How would you describe Nuremberg in three words?
Cosmopolitan, with humor and well-mixed
In your opinion, which culinary specialties does Nuremberg have that you can't find in other cities of its type?
Nuremberg cuisine is Franconian cuisine. It is popular for its meat dishes - whether it's the famous Nuremberg bratwurst, "Stadtwurst mit Musik" (local sausage served with onions), Franconian sauerbraten, pork roast with a crusty top or "Schäufele" pork shoulder.
The classic Franconian side dishes to roasts and such are dumplings, which are made from raw potatoes and bread cubes. Vegetables play a secondary role and are often some sort of cabbage: Sauerkraut, white and red cabbage, savoy cabbage and kohlrabi are all grown in Franconia. Favorite Franconian desserts are "Kirschen Männle" (bread pudding with cherries), Franconian cream flavored with wine and "versoffene Jungfern" (literally: "drunken maidens", fried dough laced with a red wine sauce.)
The real difference in Nuremberg cuisine - and something that shows a bit about the history of the city - is the generous and clever use of spices, which has taken place here since the Middle Ages: For example, the use of majoram in the sausages or Nuremberg gingerbread with its variety of aromas. Even today, this shows the global perspective of medieval Nuremberg. The city was a trading center - for exotic spices, for example - but also culturally and scientifically an absolute forerunner.
As you can see from our recipe "George M aka Schorsch", we also have a lot of fon discovering local flavors and finding the great things this region has to offer, yet broaden our horizons and look for interesting international ingredients and flavor combinations.
What personal dining tip would you give a tourist who is coming to Nuremberg? Is there something a visitor must try?
Nuremberg has a wonderful historical Old Town, where you can just wander around and be inspired - and "3 im Weckla" (three sausages in a bun) in your hand as you walk through the town are part of the flair of the city.
In particular, I can recommend: Gasthaus Waldhorn, Poppenreuther Str. 14, 90419 Nuremberg, Tel.: 0911/337914.