Pork-free lunch plans, new Thai, and some newcomers at Weindorf.
Pork-free Kitas?
I recently read an article on Stuttgarter Zeitung about more parents and kitas discussing about pork-free meal plans. The article wasn’t just about pork but the overall restrictions and guidelines Kitas should follow depending on the kids and their families. This is such an interesting subject, at least for me, because we do in fact live in a country where there are so many different religions, cultures, nationalities and lifestyles involved. We personally don’t have any restrictions at the moment, including any allergies, but I do find that A is now used to many German snacks and food. Instead of eating rice and soup separately like we do in Korea, she understands the soup as a “sauce” and wants to mix it with the rice.
I was also quite surprised to hear there are no halal shops nor restaurants in Stuttgart, according to a Jewish friend. Her two children must follow a rather strict meal plan, and so she and her husband talk to the Kita before any big events or even just about lunch. Luckily, our Kita seems to be quite flexible, but I can’t imagine how stressful it should be if/when the institutions aren’t this flexible and understanding. What about the Muslims? Catholics? Those who follow the Ramadan? Coming from Korea, which is quite “If you are in Korea, the Korean way is the only way” in terms of culture and openness, I appreciate these situations and am very interested to see and learn how to embrace, accept and understand. Do you have any restrictions in your diet? Has living in Germany helped or hindered them in any way? I would love to hear.
Tante M
This is the second package free shop in Stuttgart, the first one being Schüttgut. Tante M is a zero waste shop and cafe, where you can bring your own containers and fill them up with goodies, from food, cleaning supplies, cosmetics and more. You can also go and purchase necessary containers and bottles there too. I haven’t been yet, but have read a lot about this zero waste movement and such shops around the world and I think it’s a great idea. I’m curious about the range of products and the quality of them though and will have to check it out soon.
Kwan Kao
I read about Kwan Kao on LIFT magazine (there was a review yet it wasn’t really a review. It mostly listed facts; the prices, the “spring rolls were crunchy,” the “curry was spicy/fruity” etc. Not sure what’s going on there…) and also heard about it from a friend. I was curious, but then didn’t have much expectations because well, I’ve been disappointed too many times. But one day, some friends wanted to go out and I suggested this place. My logic was that they opened a third branch and this must mean they’re doing something right.
So we went to the most recently opened one, right behind Staatsgalerie. It was smaller than I thought but cozy enough and super friendly. The food was excellent. The appetizers didn’t seem like they came out of a bag; fresh, not too oily and full of flavor, I’m guessing they were homemade. I had the Ped Yang as a main, which is crispy fried duck with homemade soy/cream sauce and it was so different, so good. I’ve never tasted such a sauce in Germany! The curries come in their own little candle burners, which was a nice touch and obviously, kept them warm for a while. Would recommend. (It is a bit on the smaller side, so if you have a big family or multiple strollers, could be tricky.)
Weindorf
That time of year again. If you haven’t been yet, this is your chance. This year’s Weindorf runs through September 8, so keep your evenings empty. It’s one of my favorite festivals of the year, where you can enjoy and learn about wine from around the region. Plus, perfect sweater weather after the scorching heat. Fun, good wine (if you know where to look), good food (again, if you know where to look) and great atmosphere. Normally, the stalls are the same every year, but there are a couple, five to be exact, new ones!
First off, Speisemeisterei, which is already a well known restaurant in Schloss Hohenheim, opened its tents to wine lovers for the first time. Expect the same chic atmosphere and trendy yet delicious dishes from the original establishment. Next is Schillers Mitte, which is run by Alexander Neuberth, winner of the 2012 Deutscher Meister der Jungköche (which translates to German master of young chefs), so another place to look forward to if you’re looking for some good food to accompany your wine. Another is Weinstube Zwiebel, where you can find wines from Obertürkheim and also the famous sekts from Esslingen’s Kessler. If you’re a fan of the restaurant Lumen in Stuttgart West or the Schatzi Bar, you may enjoy the company of Zum Zullo, which is run by Lumen owner Fabrizio Zullo and the bar owner Sonja Merz. Oh, and they’re vegetarian friendly. The famous Swabian tapas restaurant Gasthaus Bären is also trying their hand on the wine scene. Like the restaurant, their specialities are the smaller portioned “tapas,” which would go perfectly well with the wine, I believe.
Walking around with a toddler and stroller can be tricky, I would recommend getting a glass or two and enjoy it within the walls of the Landesmuseum, or making reservations beforehand. Cheers!
Check other Stuttgart Trendings
- The new Zalando outlet, Wilma Wunder and more here.
- Foodsharings in Stuttgart here
- The hippest restaurant in town and my fav wine place here.
All photos by rachelsanghee.