ right there and we love it! Back it up they do!! Chic modernist interiors, an amalgamation of exotic materials and textures. The clean lines beautifully offset by linen covered tables and plush upholstered barstools and chairs (a collaboration with fabulous German furniture designer E15). Behind the large marble bar take a glimpse through ‘rose tinted glasses’ into the inner workings of the kitchen. Also, take a moment to cast your gaze upwards and admire the impressive copper ceiling, the final piece in a very luxurious puzzle. During the summer months the large windows open up creating an almost continuous inside outside space. So giving diners the option to sit out on the pavement (well not literally) and feel the buzz on the street. On another note, the bathrooms bring with them a playful twist reminding you life is too short to take yourself too seriously. European cuisine with a focus on regional nuances, think beef with grüne soße or lamb cutlets with asparagus and apricots (grüne soße & asparagus two local favourites). Stanley Diamond prides itself on using the freshest ingredients sourced mainly from local producers and keeping their supply chain as short as possible. As a result, the quality of the final dish arriving on your table is superb! Stanley Diamond offers both à la carte and a 6, 7 or 8 course tasting menu. The tasting menu gives guests the opportunity to go on a culinary journey whilst allowing the Stanley Diamond team to showcase the full extent of their skills.
Address: Hours: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: €€€What’s in a name if there’s nothing to back it up?
Now to the culinary side of things
Good to know:
Ottostraße 16-18
60329 Frankfurt am Main
Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 12am
Tuesday & Wednesday, 6pm – 11pm
Sunday & Monday, Closed
Fein Trinkhalle
Picture this: Alice in the Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, the white rabbit and you all sat in a beautiful mixed matched surrounding of tables, chairs, tea cups, cakes and coffees. Ok, so my imagination may be running wild a bit, but this is what I think of when I think of Fein Trinkthalle. This gorgeous little place is set in the park just off of the Anlange Ring on Petersstraße. It looks like a sweet shop from the outside – heaven I know! My husband and I first stumbled on this lovely gem while visiting Frankfurt before we moved. Since then I have often sat gracefully on one of their sofas, sipping ginger beer in the sun. They have a lovely selection of coffees, teas, beers, cakes and sweets. Most of the seating is sat outside, with only a tiny little space inside. Despite this, they remain open for service during the long cold months. Jump down the rabbit hole and enjoy a bit of wonderland right here in Frankfurt. Good to Know:
Address: Hours: Additional info: instagram | facebook Price guide: €
Petersstraße 4, 60313
Tel: 069 25755388
Sunday – Wednesday, 12pm – 10pm
Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Portikus - Kunsthalle
Art. It’s there to make us feel, think, remember and learn. Since 1987 the Portikus has done just that, showcasing contemporary art that makes you feel something, that make you think. Located on a little island just off of Alte Brücke this beauty of a place is a spectacular sight to see. It’s modern architecture, open space, high ceilings and concrete floors makes it the perfect canvas to showcase some of the best contemporary artist around. It also has a lovely view. The Portikus is also available to rent for events. And admission is free. Address: Hours: Additional info: website | instagram | facebook Price guide: Admission is free
Alte Brücke 2 / Maininsel
D–60594 Frankfurt/Main
T +49 69 962 4454-0
F +49 69 962 4454-24
[email protected]
Tuesday–Sunday 11–18h
Wednesday 11–20h
Monday closed
Frankfurt Itinerary - When Friends Come to Visit
So I have friends coming to Frankfurt and the first question I ask myself is, what is our itinerary? I always find it so exciting when friends come to visit, especially when I’ve just moved to a new country! I feel a need to impress, I want them to think my new home is super awesome and my new city even cooler. Since starting The Frankfurt Edit, Janice and I have discovered so many cool places, so essentially, my homework has already been done.
I’ve known my friends Amber and Nathan for pretty much my whole life, we all grew up together in Springfield, Missouri, Midwest America. We used to go to shows together, clubs, all night dance parties, gallery openings etc. We were some of the cool kids around town. Amber and Nathan now live in St.Louis Missouri where Nathan is quite big in the music scene, he’s also a graphic designer and works at a record company sourcing very rare record collections, so he’s pretty artsy. Amber is a florist, has impeccable taste in interiors, florals and loves food, somewhat of a foodie. So basically, I needed to come up with a pretty awesome itinerary.
So what did we do first?
They arrived on a Saturday at 9:45am. I picked them up from the airport and took them back to my flat. I gave them just long enough to chill, shower and pack their bags for Berlin. Yep, I was starting off their German adventure with a trip to Berlin. I thought I would break them in slowly, hahaha!!!! We had an amazing time in Berlin (read about Berlin here), but we were pretty broken after a long weekend there. After the whirlwind of a weekend I thought Tuesday would probably be a bit of a chilled day for them, however, we hit the ground running. We did sooo much that first day they were here!
Welcome to Frankfurt!
Now I’m always a bit bummed when I come back from Berlin. I love Berlin and I’m always a bit of a grump that first day back. But as I started to show my friends around, I realised just how much there is to do in Frankfurt. I mean, I knew this already, but I soon realised I couldn’t possibly show them everything in a week. My excitement for Frankfurt returned instantly. I have to say, we did cram a lot into four days.
So you’re probably wondering what we did? Below you will find our itinerary. I recommend finding out what your guests are interested in seeing. Also don’t feel like you have to show them everything. Pick the most important or interesting things, things you know everyone will enjoy. It’s also important to have some chill time. Go somewhere with a great outdoor space and have a few drinks, Frankfurt is very good at this.
THE ITINERARY
TUESDAY –
- The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew – located on Domplatz 1
- Das Herz von Frankfurt – on Braubachstraße 31. Absolutely beautifully decorated coffee shop with wonderful coffee and a scrumptious hummus platter.
- Magus Antik – Braubachstraße 26, found some absolute treasures
- Schirn – located in Römerberg. We went to see The Big Orchestra exhibition. Highly recommend this or any exhibition at the Schirn.
- Naiv – Fahrgasse 4. I just love Naiv. Located very close to the river with a great outdoor space. They have many amazing beers on tap. Try the sampler beer platter.
- Braustil – Oeder Weg 57. They have a small selection of beers but very good ones that they brew right there. Make sure and order a pizza from Super Bros while you are there. You can order it and they will bring it over to you.
- Super Bros – right next store to Braustil. Excellent pizza. We ordered a pizza from here while having a beer at Braustil.
WEDNESDAY –
- Frankfurter Kunstverein – Steinernes Haus am Römerberg
Markt 44. We went to see the Empathic Systems exhibition. A must see! - Kleinemarkthalle – Hasengasse 5-7 We had a nice look around and then went up stairs for some scrumptious Italian.
- Buchhandlung Walther König – located right in front of the Kleinemarkthalle. An excellent bookshop.
- IImori Patissierie – Braubachstraße 24. They have a beautiful and delicious selection of cakes. Very yummy indeed.
- Then just walked around loads and went home and had dinner.
THURSDAY –
- Café Karin – Grosser Hirschgraben 28. Ive been here several times but never for lunch. Lunch was very good I must say.
- The Listener – Stephanstraße 3. Always a must go. They stock the latest and greatest collections from some of the best designers out there. Cool interiors, accessories and shoes.
- Tactile Records – Friedberger Landstraße 114. Cool record shop for all you record lovers out there.
- Mer -Jahnstraße 60—62. A beautifully curated pop-up shop just off of Oeder Weg. A must-go.
- Liebesdienste Home Interiors – Oeder Weg 44. This is one of my absolute favourite stores here in Frankfurt. Beautiful interiors, stunning selection of plants and lovely little gifts.
- Eis Christina – Eckenheimer Landstraße 78. Eis Christina is located pretty close to my daughters school so we tend to stop in quite a bit. ON this particularly hot day, Ice Cream was needed.
- Berger Street Food – Berger Str. 83. An absolute treat this place is. Some of the best sushi around.
FRIDAY –
- Hoppenworth and Ploch – Friedberger Landstraße 86. We stopped in on our walk to the Palmagarten. Always delicious coffee
- Palmagarten– Siesmayerstraße 61. I hadn’t been to the Palmagarten yet so I found it quite exciting! My daughter had been before so she was our tour guide. Definitely check it out.
- El Pacifico – Sandweg, 79. Great place for Mexican grub and they serve a mean margarita.
- LAZY Party – Schwedlersee. We were very happy the LAZY party was on that weekend. We had a really great time.
- Die Kleinste Disko Der Welt – Morgan Interiors. Unfortunately when we went on Friday night it was slightly soggy but still a lot fun. Once the rain died down we really enjoyed ourselves. We stopped in after some time at LAZY. We would have loved to have gone the next night too, it looked like it was absolutely kicking.
Overall, I believe they had a very good representation of this beautiful little city. They had a little taste of almost everything this lovely city has to offer.
Windsor.
One thing we love about our job, we get to check out really cool things – cool exhibitions , brand new pop-ups and store openings. We were kindly invited by Windsor. to experience the opening of their new store on Hochstrasse here in Frankfurt. Now I must admit, me being very distinct in my style & clothing choices I may have stuck out bit, this however, did not stop me from admiring, loving, and fully appreciating Windsors new Autumn/Winter collection.
Windsor. has valued style, craftsmanship, quality materials, and sustainability since 1889. They design elegant and timeless pieces for the self-assured man and woman. Windsor. create investment pieces that will stand the test of time and will always be your go-to pieces.
Roaming the racks of their beautiful two-storey store, I soon fell in love with their gorgeous Autumn palette. Divided into colour sections: your classic beiges, mustard yellows and brown, beautiful blues, greens and denims, and finally your reds.
I was mostly taken by the beautiful emerald greens featuring beautiful cashmere jumpers, an amazing pair of joggers, which will soon be mine, and some gorgeous outerwear. All in all the collection was beautifully curated and presented and I now have a wishlist as long as the shop itself.
I would highly recommend popping in for some inspiration.
City Beach
Walking through the Konstabler parkhaus you may think you’ve been sent on some sort of wild goose chase…I can assure you however, this is not the case! Persevere, keep walking, and a piece of tropical magic in the centre of Frankfurt awaits you – it’s as though you’ve walked through a gateway portal into a parallel universe. The roof top space is cleverly ‘divided’ into sections with each section providing something different. 2 pools (ok the term pool is used very loosely here as the water only goes as high as your knee) and giant pink flamingos lazily bob up and down as the breeze gently nudges them along. Blue and purple cushions flank the pool offering a comfortable seat as you sit and dip your toes into the aquamarine water, complete the idyllic scene with a cocktail! If admiring the iconic Dom Romer is your pleasure, grab a deck chair, dig your toes deep into the white sand and watch as the clouds float by behind the gothic cathedral spire. Hungry? Move across to the table and chairs and peruse their food menu. Good to know:
Address: Hours: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: €€
Konstabler Parkhaus
Carl-Theodor-Reiffenstein-Platz 5
60313 Frankfurt am Main
Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday, 12pm – 12am
Saturday 11am–12am
Sunday 11am–10pm
Bernhard Knaus Fine Art
“Creativity takes Courage” – Henri Matisse With this in mind, it reinforces the importance of the “Art Gallery” for what a sadness it would be were these acts of creativity & courage never showcased to world! One of our local art gallery ‘heroes’ is Bernhaus Knaus Fine Art, they can be found on the 2nd floor of number 84 Niddastraße (just ring the bell). A truly wonderful space taking inspiration from the White Cube theory (white walls and wooden flooring) allowing the works being exhibited to speak for themselves with as little interference from external factors as possible. TFE had the absolute pleasure of visiting BKFA to see Florian Heinke’s ‘Lovecraft’ exhibition – a thought provoking display of black oil paint on canvas. The pieces are marked with hints fatalism & menace (film noir moods & references) which are cleverly offset with a softness and femininity, a sense of foreboding often accompanying each piece (please be aware I am no art expert merely a fan and this is only my humble interpretation) Some of the artists to name but a few that have been featured at BKFA are Flo Maak, Daniele Buetti, Robert Zandvliet, Miriam Holme, Lena von Goedeke & Miriam Jones Good to know:
Address: Hours: Additional Info: website | instagram | facebook Price Guide: prices available on request from gallery
Niddastraße 84
60329 Frankfurt am Main
Tuesday – Friday, 1pm – 6pm
Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Liewood, products for the modern family
In our opinion it’s often tough to beat Scandinavian design. Simple, functional with clean lines are just a few of the reasons we love our friends from the north! Liewood is no exception, creating beautifully designed products for todays modern families. With our oceans the way that they are, we simply love that Liewood are continuously finding plastic alternatives wherever they can! Take for example their bamboo crockery sets…super cute and sustainably minded! Also, their organic textile products, bathtime also never looked so good, magical transformations if ‘ordinary’ (somewhat grubby) children into unicorns, bunnies, lions and dino’s in soft organic terry clothe bathrobes. Do they come in adult size too please? Also, beautifully crafted wooden toys that make any idealistic first time parents swoon and second, third or fourth time parents sigh and continue their battle against plastic! Good to know:
