http://www.weltrestaurant-markthalle.de/de/index.php?s=1
She Says...
A question: Have you seen the movie Hostel? Random I know, but go to Berlin and ask a taxi to drop you off at Markthalle and you'll understand why I've asked. Although we weren't in some scary Eastern European country, it sure felt like it. The cold and overcast December weather, paired with grey-colored housing blocks, was like a scene out of Hostel. Very weird that while both Ben and I were walking down the street we had the same vivid memories of scenes from this movie. I was pretty sure this restaurant was going to be a front for tourist snatchers who kidnapped people for their organs...would suck for them when they realized I have bad kidneys! I guess there's always my liver...
BTW, we found this restaurant in my favorite travel guide Time Out. We always choose Time Out guides when we travel as they always have great eating recommendations (used Time Out for Marrakesh, Paris and now Berlin). This place was written up as 'the place' to eat Weiner Schnitzel...perfection.
On entering the restaurant, it was very much a 'local's only' type place, and it was at that moment I was glad Ben spoke German. The place itself was very bare, with a wood bar and tables, and plain white walls. Sat down with a menu all in German (rough for English/Spanish speaking me) and managed to spot the meal of choice: weiner schnitzel The lady questioned Ben about something to do with our order which he didn't understand, but she knew what we wanted and that was all that mattered.
We first got a really tasty and fresh salad with a light dressing (very yum), and I was glad to get some greens before the debauchery started. Then the holy grails of all schnitzel was brought forth - not one schnitzel, but TWO massive and delicious golden pieces of breaded veal, not to mention the potatoes underneath and side of a cranberry sauce (I tried sauce but didn't indulge too much). Pretty much heaven on a plate. Done. I almost ate all of mine, so Ben helped himself to every last bit of what I left (he is the true schnitzel lover, I just found out recently about it's magical powers). It was good to every last bite.
..It was sooo good that we went back a second time. I found out there was a smaller, one schnitzel portion, so I decided this was a better option as we had been eating anything and everything in Berlin.
Final thoughts: Major must do in Berlin.
He Says...
Fond childhood memories of growing up in North London consuming vast amounts of schnitzel from the local delicatessen shaped me into an escalope-craving lunatic at an early age. During my formative years I would regularly consume three escalopes during one sitting (much to the displeasure of my younger brothers who had to make do with a pawltry one each). These days I conform to what is expected of a 27 year old and make do with one. Enter Berlin's Markthalle. Where else in the world would it be considered decent to consume two massive escalopes? You couldn't imagine the inner joy as our plates appeared - this place is where one comes to indulge in schnitzel heaven.
Another fantastic recommendation by Time Out. I'm sure there are a multitude of places in Berllin to find a decent Wiener Schnitzel, but this place stands out from the crowd. What Markthalle does well is undoutedly portion size. The photo doesn't even capture the full extent of this gargatuan house special - as L mentions there were actually a mountain of Bratkartoffeln hidden under the schnitzel. I am not easily defeated, but the good people of Markthalle sure put me through my paces on our two visits. Though L didn't think much of it, my recommendation would be to eat this meal with the accompanying cranberry sauce. Although I normally like to eat my escalope plain, this actually complemented the dish. An authentic place which is packed to the rafters every lunch time with friendly locals who didn't seem to mind the two auslaender in their midst.
Final thoughts: I would actually contemplate returning to Berlin just for this schnitzel.
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