Lars Kroeplin, Lufthansa's Regional Director for Canada; Anne Dollendorf, German National Tourist Office's Director of Marketing & Sales for Canada; and Martin Riecken, Lufthansa's Head of Corporate Communications of The Americas
Spaetzle, a thick German noodle
Judy Eberspaecher accessorized with an Eidelweiss necklace, while her husband, Alex Eberspaecher, proudly sported his graduation medal from the German Wine Academy.
Guests sit down to dinner, and chat the night away over delicious German fare & wine.
About 80 travel savvy types gathered at the posh Yorkville staple, Sassafraz, last week for a lovely dinner and to listen to the German National Tourist Office’s Anne Dollendorf break some German tourism stereotypes.
Guests arrived at the event to the choice between two delectable German wines – a 2010 Riesling and a 2009 Pinot Noir. With a glass of Riesling in one hand, juggling my camera and notepad in the other, I squeezed my way to the front of the group as Dollendorf and Martin Riecken of Lufthansa welcomed guests. “We will begin our in-flight entertainment in just a moment,” joked Riecken. “And in case we get boring, the emergency exits are here, here and here.” Oh, airline humour…
Not a single Deutsch bier was in sight that evening. As diners waited on the 1st course, Dollendorf took the opportunity to share some interesting facts about beer’s rival beverage. Did you know that Germany has 140 grape varieties and that they produce 60% of the world’s Riesling? They are also the 3rd largest producer of Pinot Noir after France and the U.S. And where does the rivalry between beer and wine stem from? In 2003, wine beat beer in consumption. Needless to say, a visit to Germany’s overlooked wine country is a must! And wine festivals in the country are non-stop from May to October. Ha! Beer only gets one dedicated month for its festivities.
Now, what else is Germany known for? Fast cars – like the BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche. Fast driving- like the speed limitless Autobahn. But, don’t mention this too loudly around Dollendorf. Guests received a scolding that night, “You are all fascinated with the Autobahn and how there is no speed limit,” she said. “It’s not just about the Autobahn, it’s also about the scenic routes.” Indeed, Germany has much more to offer than the speed demon’s dream highway. With 4 newly appointed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a leisurely drive through the German landscape can also be ideal.
Once dinner was ready, the presentations were quickly brought to a close so guests could enjoy the tasty, traditional German fare that was served – German charcuterie, spaetzle and sauerbraten. I had to look to wine and travel writer, Alex Eberspaecher, for assistance in deciphering the menu. He referred to spaetzle as a thick and doughy noodle, and sauerbraten was described as a sweet-and-sour-like beef. “But not like the Chinese food,” he was quick to add. Since I ordered the trout, Eberspaecher was kind enough to share a taste of his sauerbraten. “Mine is better,” he boasted.
The German hospitality did not end there. Riecken walked around to each table to prompt a toast and thank guests for attending. It was a great evening altogether, and guests left the event with more than just full stomachs and tipsy heads. We departed with a new perspective on what Germany “actually” has to offer.
