Notes from Berlin: KaDeWe

Details

Published on Monday, 20 May 2013 14:48

Written by Scott Joseph

The official name is Kaufhaus des Westens but nearly everyone calls it simply KaDeWe. Indeed, the shortened name is all that shows on the side of the seven-story department store, the second largest in Europe after Harrod’s.

The first five stories of KaDeWe (kah-day-vay) hold the typical fashion and design elements found in any upscale department store, in Europe or the States. But it’s the top two floors that make it unique -- and a must-do destination for any foodies visiting Berlin. Those levels are designated almost entirely to food and wine, with dozens of small service counters, each representing a cuisine or food specialty. If you've been to Harrod's food stalls you'll have an idea of the concept and quality but not the scale. KaDeWe's food floors dwarf Harrod's.

Want the Hollandaise? That'll Cost You Two Laps Around the Block

Details

Published on Monday, 20 May 2013 09:50

Written by Scott Joseph

Sandra Pedicini’s article in the Monday Orlando Sentinel about the roadblocks to bringing calorie counts to menus reminded me of this article from CTVNews about a study that takes the menu listings one step further. In the experiment, the menus not only included calorie counts but also associated those calories with the amount of exercise it would take to burn them. That helps put the numbers into context, and it allows diners to make an informed decision before shoving more pie into their faces.

This idea isn’t new -- there are a number of websites that equate calories with activities (and most offer various exercises, rather than just the vigorous walking in the study). But the interesting part of the experiment is the conclusion that when faced with necessary consequences, more people made better food choices.

By the way, I’m an advocate for putting calorie counts on menus, and not just in fast-food chain eateries. My mantra for weight management -- if you can’t measure it, if you can’t count it, don’t eat it -- is difficult to follow when dining out. Trust me, I know! Unknown ingredients and portion sizes plot against those who would like to eat more healthfully.

What do you think? Would knowing how much exercise you’ll need to do after dinner influence your menu choice? Leave a comment below. 

Things Confucius Never Said; Bizarre Fortune Cookies

Details

Published on Friday, 17 May 2013 04:20

Written by Scott Joseph

Everyone loves the little strips of paper found in the cookies traditionally served along with the check at Chinese restaurants, much more than the cookies themselves, which, if you ask me, are fairly inedible. And when I say "traditionally" I of course am referring to Chinese restaurants in America, for the fortune cookie is yet another U.S. invention. The "fortunes" are typically vague or inane or both. (I once had one that said I would soon have new clothese.) But the fortunes collected in this article from Mashable show that someone in the fortune-writing room has a sense of humor.

What's the oddest fortune you ever received in a cookie?

Yard House Announced for Spring Opening

Details

Published on Thursday, 16 May 2013 04:39

Written by Scott Joseph

Darden Restaurants will bring its Yard House brand to Orlando and the I-Drive Live development currently under construction on the former site of the Mercado. (Kings bowling center recently opened there.)

Yard House describes itself as “an upscale-casual eatery known for its extensive menu of American fusion fare, more than 100 taps of international, craft and specialty ales and lagers, and a mix of classic and contemporary rock.” Expect burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads, pastas and such.

It’ll be a big place with over 14,000 square feet inside and out and a seating capacity of 400. An opening for spring of 2014 is projected.