miam-miam

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany - and one of the oldest. A Germanic tribe, the Ubii, had a settlement here, this was named by the Romans "Oppidum Ubiorum". In 50 AD, the Romans founded "Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium", the city then became the provincial capital of "Germania Inferior". The MAKK (Museum fuer Angewandte Kunst / Museum of Applied Arts Cologne) not only has a collection of outstanding design-pieces, it also has this cosy coffee shop in the center of Cologne. Here you can sip a cappucino and admire the Gothic tracery of the former cloister.

Cologne, the fourth-largest city in Germany, has all kinds and styles of restaurants and eateries. Ludari, located in the vibrant "Suedstadt" quarter, offers best Italian food - and over noontime tasty pasta dishes are served here. Mille grazie, Ciro! www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyrbH3OoLdc - Spaghetti con le cozze

Cologne, the fourth-largest city in Germany, has all kinds and styles of restaurants and eateries. Zarathustra is a persian restaurant in the quarter near the university, that serves some reasonably priced dishes over noontime. Stewed lamb with eggplants, lentils, okra - and rice.

In 2018 I spent some time in hospital, where I had the impression, that the food, that was served, was not really healthy wholefood. The taste sometimes was a bit strange. To be polite. Here is lunch.

Greek settlers from Asia Minor lived here around 560 BC and Herodot mentioned the settlement under the name of "Allalia". Then Alalia became Etruscan, Roman, Carthaginian and after the First Punic War Roman again. This history is common for coastal towns on Corsica. An ancient Hellenistic necropolis was found in Aléria. Little south are still remains of the city walls, the amphitheatre and the forum. In 465 it was sacked by the Vandals, but still in the late 6th century it held a bishopric. In the 13th century, Aleria became of interest to the Republic of Genoa. Over the century the Italian influence grew so strong, that, despite the French and Corsican cuisine, Aléria hosts a nice pizzeria, that is open even late at night.

We stayed in the Hôtel L'Escale and had a very nice evening in the Restaurant l'Escale, where great food and a loveley view over the sea is offered. Tartare de Saumon aux Agrumes

We stayed in the Hôtel L'Escale and had a very nice evening in the Restaurant l'Escale, where great food and a loveley view over the sea is offered. Parmentier de Cabillaud (Plat de Jour)

The island of Corsica is one of the 18 regions of France. It was colonized the Carthaginians, the Greeks, the Etruscans and the Romans. After the Roman empire collapsed, Corsica got invaded by the Vandals and the Ostrogoths. For a short while the island belonged to the Byzantine Empire, then the Franks granted the island to the Pope, in the early 11th century Pisa and Genoa together freed the island from the threat of Arab invasion. The island came under the influence of the Republic of Pisa, later it belonged to Genua for centuries. In 1755 after a long fight for independence from Genoa the independent Corsican Republic was proclaimed, but in 1769, when the island was conquered by France. As the areas near the coast over centuries have been threatened by attacks and raids of pirates many old hamlets and dwellings are wide inland, high in the mountains. During the time of the short living Corsican Republic the small fishing village was enlarged and became a trading port with city fortifications on order of Pascal Paoli in 1759. So the Republic had a Corsican port opposite the then Genoese Calvi. At that time the town was still named "Isola Rossa", as the official language upto 1848 was Italian. The Café des Platanes is a perfect place for a morning coffee.

The island of Corsica is one of the 18 regions of France. It was colonized the Carthaginians, the Greeks, the Etruscans and the Romans. After the Roman empire collapsed, Corsica got invaded by the Vandals and the Ostrogoths. For a short while the island belonged to the Byzantine Empire, then the Franks granted the island to the Pope, in the early 11th century Pisa and Genoa together freed the island from the threat of Arab invasion. The island came under the influence of the Republic of Pisa, later it belonged to Genua for centuries. In 1755 after a long fight for independence from Genoa the independent Corsican Republic was proclaimed, but in 1769, when the island was conquered by France. As the areas near the coast over centuries have been threatened by attacks and raids of pirates many old hamlets and dwellings are wide inland, high in the mountains. Bonifacio is the southernmost town on the island of Corsica. The town is divided into into two areas: the medieval old town ("ville haute") and the marina in the harbour area. The upper town is located on a 900-metre-long, narrow tongue of lime- and sandstone land parallel to the coast. On its seafront the promontory slopes from a height of about 70 metres perpendicular to the sea. On the land side, a fjord-like bay is cut into the limestone, forming a well-protected natural harbour. The unique location has repeatedly made Bonifacio the center of military conflict, so over the centuries it was built into a massive fortress. Bonifacio´s yacht harbour at dusk has lots of different foods to offer. Looks like panini are not really in high demand.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Today Palermo is a bustling city with a population of about 700.000 plus - many many tourists. Near the harbour, a food truck cares for them.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Sicily offers lots of different treats. Here are "Babbaluci Palermitani", snails with garlic and parsley. I had them at the "Taverna Celso" a small, but very agreeable place in the center of Palermo. Especially in the evening, when Aperol Spritz starts to glow.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Night time is the right time" to have an icecream at "Quattro Canti". Ray Charles knew that.

Bisso Bistro, next to the "Quattro Canto" in the center of Palermo, is a perfect place to have an evening dinner. The place is not a posh restaurant, but more a bit rough. It is small and narrow, so you will share the table with other guests, what can be nice, in case they are talkative. The food is sicilian, the housewine is good and very affordable. Around 8 in the evening stand in line on the street and wait to get seated. Don´t get puzzled by the large sign "LIBRERIA DANTE", as before this became a bar and restaurant, it was a bookstore. bissobistrot.it/chi-siamo/ Pasta fresca con sarde a finoccieto selvatico Homemade pasta with sardines and wild fennel

Bisso Bistro, next to the "Quattro Canto" in the center of Palermo, is a perfect place to have an evening dinner. The place is not a posh restaurant, but more a bit rough. It is small and narrow, so you will share the table with other guests, what can be nice, in case they are talkative. The food is sicilian, the housewine is good and very affordable. Around 8 in the evening stand in line on the street and wait to get seated. Don´t get puzzled by the large sign "LIBRERIA DANTE", as before this became a bar and restaurant, it was a bookstore. bissobistrot.it/chi-siamo/ Frittura di totani e pescato dell giorno con salsa di avocado e aglio Fried squid and catch of the day with avocado sauce and garlic

Bisso Bistro, next to the "Quattro Canto" in the center of Palermo, is a perfect place to have an evening dinner. The place is not a posh restaurant, but more a bit rough. It is small and narrow, so you will share the table with other guests, what can be nice, in case they are talkative. The food is sicilian, the housewine is good and very affordable. Around 8 in the evening stand in line on the street and wait to get seated. Don´t get puzzled by the large sign "LIBRERIA DANTE", as before this became a bar and restaurant, it was a bookstore. bissobistrot.it/chi-siamo/ Salsiccia mista in budella, in scottata a servita e fagioli e salsa di patate al rosmarino Mixed sear sausage served with beans and rosemary potato sauce.

Every day Palerma has many interesting markets, where not only fruits and vegetables but as well fresh seafood is offered. Here are "totani" (squids) waiting for the chefs.

Bisso Bistro, next to the "Quattro Canto" in the center of Palermo, is a perfect place to have an evening dinner. The place is not a posh restaurant, but more a bit rough. It is small and narrow, so you will share the table with other guests, what can be nice, in case they are talkative. The food is sicilian, the housewine is good and very affordable. Around 8 in the evening stand in line on the street and wait to get seated. Don´t get puzzled by the large sign "LIBRERIA DANTE", as before this became a bar and restaurant, it was a bookstore. bissobistrot.it/chi-siamo/ Antipasto del giorno Tuna with beans

Every day Palermo has many interesting markets, where not only fruits and vegetables but as well fresh seafood is offered. Here are octopuses waiting for the chefs.