Munich, Swagat

Swagat is where my love for Indian food started. I once dated that guy who brought me there and it was love at first bite. I had never tasted authentic Indian food before and had only known those fusion curries that were served in several trendy places. The date didn’t go any further but Swagat became a regular fixture in my life. Swagat is owned and run by Indians and usually has several Indian customers enjoying the spicy dishes; so that should already be a good sign. Whenever I’m back in Munich, I try to have lunch there, as their lunch menu is approximately half the price off of their regular menu. Last Thursday I brought along D and 2 of our Manila friends, who were passing by Munich during their Europe tour. We sat down in the shade of Swagat’s little terrace and went crazy on the many yummy dishes presented in the menu. After two weeks of mainly European cuisine, it was time for some spices and moreover plenty of rice! We ended up ordering our usual chicken tikka masala, as well as lamb curry, chicken vindaloo (watch out! Extremely hot!), vegetable samosas, nan bread, paneer pakora and a huge plate of basmati rice. I can’t really say more than: it was simply delicious. And to top it all off, we spend around 35€ for the four of us including all of the above and drinks. If you happen to be in Munich and are craving for more than pork knuckles and beer, this is the place to go to for lunch.

Swagat Restaurant
Prinzregentenplatz 13
Tel: +49 89 47084844
Subway station: Prinzregentenplatz
www.swagat.de

Munich, Mike's Bike Tour Neuschwanstein

More often than not, the city you call home is the city you know the least. Whenever I ask D about Manila landmarks and their history he seems clueless. I feel the same way about Munich and surroundings. I know the basics of course, but most times I take the beautiful architecture and the history that lies behind it for granted. Last Tuesday, we decided to join Mike’s Bike day tour to Neuschwanstein. We could have just taken the train and join the castle tour on our own, but I figured a guided tour would be more informative. I heard about Mike’s Bike Tours in Munich, as they’re known for their entertaining and interesting city tour. The Neuschwanstein tour started at 8am at the Munich main train station where we met with the group that we would be with the whole day. We were put into the train by a guy from Mike’s Tours and were instructed to ride all the way to Fussen, where Brad, our guide for the day, would wait for us. After a two-hour ride we arrived in the little Bavarian town, which was home to the Mad King Ludwig II. At the bottom of the mountain on which stood the castle we had time to get a quick bite before we’d walk up the Marienbridge on which we’d have a view on the castle, the Swan lake and its surroundings. While we munched our currywurst (sausage with curry sauce and French fries!), Brad gave us some trivia about Ludwig II., his life, his grand visions, his controversial sexual orientation and his mysterious death. Rumor has it, Ludwig and Richard Wagner were more than just friends and that the castle was dedicated to latter. Also, they are several theories on how the Mad King died. He was found dead in a lake next to his psychiatrist.

After such juicy background facts it was time to Lucky me, the regular hike path was closed down due to landslides and we had to hike up what turned out to be an extremely strenuous way up the mountain. Close to a heart attack, I finally got to the bridge to enjoy the beautiful view completely out of breath (mental note: Get in better shape when back in Manila). D, who of course wasn’t the least bit tired from the climb, kept away from the hanging bridge because of acute fear of heights. A short walk away was the castle, where we joined the official tour of Neuschwanstein. The official guide was not quite as entertaining as Brad and the tour was quickly over, as most of the castle hadn’t even been completed by the time Ludwig died. So I’m not sure if I would recommend it. I found it more impressive to look at from the outside. Anyway, our tour wasn’t done yet. We went on with a 45-minute hike back down. It was a sunny day, not too hot, not too cool and perfect to walk around mountains and fields. We got to an Alpine slide, some sort of summer bobsleigh and got to ride it. Not quite sure how, but D managed to throw himself out of the sleigh and injure himself. We then got unto bikes for a ride to the Swan lake.

It was just wonderful. Sun, green fields, castle in the background – what more can you ask for on a day trip. At 6pm Brad said goodbye and left us in the train back to Munich. All in all, I was a bit skeptical since the tour was quite pricey (30€ each, plus 8€ for the castle tour). But it turned out to be a great day and we had so much fun. I would recommend it to anyone who’s in Munich and plans on visiting Neuschwanstein, as you get to experience more than just the boring tourist tour.

Mike's Bike Tour

www.mikesbiketours.com

Munich, Nero Pizza & Lounge

The exciting thing about traveling is to discover new things. Even back in what I used to call home, I come across new gems each time. Last Sunday a friend of mine brought us to Nero Pizza & Lounge. Perfectly located in a quite street within the city center, it is convenient enough to walk to without attracting the often irritating tourist crowd. Upon entering you find yourself in a room with high ceilings, big light balls and a beautiful lighted wall of green glass. Long wooden tables and benches invite to some socializing, but you may also choose one of the cozy tables for a romantic dinner. As the name of the place implies, there is also a lounge area for some cocktails and chillaxing in the mezzanine overlooking the restaurant. But pizza would have to be the lead actor in this play. An extensive menu of beautiful sounding names such as Umbrichella, Sfilacci and Strachetti lead to mouth-watering expectations. And you won’t be disappointed. The pizzas are baked in a special oven; making them perfectly thin and crisp. Nero claims to use mainly original Italian products such as buffalo mozzarella from Campania, flour from Umbria and truffles straight from Norcia.

D and I shared the Solare salad (8,50€) for appetizers. The arugula salad had tasty sundried tomatoes and plenty of buffalo mozzarella cheese and came with Nero’s homemade house dressing. We then halved a Strachetti pizza (11,80€) with slices of beef tenderloin, arugula, tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic and rosemary. It was simply delicious! Verdict: The menu is an eclectic mix of classics and innovative pizzas (think horse meat!), the drink list includes every cocktail you could wish for. The service was surprisingly attentive and friendly, which isn’t always the case in Germany. The setting is modern with dark woods to warm it up. The prices range within Munich standard. Overall, Nero is a restaurant that serves high quality Italian food in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.

Nero Pizza & Lounge
Rumfordstr. 34, Munich
Tel: +49 89 21019060
Subway Station: Isartor
www.nero-muenchen.de

Munich, Donisl Restaurant

When in Munich, do as the Bavarians do. The best way to experience a foreign culture is by immersing yourself in it. Since I have moved to Manila, I have learned about traditions and customs as well as how to eat different Filipino foods. So I figured, now that we are in Europe, D should learn about where I come the same way. Of course we still went around the touristy spots around town. With our day-pass in hand (Partnertageskarte XXL 11,80€ for up to 5 people all day long), we start off our journey at the S-Bahn (Subway) station Deisenhofen to ride into the city center. First stop Marienplatz, the central plaza of Munich with its impressive old townhouse and the long shopping mile, which counts no less than 3 H&Ms. After some walking around the area, appetite kicked in and we stopped to grab a bite at Donisl. Donisl is the oldest beer hall in Munich and has been serving traditional Bavarian food and beer since 1715. The location is convenient (side of Marienplatz), the setting is relaxed and comfortable, the food is yummy and cheap (most dishes at 7€).

We had Schweinshaxen (pork knuckle or crispy pata) and Krustenbraten (lechon) with Knödel (sticky potato dumplings) and potato salad. Come to think of it, it wasn’t too outlandish to Filipino cuisine… If we had had rice it wouldn’t have been the perfect Pinoy meal. Donisl is the perfect first stop for anyone new to Bavaria. The waitresses might not be the friendliest, but they speak English, service is fast and the food tastes good. If weather permits, sit outside and enjoy some people watching while sipping on your beer!

Donisl
Weinstr. 1, Munich
Tel +49 89 220184
Subway station: Marienplatz

Business Class on an Economy budget

I need to share my excitement. We finally arrived in marvelous Munich and despite the grueling 18 hour journey; our trip was more pleasant than usual. Throughout the years of traveling on my own, I have learned how to improve comfort during often long and boring flights. First of all, I always make it a point to bring along the following in my generally oversized bag: an Ipod to keep me company, a book to keep me occupied, a Pashmina shawl to keep me warm, moisturizer to keep me looking fresh, chips to keep the movie watching more fun and chocolate to keep me happy. But despite all the little goodies that I never fail to pack, sitting in a cramped economy class seat for 15 hours simply isn’t enjoyable, no matter how excited you are to reach your destination. But of course, with all the money set aside for shopping, more trips and good food, my wallet can’t afford the oh-so-tempting business class. Luckily I have found my way around spending a fortune: get upgraded for free! There are 3 rules to follow if you want to stand a chance on a free upgrade. Number 1: Enroll in the mileage program of the airline you usually fly with and stick with that airline. Number 2: Dress to impress. Number 3: Always be friendly and smile. The more you earn miles with a specific airline, the more likely will you be prioritized upon upgrade. At the check-in counter, ask the agent if the flight is full. An overbooked flight increases the odds for an upgrade. Without being too pushy, inquire if you may avail of an upgrade. Smile when you ask. I usually also add the white lie of having much work to do during the flight (it’s called business class for a reason!). The check-in agent will then, with a bit of luck, put you on a list, which will inform the boarding personnel about your query. At the boarding gate, politely ask again and notify the person in charge that you’ve been told by the check-in to report to them. Now all you can do is wait and hope. Once the flight starts boarding, your name will hopefully be called and your ordinary economy boarding pass will transform into a ticket to luxury. Ignorance is bliss, but once you’ve experienced freshly squeezed orange juice, champagne à volonté, à la carte menu, fluffy blankets, branded toiletries, big screen TVs and oh-so-spacious seats it is impossible not to, at least, try and ask for a free upgrade.

Stranger in my own city

I love Munich. Munich is “home”. I have no genetic relationship with this city but most of my memories were shaped here. It is my focal geographical point, the place that I’ll always come back to. Yet, after having moved away years ago and although my parents and closest friends still live there, even Munich seems to have distanced itself from me. I feel estranged from the town that used to be mine. Many people I knew have themselves moved on and find themselves scattered all over the globe. The familiarity of the places and the people, that made Munich home, vanishes a little more each time I come back. I’m at the airport in the desert of Qatar, waiting for my next flight to board. My feelings of excitement and anticipation are mixed with apprehension and dread. Will I feel completely disconnected? Have I grown such strong roots in Manila, that “homecoming” won’t feel as such anymore? I hope I’ll never forget where I come from and I’ll never loose my connection with my city of birth. I’m a Münchner Kindl (Munich Child) and will always be. But I have to accept Munich as my past and cherish the memories that I connect to it. And I will embrace my future in Manila and dream about the possibilities that go with it. Anyhoo... For now I'm just excited about 3 weeks of R&R.

The art of packing

Just a few more days before we fly to Europe. My mind is already there and I need to channel my excitement into something more productive than staring holes in the wall and imagining myself strolling down Las Ramblas; hence this post. I am beyond thrilled to go back, even the more so because D is joining me. Our itinerary which includes, Munich, Paris and Barcelona is all set and after a year of stressful work and little rest, it’s about time we get some quality time together and what better way to enjoy it than during 3 weeks of Europe. With our flight schedule and accommodations booked and reserved, all I still need to worry about is packing. And believe me, as a girl this is the most daunting tasks of all. I’m (well, used to be) a notorious overpacker and yet I always seem to have forgotten that one dress that would have been just right for a sunny sightseeing day or that one pair of stilettos that would have finished off my outfit for a night out in town. I haven’t perfected the art of packing but I definitely have learned quite a bit about it over the years of traveling. Living in the Philippines I’ve lost my sense of dressing according to weather. One of the main perks of living in a tropical country is that I don’t even have to look out of the window anymore to decide on my outfit. The only difference is whether or not I should bring an umbrella with me. Going to Europe is a whole other story. The weather is unpredictable and you might just as well end up with rain and chilly 12°in the middle of summer. The answer to this dilemma: layering. My plan for this late summer/early fall trip is simple; I will mainly rely on 2 staple items in my wardrobe dresses and tanktops. Dresses are easy to mix and match with accessories; either dress down with flats or dress up with heels and some bling. Tanktops, which I bring in several colors, are paired with shorts or jeans for a simple but clean outfit that you can accessorize accordingly; plus they’re so light you can fit them easily in your luggage. And should, and I’m praying it won’t, temperature drop I simply throw over a light sweater, a cardigan or my ultimate travel must-have: a pashmina shawl. If ever the sun comes out again, I can simply peel off my layers like an onion. Shoes are different chapter and I admit I’m incompetent to give advise in this matter. But my aim is to limit myself to a pair of comfy shoes for daylong sightseeing sprees, one pair of flat sandals to compromise between comfy and pretty and finally, a pair of stilettos for those glamorous nights out. We’ll see… I doubt I’ll stick to 3 pairs… Yay, I can’t wait for us to leave on Monday.

Skin-licious

One bad gene I inherited from my dad is his predisposition to allergies. In Germany my worse enemy used to be springtime with its blooming flowers and flying pollens. In Quebec I struggled with the harsh winter, with my dry skin having difficulties handling the extreme cold. In Manila, I started to fight an entirely different fight: pollution. Unfortunately for me and my skin, pollution isn’t seasonal. All year long my skin battles the effect of the outrageously heavy traffic. On a daily basis, my body is strong enough to fight it off. But unluckily there comes the day during which my atopic dermatitis finds its way out of my system resulting in red, swollen and itchy patches. I have kept a strict skin regimen using Evian and Avène products as well as prescribed ointments ever since I was diagnosed with this type of skin eczema which is triggered by an allergic reaction. But not only are those products difficult to come by with in the Philippines, they are also pricey. A few weeks ago, I had a bad reaction again and went to see a dermatologist. D’s mom suggested trying out the clinic of Dra. Verallo, founder of VMV Hypoallergenics. The clinic is located in Legaspi Village and doubles as a store for their skin care line. The interior is kept sleek in white and glass. As an emergency measure, I got prescribed a corticoid ointment, which surprisingly worked wonders. My skin has never healed that fast, but I attributed this fact to mere coincidence. For maintenance, the doctor recommended me one of the products from the VMV Mom&Baby line with a name that got me startled at first: The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm. Using baby products caused some hesitation I must admit, but most of all I had apprehension on it being a Filipino product. Although I try to keep an open-mind, I shamefully confess that I still doubt the quality of local beauty products. I’m careful with what I put on my skin and I typically trust international brands that have gained credibility through various tests and awards. Nevertheless I tried out the Boo-Boo Balm as it was praised as free of all known allergens (VH-65), 100% all-types-of-fragrance-free, and 100% paraben-and-preservative-free. My verdict? I am a converted Filipino beauty product user. VMV’s doctors and the Boo-Boo Balm definitely met my high standards. My skin is thanking me by glowing and feeling good.

Battle of the Steaks

Last weekend was a long weekend, and we finally had the time to catch a breath and meet up with friends again. The idea was to have a steak tasting dinner at M&T’s house (the only ones in the clique with a house and hence a garden with a BBQ). This was the perfect excuse to eat excessively and justify it with an educational purpose - where to find the best valued steak in Manila? The three contenders were:

1. USDA Prime Rib from S&R (P1800/kilo)

2. US Angus from Santi’s (P900/kilo)

3. Australian Rib-Eye from Cao (P575/kilo)

The culinary dreamteam R and S were, of course, our head chefs for the night and the rest of us just filled in as lousy apprentice kitchen staff. M was the barbecue man and spent most his time in front of the grill outside; he was also the official photographer and gets all the credit for the beautiful pictures. The concept of the dinner was centered around the steaks of course, although we of course had other items on the menu as well. A Filipino culinary curiosity that threw me a bit off is that steak is traditionally served with rice. Of course, the German foodie in me was craving for potato salad and bread. Luckily, and heavily influenced by American cuisine i would assume, we had mashed potatoes, buttered corn and pasta as extra sidings. I was the only one, who didn’t touch the rice. Some habits simply can’t be changed. Our chef-to-go concocted us a delicious red wine and balsamic reduction, which paired perfectly with the red meat. All the steaks tasted delicious and, once the first bite was taken, the goal to crown a winner was long forgotten and we all simply enjoyed the scrumptious meal before us. To top it off, T served us her pregnancy craving of the month for dessert: the mouth-watering Choco Cream Pie from Cupcakes by Sonja.

The crust is made out of crushed Oreo cookies and the filling is a smooth and luscious chocolate cream, all of it topped with a big spoon of whipped cream sprinkled with some more Oreo cookies. We also had a divine Leche Flan on the menu. I forgot to ask T where she got it from… Overall, it was a feast for our taste buds and a welcome occasion to spend some time with friends before D and I leave for Europe. Oh, and the winner of the steak contest? Despite being the least photogenic meat of the evening, we came to a unanimous decision. Unbeatable in price and in taste: If you crave for steak. Remember Cao.

Cao's Steak
Email: cao_ocampo@yahoo.com
Call: 09178387399

Ethnic Chameleon

Beauty and exoticism are among the most widespread Eurasian stereotypes. By definition exotic means “the charm of the unfamiliar” or “strikingly unusual”. And unfamiliar is the accurate word, as people often have difficulties identifying my genetic composition leading to strong bone structure yet smooth, even skin. I have been mistaken for Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, South American and countless other ethnicities. Particularly in the Philippines, I have experienced questioning and envious looks regarding my appearance. Mestizos are often perceived as more beautiful and the media doesn’t shy away from feeding this stereotype. Light skin, a high nose bridge and big eyes rank high on the list of favored beauty standards in Asia – and are also the features I stand out with as a Eurasian in Asia. Ironically, during my childhood in Germany I was taught the exact opposite. Suddenly my Asian features were the ones complimented; my tanned skin, my dark straight hair. My multi-ethnic looks seem to give me the powers of standing out as being exotic everywhere while still looking common enough to blend in as well; somewhat like an ethnic chameleon. Ultimately, I think people simply admire and desire what they don’t have. Eurasians just happen to build the bridge between two completely different physical appearances, hence representing an average, a compromise. The distinct look of Eurasians, a touch of something that you can’t quite grasp and yet an appearance not otherworldly enough to disturb, creates a stereotype of mystic beauty. The source of fascination, however, emerges from opposite directions depending on the culture you examine. So I suppose, it’s true when they say “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder”.