My direct train from Cologne (Germany) to Utrecht (Netherlands) is going after 19:14 so I have an hour and a half to kill time. So I searched online and found the Funkhaus Bar Café Restaurant on Wallrafplatz which is very near the train station (Koln Hauptbahnhof) and the Cologne Cathedral. Basically just a stone’s throw away (a 4-minute walk).
Because I did not want to miss my train, I love its proximity to the station. But more importantly, the ambiance and design looked pretty much up my alley. I love visiting cafes, bars and restaurants with beautiful interior design.
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The location of Wallrafplatz on the map of Cologne:
Cologne is dubbed as the ‘media city’ of Germany. It is the Netherlands’ Hilversum so to speak. Many media company are obviously based in Cologne. The WDR which takes the name of the café restaurant – WDR Funkhaus – is one of Germany’s major public radio and TV broadcasting network. The network station at times organises live events and forums in the café.
Because I will be arriving late in the Netherlands and the Dutchman would have had dinner, I decided to eat here. I do not make it a habit though to eat outside when I am travelling to Cologne for work. I always prefer to eat together with the Dutchman, with food that I cooked myself. However, this evening was an exception.
I ordered their Brote & Kase / mit Schwarzwälder Schinken und Gewürzgurken (Bread & Cheese with Black forest ham and pickles) and a Thomas Henry Bitter Lemon. I really like it when I see other drink brands served on the menu than the usual big names.
What I love about this light diner of rustic bread – cheese – dry cured ham – pickles is the delivery. If what you ordered is served prettily like this, you will be more than delighted to eat it. Food presentation truly matters and is very important to me. It arouses our gustatory cells and we look forward to enjoying the meal and the whole experience.
This was a very pleasant meal. I very much enjoyed the combination with the chicory leaves, and I loved it that they added a portion of sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) which is a favourite of mine. This is perhaps one of the best and chic bar cafes I have seen in Cologne.
A Few Cologne Tips:
- On Wallrafplatz you will find one of the popular Cologne bakeries called Merzenich. They sell pretzels here. Great to bring home as souvenirs.
- If you love panoramas, check out the PANORAMA Köln Triangle building for views of the city. It is just across the Hohenzollern bridge.
- The Cologne Carnawal is huge in Germany. The event is celebrated between the 1st and 2nd week of February. Check the city tourism website for exact dates.
The bar, cafe and restaurant is located on Wallrafplatz.
When I am not drinking any alcohol, I prefer to drink a tonic or a bitter lemon. I ordered the German-brand, Thomas Henry.
Really liked the lighting behind the alcohol bottles.
Brote & Kase mit Schwarzwälder Schinken und Gewürzgurken (Bread & Cheese with Black forest ham and pickles, with a generous portion of sauerkraut).
Wallrafplatz, Cologne.
The ICE train to Amsterdam usually leaves on platform 5.
Travel Period: March 2016
Destination: Cologne (North Rhine Westphalia), Germany
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.
