Dusseldorf

Well, Sinterklaas is gone for the season, and Kerstdagen Season is here! Last weekend we went to Dusseldorf to see a dear friend of mine, and visit the Christmas Market. To be honest, we didn't see much of the Market, as we were too busy drinking and eating.

Fire! This is feuerzangenbowle. It involves hot red wine in those big copper kettles, spiced with cinammon, lemon zest, and oranges. Above, in those barrels is heavily spiced rum. And then in the middle, is a packed sugar cone resting on a little bridge above the simmering wine. 

This is hard to see, but workers tap the rum and put it into a long handled cup. This is then poured on top of the sugar, which is then set alight. The sugar caramelizes and melts, and runs down into the wine, sweetening the whole thing, and warming the room too. It was served in little clay cups, to let you warm your hands as you hold it. The drink was great, but not half as much fun as the ritual of making it!

Thanks Flicker Photographer!

Then to the Dusseldorf Original, Killipitsch. Some of you reading may have been subjected to a Killipitsch tasting when I was responsible for alcohol at parties or events. I almost always brought it. It is a dark and heady liquor, or spirit or whatever. Burns so good doing down though. I happen to really like it, but it seems to come into it's own on a semi-cold night in Germany of course. We were without cups, but luckily, one of our group was incredibly resourceful and found gaudy Christmas mugs at a local store, so we were golden!

Next was a four hour dinner at a tiny four table fish place. It is helmed by an Indian chef, who studied in France, in Dusseldorf. How appropriate for our rather international group. The dinner was a amazing: lobster soup, scallops in a sweet sauce with grilled chicory salad, and a super creamy/lemony dessert. It was top notch, and helped to soak up some of that wine and Killipitsch. 

Last was a party at a club, with a crowd that was undoubtedly a fire hazard. I wish I had taken photos of the beefy male waiters that managed to squeeze their way through this packed house carrying two full trays of oude bier high above their heads, and not spill a drop. I think we had at least six rounds of beer, and possibly more, listening to a cover band of old dudes. It really was fun and smoky and loud. And lots of crowd watching. 

It was a really fun night, and lots of sights to see, and fun, interesting people who liked to laugh. I was super super happy to see my dear long time friend and I can't wait to see her again in Zurich.