Tyler Luiten has joined the staff of The Eaten Path to write a biweekly column from Bonn, Germany.
Find out more about Tyler on our About page and watch for his first post in two weeks!

It is not often that a city serves as a nation’s capital, is subsequently stripped of that title, then enjoys the benefits of having previously been the center of one of the world’s most prosperous countries. But Bonn is just that city. With over 300,000 inhabitants, Bonn is continuously striving to redefine its post-capital designation, and has successfully negotiated the challenges posed from losing its once-prestigious role.

Situated along Germany’s Rhine River and just a stone’s throw away from Cologne, the city has retained many governmental offices, has a large and well respected university, is the headquarters for some of Germany’s largest corporations, and houses various United Nations offices. These factors have contributed to Bonn’s culture, which is made up of a mixture of politicians, business executives, a large international community and a vibrant student population. The city is a perfect breeding ground for restaurants, shops, markets, cultural activities and events.

My first contact with Germany was almost sixteen years ago, and I’ve learned in this time that German cuisine in and of itself is nothing too exotic for the American eater, but it does in fact go beyond your stereotypical sausage, sauerkraut, pretzels and beer. Quality is king when it comes to the ingredients used, making even the simplest of German foods extraordinarily delicious. The Germans have a reputation for being precise and meticulous, and their food preparation is no exception. I’ve had something as common as a garden salad knock my socks off, and an unmarinated cut of grilled pork here once transformed my definition of swine. In addition to having traditional cuisine, Germany is home to the largest Turkish population outside of Turkey, which means while here, I’ve been guaranteed an endless supply of the coveted and delicious Döner Kebab along with other Turkish delights.

Given the diverse flavor of the city, Bonn’s inhabitants are constantly welcoming new cuisines. The food culture here has to cater to destitute students, wealthy executives and various politicians, so I have an abundant and appetizing array of dining experiences to explore. The city’s motto is “Joy”, expressed in German, English and French – a testament to the international character of the city. And as traditional German fare is pushed aside to make way for exotic foodstuffs, my undertaking is to experience Bonn’s Freude through the lens of its meals.

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This entry was posted on Monday, May 10th, 2010 at 9:24 am and is filed under Bonn, news.