The caraway flavored aquavit has been a favorite among Icelanders since 1935, and is continuing to gain popularity around the globe. This is really strong stuff. Made from fermented potato mash and flavored with caraway seeds. The name Brennivin, which literally translates into English as “burning wine,” is also known locally as “black death.” With a name like that how could one not be intrigued? More and more bars around the world carry Brennivin. Finally.
While modern Iceland is known for nightlife, the country has had a temperance tradition since the early 1900s. Prohibition was enforced 1915 through 1921 for wine and until 1935 for alcohol. Surprisingly, beer was prohibited until 1989. According to my bartender, on the first day that beer was legalized, more than 350,000 bottles were sold — more than the entire population of Iceland.
It turns out that Brennivin’s lethal nickname stems from the temperance movement. In an effort to scare consumers, the Icelandic government placed a skull and crossbones logo on all liquor bottles. With its stark black label and skeleton, Brennivin became known as “black death.” 
Today, the label sports an outline map of Iceland in lieu of a skull.
Category Archives: Food
Torchy Tacos – Possibly the Best Mexican Food in the USA
Chioco Design recently completed a new taco restaurant that pays homage to the colorful roadside buildings popular throughout the 1950s. While many restaurants aim to make their establishment appear completely modern, this diner combines retro elements with contemporary designs for a nostalgia-inducing experience.
The new branch of Torchy’s Tacos is located in Austin, Texas, and it sits on the old site of 1970s burger chain Fran’s Hamburgers. The new building boasts a retro exterior that is inspired by the roadside buildings and colorful signage popular during the 1950s. The restaurant’s unique zig-zag profile and distinctive red columns make the establishment eye-catching and inviting to those passing by. As a result, the combination of contemporary features and 1950s-inspired designs provides a whole new dining experience for guests.
The Taco’s ar so good that US-President Barack Obama couldn’t resist stopping by torches last week when he was in town for this years SXSW Festival. Do you need any more convincing to visit the coolest town west of New York City and wast of Los Angeles?
Patisserie Du Bonheur – Berlin beats Paris
I challenge anyone o find me a better Patisserie than Berlin’s Du Bonheur in beautiful Paris. This is a task that is almost impossible. Take the Cannelé, possibly the best sweet ever invented. This is everything a Cannelé should be and more and event beats the Cannel at London’s the Wolseley. The outside made up of a maximum caramelized, crunchy, sticky surface. And the inside, solid custard, flecked with black vanilla seeds, yielding. It’s a creme caramel you can hold in your hand, improved by texture, beveled edges, sharp ridges – pockets of bliss.
Du Bonheur on Brunnenstr. 39 in ever so trendy Mitte for sure is worth the plain ticket to Berlin – By the way: The macarons are almost as good as the ones produced by Pierre Hermé…
Distrikt Coffee Berlin – Everything You Want And More
Distrikt Coffee is how every coffee shop should be. Not only is the coffee good but the food… just beyond this world and not only the breakfast – but especially the breakfast. A real competitor to the Wolseley in London but with the trendy flair of Berlin Mitte – close to Rosenthaler Platz. 
The indeed wonderfully fluffy plate of pancakes has the perfect balance – a nice touch of salt in the batter, with the freshness of yoghurt pairing well with the crunchy caramelized nuts, tart compote and the airy cakes – and best of all the lemon-lime butter is a dream come true. I wish I could go to Districk Coffee every day.
O’Donnell Moonshine – Greatness Made in Germany
O’Donnell Moonshine, local alcohol made in Germany. Finest Barrel aged wheat brand & Liqueur bottled in original american Mason Jars. You have to taste it o believe it the Bratäpfel moonshine is just amazing. Worth every cent. Created in Berlin. Order here if you can’t find it at your local retailer of trust. Prost….
Crosstown Doughnuts – The Revelation
Cupcakes is so yesterday – now it’s all about the doughnuts. Forget Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts. The new gold standard is Crosstown Dougnuts. The London Donut-chain is baking some amazing sxxx.
Their dough is a unique hybrid recipe created by combining sourdough (levain) and fresh bakers’ yeast. They make a variety of these sourdough doughnuts, some of which are filled, glazed or mixed with Belgian chocolate. Seriously, yum.
Favourites include the chilli Belgian chocolate square doughnut – just sourdough with a chilli chocolate mousse injected, topped with a white chocolate glaze – the sea salt caramel with banana cream on a light chocolate sourdough, and the crème brûlée with velvety Tongan vanilla custard. However – the best one is probably the sea salt caramel and banana doughnut. 
Figueria Rubayat – A Stunning and Tasty Restaurant
If it comes to the most stunning restaurant in the World Figueria Rubayat is a contender – for sure. And yes the food is amazing too. What do they serve? Steak of course. This is a restaurant where you get to eat outdoors, indoors! The dining room is built around an enormous fig tree and huge branches have been glassed in. Pretty cool.
P&T – Tea Really Well Done
P & T is a specialty tea company founded in Berlin. They do tea better than anybody else. The tea tastes better, looks better and is much more fun. TrendEngel expects P&T to conquer the world – soon. Green Tea Imperial Dragon is our favorite. So far only in Berlin. Not in Berlin? Shop online. Ah yes, btw. P&T stands for Paper and Tea…
Kreuzbär – A Drink We Really Like
Recently in Berlin we discovered Kreuzbär. Fassbrause they call it and it is delicious. If you can get your hands on a Kreuzbär get it and drink it. Simple advise.
Cordobar – A Berlin Gem With a Twist
Cordobar is this small place in Berlin Mitte. Cordobar collecting accolades like other people stamps. Cordoba might just be the hottest restaurant in Germany and the blood sausage pie the best dish. The name? It is derived from Austrias only win in a football world cup against the mighty Germans. 1978 in … of course Cordoba(r). The giveaway is the toilet “music” – the original commentary from back in 1978 – I wärd närrisch”.
The food is exceptional, the wine remarkable and the prices make the evening even more fun. Go to Cordobar