Photo by Toa Heftiba ()
Brunch is the best meal of the day, combining the sweets and savories of breakfast and lunch in one grand meal. Though amazing brunch spots are easy to find in the United States, they are sparse in parts of Europe. But here’s a little secret — German communities near U.S. military installations have caught on to brunch.
Bavaria
Hotel Böhm, Grafenwöhr: This inn offers a delish daily breakfast and lunch Sunday to Thursday. Call before your visit; occasionally there are no overnight hotel guests and breakfast is not served.
Heike’s Kaffeestübchen, Heilsbronn: Start with eggs, cheese, sausage and fruit. Then peruse Heike’s case of colorful chocolates and elaborate cakes. And for a little romance, book the candlelight breakfast, priced at 14.80 euros per person.
Stuttgart
87 Restaurant, Bad Cannstatt: The chefs at this bistro are grill masters, searing burgers, ribs and steaks all week. On Sunday, the kitchen turns to brunch with a buffet of cereal, cheese, Danishes, scrambled eggs, cold appetizers, salads and lunch items.
Amadeus, Stuttgart: Close down Amadeus’ bar Saturday night and return for the Sunday brunch buffet. Pig out on breakfast, canapés and four lunch entrées.
Kaiserslautern
Sander’s Café, Landstuhl: Your only dilemma here is what to choose! Buffets are served Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. As if that’s not enough, Sander’s has a tempting menu of frou-frou coffees and brunch items, like French toast, egg sandwiches and omelets. The case of baguettes, cakes, parfaits and pastries will call your name, even if you avert your eyes.
Kullman’s Diner, Kaiserslautern: This ’50s themed café boasts American-style pancakes, über-rich muffins, omelets, and oversized breakfast platters. Late risers may opt for loaded burgers and club sandwiches.
Rhein Main
Gingko, Frankfurt: The kitchen at this café concocts an eclectic brunch menu until 4 p.m. daily. Options include a ham and cheese croissant sandwich, Spanish baguette, bacon club, omelets and Italian breakfast. Gingko provides soy yogurt, vegetable couscous, eggplant rolls and compliant pancakes for vegan customers.
Käfer’s, Wiesbaden: Snazzy — this one word sums up Sunday brunch at Käfer’s. Enjoy the posh buffet and live piano melodies in lovely Victorian surroundings.
Westin Grand, Frankfurt: Ranked among the top three Frankfurt brunch destinations by Journal Frankfurt, the Westin Grand’s Sunday brunch is a worthy splurge. The buffet fee includes all non-alcoholic drinks, wine, beer and parking validation.
Mother's Day
This Mother’s Day, show her your appreciation with a surprise brunch at one of these swanky establishments.
Fleming's Deluxe Hotel, Frankfurt: Take in the Frankfurt cityscape during Sunday brunch on the seventh floor of Fleming’s Deluxe Hotel. Chefs at cooking stations continuously grill steaks, shrimp and fish. Appetizers, desserts and breads are also part of the spread.
Restaurant Julien, Kaiserslautern: Restaurant Julien’s notoriety for fancy French cuisine extends to Sunday brunch. At 11 a.m., breakfast begins with some frills: quiche, soup and a chocolate fountain. Main courses and sweets are added to the smorgasbord at noon.
Make reservations at these popular restaurants, and set your alarm for brunch.
