Baden Württemberg, otherwise known as SouthWest Germany, is a world-class culinary destination. With some of the best restaurants in Germany and Europe, the state boasts no less than 77 Michelin stars with four of these in Mannheim alone. Only one hour from Stuttgart, Mannheim's international culinary scene is thriving and something to write home about. With over 400 restaurants in all, Turkish, Polish, Japanese, Greek, Italian and French among many nationalities that are well represented at Mannheim's culinary table. Special events and creative culinary entrepreneurs with local specialties round out the city's culinary experience. Ask the locals how to get around and they will explain how the city is laid out like a chess board with the streets named accordingly. 

The adventurous visitors to Mannheim try the hottest Currywurst in the city while gourmets can dine in one of the restaurants sporting a Michelin star. The three Michelin star restaurant, Juan Amador, is a star in Mannheim's culinary crown and it offers exquisitely prepared foods in a modern setting with spectacular outdoor seating. Even restaurants, such as Zur Axt, Bootshaus and Hahnhof, which serve German food and have fabulous atmosphere, get all-star reviews from visitors. Others enjoy some of the world's best coffee at Café Prag and families say that the food at Café Restaurant Paradies is delicious. Estragon, Onyx Restaurant and Bar and Akropolis are only a few of the other top restaurants serving international food. 

Special events like “Wein und Genuss” (Wine and Gusto) is Mannheim's annual wine and food festival. Vendors from around the state and the world come and present their wines and special foods smack dab in the center of Mannheim. There is an assortment of accompanying entertainment and culinary programs. This year the festival takes place from August 28 to September 6 which is a perfect time to visit SouthWest Germany as it is harvest time and the neighboring areas of the Palatinate, and Württemberg, are famous for their excellent wines. Although Riesling is the most prevalent grape, there are many grapes and wines produced that are snapped up before being exported so it is worth the trip to try these delicious local wines.

Mannheim is also an entrepreneurial culinary city and those with a sweet tooth will be especially appreciative. Mannheim's top specialty is the pastry, “Mannemer Dreck,” which resembles a German Christmas cookie because of its cinnamon flavor but is actually a type of chocolate covered macaroon with its own unique flavor. The name of the cookie could be politely translated as “Mannheim's dirt balls” and the citizens, and above all the pastry shops, vigorously defend their culinary citizen's infamous name.

In fact, the city's numerous small confectioneries and cafés each convey their own special charm and are perfect places to relax. Among them are the famous and popular cafés Herrdegen (where you can buy the Mannemer Dreck by the box), Prag and Flo, all located in the city center and easily reached by foot. Mannheim is also home to Dario Fontanella, who invented the Spaghetti-Eis (spaghetti-shaped ice cream) in 1969. His ice cream parlor, Fontanella, is situated in the city center and is a must-see. Anyone who is curious to find out how these refreshing delights are made can watch the ice cream experts at work behind glass at the ice cream factory Aperto.

There are more than forty bars, clubs and pubs in and around the city center – many of these in the trendy district of Jungbusch. A special experience is the Turmcafé Stars at Stadthaus (Street N1) right in the city center. Here you can sip on cocktails at lofty heights and watch the hustle and bustle of Paradeplatz, Mannheim's most important square. And in summer when temperatures have everyone longing for chilled refreshment Mannheim's beach bars are just the thing: With the Neckarstrand (beach), OEG Citybeach, Hafen49 and Playa del Ma, sun worshippers are spoiled by the choice along the Neckar and Rhine Rivers. And thanks to Mannheim's extensive public transport system you can drink and don't have to drive! For more information, please visit Tourist Information Mannheim.

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Larson                                                 

Press Representative, US and Canada              

State Tourist Board SouthWest Germany        

917-678-7689 mobile                                       

212-362-3421 telephone

victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com

www.tourismus-bw.de