Berlin’s Sweet Balance of Art and Food

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Standing tall in front of the KaDeWe, Berlin’s high fashion shopping mall, Stiltwalkers amaze passers-by

The expressive nature of Berliners create a Cirque du Soleil-esque atmosphere about the city.  Sidewalks are transformed into stages rendering a new thrill at the turn of every corner.  The dynamic imagery permeates into local establishments and the enchantment continues.

Once a city divided, Berlin has torn down walls of separation to build a city united.  On display at Fassbender & Rausch Chocolaterie, chocolate sculptures exhibit pride for a nation overcome with replicas of the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and several statues of the iconic Berlin Bear.  Made of 100% chocolate, chocolatiers spend weeks masterfully creating the model versions of the landmarks.  Unfortunately, one would have to resist their urge to Willy Wonka their way throughout these works of art as they are strictly “look but don’t touch” showpieces.  No worries–chocolate addicts can still satisfy their cravings with the chocolaterie’s plethora of cocoa creations.  Step up to the chocolate counter for a bite of handmade slabs of gourmet styled chocolate.  From chili to cappuccino to cornflakes, the unique choco-combinations are adventurous and endless.

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Watch Chef-Chocolatier George Helwig construct this decadent chocolate showpiece

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Not a chocolate fan so much?  Sink your teeth into a common German treat called “Marzipankartoffel” or Marzipan Potatoes.  C’mon, you didn’t think I would leave the city without delighting in another potato treat, did you?  Well, it just so happens that these quirky little bite-sized goodies are made to give the illusion of a white potato but are made completely of the sweet almond paste, marzipan.  Rolled up in round spheres and lightly dusted in cocoa powder, you’ll definitely think your eyes are playing tricks on you.

Marzitaters

Summing up Berlin’s taste for confectionary artistry, French artist, Laurence Jenkell wraps up our culinary tour through Germany’s capital city with a sweet twist on food for-display-only.  Exhibited at Galerie Mensing, just steps beyond Fassbender & Rausch, this eye candy can be appreciated by confectionary connoisseurs around the world.  Using plexiglass to form incredible but inedible larger-than-life bonbon sculptures, Jenkell certainly manages to whip up a delightful visual treat.  Check out the artist’s works here.

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