Author: jmerhar

The Toque of the Town:  Karl Müller & Co

The Toque of the Town: Karl Müller & Co

  If your apron and cookbook wear stains with honor, then I suggest you do what cooks in Wiesbaden have done for 70 years, head to Karl Müller & Co. Tucked on a quiet lane under a striped awning you’ll discover a door leading to 

Caffè Nero

Caffè Nero

  Sometimes getting caught in the rain has benefits.  I’m thankful for the day I forgot my umbrella at home during a downpour, it’s what brought me to an entry I’d passed countless times without noticing.  With only four tables, blink or sneeze and you’re 

Liane Berg: Chasing The Unknown

Liane Berg: Chasing The Unknown

I’m haunted by a painting.  A girl stands on the cusp of womanhood with shades of copper and cream draped upon slight shoulders with impeccable posture. Tarnished gold strands coil and rest haphazardly above a complexion washed in soothing shades of peach and cream. Full 

Brandon Kinder: The Right Regrets

Brandon Kinder: The Right Regrets

  Brandon Kinder’s two albums are part of my “pandemic” playlist. Last year I asked Brandon to perform where I live, in Wiesbaden. He said if I found a venue he would add Wiesbaden to his European tour. I did. And Brandon was true to 

Barefoot in Paris

Barefoot in Paris

  Cemeteries train the eye to glance downward. As if the thought of death weren’t somber enough, most are flat and grey.  The only breath of life – the occasional wilting flowers that rest beside headstones. If you have the opportunity to visit the cemetery, Père Lachaise in Paris, you’ll 

Portrait of a Professional Waiter: Luigi Orelli

Portrait of a Professional Waiter: Luigi Orelli

I’m fascinated by individuals who make waiting tables their profession. My forearms have balanced trays.  My fingers have pulled tap handles. And once-upon-a-time, I served cocktails and peanuts at 32,000 feet. The service industry is physically and mentally demanding, which is why a few months 

Penny’s Butter Cookie Dough (My Favorite!)

Penny’s Butter Cookie Dough (My Favorite!)

Fifteen years ago I attended a luncheon and met a delightful woman, Penny McConnell (former owner of Penny’s Pastries in Austin, Texas).  Ms. McConnell gifted me a treasure, her famous butter cookie recipe. This paper relic, stained from use, has claimed a permanent spot among 

Thanks Bob, For Getting Me To Land

Thanks Bob, For Getting Me To Land

  (Originally written in February, 2015.)   Showing up at the Moody Theater in Austin, I was the demographic: middle-class female, 30-60, chasing a raspy masculine voice known only through airwaves.  When my husband surprised me with tickets to see Bob Schneider for Valentine’s, I was thrilled!  But the real 

Expat Observations From Wiesbaden

Expat Observations From Wiesbaden

Scattered below, in no certain order, are observations I’ve made since moving to the land of lederhosen and schnitzel.  If you have opinions you’d like to share, please leave a comment below… When greeting a couple, German men often extend their hand to the woman