The Lemon Tree
  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Partners
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Photo Gallery
    • Photo Journey
  • Contact

a feel good travel blog

7 Must Try Eat & Drinks That Are Veg-Friendly at Hannover’s Maschsee Fest

7/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Maschsee fest is one of Hannover’s largest public events. Open from day to night (and even sometimes ‘til 5am the next morning) the Maschsee fest is a true indication at how hard Germans work to keep their culture alive. 

The land of schwein, brezels and bier is really venturing outside the culinary box. Germany is known for its meat and potato lifestyle, but is surprisingly vegetarian and vegan friendly at many festivals. Nearly a decade ago, the only veggie offerings at many public events around the world would have been french fries, elephant ears or a bun stuffed with cheese. 

Not anymore my friends. Hannover has a thriving vegetarian and vegan scene that won’t leave you starving at large events. So, leave your snacks at home and try one of these delectable and delightful “essen und trinken” treats. You have until August 14th this year to check out the fest!


Sangrias
If you enjoy the sweeter side of life, say “prost” with a big class of fruit-infused sangria. There are many stands throughout the fest that serve cups of sangria out of the extra-large fish bowls, but just know that these drinks cost a pretty penny. It’s definitely more expensive than beer, which funny enough in Germany is cheaper than a bottle of water. And if you’re like me and have a tolerance of an 18-year old, then one drink you’ll start feeling good. After two, you’ll probably get a confidence boost and actually think your German is good enough to strike up a conservation with the locals.

Cherry Beer
If you love a nice-cold Radler, then you’d probably enjoy it’s sister, the cherry-flavored beer. The stand sits on the north bank of Maschee amidst posh lounges and cheap beer stalls. It’s not overly sweet and certainly spices life up a bit.
Picture
Picture
The Bittersüss Bio Mushroom & Potato Stand
This mushroom stand changed my life. I was never a huge fan of mushrooms until I tried the mushrooms without the quark sauce. These shrooms made me fall in love with European cooking because they make something taste so delicious without it being a complicated recipe. Lightly cooked in olive oil with salt and pepper, it’s a clear testament that less is more. Simple is delicious. Bittersüss is also a small health food store in the Sudstadt neighborhood. Look for the stand on the east bank.
Picture
Hiller’s & The Loving Hut
On the east bank you can find Hiller’s alongside The Loving Hut. Together, they serve up plenty of vegan options.  Pretty much anything and everything is worth trying. However, if the Loving Hut has their vegan schnitzel doner, don’t think twice and try it. It’s one of the best vegan sandwiches I’ve ever had. First, the "meat" is cooked with some tomato sauce and the vegan tzatziki sauce gives it a flavor that is something not commonly tasted at home - out of this world amazing. For a cheap meal, try the chickpea curry noodles. And the Hiller's seitan is phenomenal. If they have their crusted "steak" like they serve at the restaurant - its a must must must try!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Dutch Soft-Served Iced Cream
If you’re okay with eating dairy than you must a try a Dutch soft-served. These sweet memories remind me of childhood where we’d eat soft serve ice cream every day from the ice cream stand located down the road. Sometimes less is more and sticking to the basics of vanilla or chocolate is like a party in your mouth. Creamy, soft and sweet, nothing says summer like a face full of fluff. Look for the stand on the east bank.

Brezel
Oh what the heck, nothing soaks up a beer better than a nice brezel. I’ve found the brezels at the festival are on par to what you’d experience in Munich. Big, soft, salty and so damn good. You can find them everywhere, but try the north bank stands. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
There are so many things to eat and drink, it maybe impossible to try it all. From fried curly sweet potatoes to asian noodles, there's something for every vegetarian/vegan palate! 

Whatever you do and eat, savor the moment. The festival is wonderful and alot of handwork and dedication goes into building this "little city" on the lake. Cheers! 

Elizabeth Kovar - Author, Trainer, Traveler & Vegan Food Blogger

Promote Your Page Too
0 Comments

6 Markets for Cheap Eats & Veg Food in London

7/25/2016

4 Comments

 
Picture
Are you looking to shed a few pounds while in London? Although London is expensive, there are many markets that offer cheap eats found throughout the city. Don’t think you’ll just eat peas and creamed corn; England has greatly advanced its vegetarian culinary scene. From food trucks to market stalls, these are the six best places for cheap eats in London.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Camden Market
If you want to experience international cuisine hinted by the traditional 90’s British punk aura then head to Camden Town. The market stalls at Camden is a shopper’s paradise where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing shops. The Camden market stalls and locks offer plenty of international and vegetarian friendly food. It’s the best place to score a five-pound burrito or a plate of Asian food for under 10 quid. There are also several vegan and vegetarian restaurants just outside of the market.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Southbank Centre Market
Located near the London Eye and the Waterloo tube station, Southbank is the perfect place for a mid-afternoon snack or lunch. Featuring everything from pastries to sandwiches to mixed drinks, visitors can explore authentic British and international fare. The market operates Friday through Sunday and is crowded everyday. One major component is the use of local and sustainable ingredients. There is no shortage of vegetarian or vegan food. From juices to vegan “meat” puff pastries, you can find something for every veg head. Besides Cambden, this is one of the best spots for vegan and vegetarian-friendly cuisine. 

Picture

Food Trucks along the Thames River
Okay, this one’s not really a market, but it sure seems like it as food trucks are as plentiful as street artists. In between the Jubilee Gardens and Waterloo Bridge, visitors can find a series of food trucks along the Thames River. Not far from Southbank Centre Market, this is the perfect location for the mid-day lunch break along the most bustling boardwalk in town. Visitors can find everything from ice cream to taco to barbeque trucks. While eating, you can boat watch or dive into a used book sold by one of the many street vendors. I highly recommend the taco trucks.
 
Brixton Markets
Located in Brixton Village, this culinary market hosts a variety of international fare. From blood orange cake to Colombian rice and plantains, Brixton is the place where hipsters enjoy the diverse taste of life. You can find all sorts of tasty delights from Japan, Ethiopia and South America. On Saturdays, the market rotates a vintage, flea, craft and bakers market along with a farmers market on Sunday.
 
Broadway Market
Located in South Hackney, foodies head to this East London market to fulfill their mouthwatering taste buds. Here, the food vendors are serious about their ingredients to appease the hipster palate. Broadway is a mecca for all things culinary. Spices, Vietnamese coffee, organic veg burgers, cheese and freshly basked cupcakes - the choices are endless. Known for its chilled atmosphere, the market is outline by quaint cafes, music stores and small business fashion shops.
 
Maltby Street Market
This small but bustling weekend market is located nearby the Tower Bridge and Southwark. The biggest attractions include the Monty’s Deli sandwiches and St. John Bakery’s sourdough bread and fresh baked donuts. The market also includes the traditional produce, meat (sorry veggies L ) and cheese stalls. If you want the authentic European experience while saving money than buy a fresh-baked loaf with some English cheese and create an afternoon picnic on a nearby park bench.

What's your favorite market in London? Let me know! I'd love to check it out the next time I'm in London! Cheers!

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 6 Markets for Cheap Eats & Veg Food in London. 

​
Elizabeth Rae Kovar Crites

Create Your Badge
4 Comments

Hannover's 5 Notable Beach & Rooftop Bars

7/13/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Nothing says summer more than a beach or a rooftop bar. Rooftop and beach bars are the quintessential summer experience where sun, sand and sangrias unite. Plug your toes in the sand, relax to the groove of the music and get ready for the ultimate beach experience, away from the shore.  
 
Mid-sized Hannover features four beach-themed bars, two of which are also rooftop bars, perched on the top level of a parking garage. There is also another rooftop bar for those who enjoy a classy and metropolitan vibe.
 
The creative part of German culture is that they hold several events throughout the year where makeshift beach bars pop up around town (keep your eyes posted on Steintor).     
 
The beach bars are open during the warmer months, usually April through September. Some of the bars hold seasonal events or open sporadically during the Christmas season for “winter” festivals. Keep posted Facebook about seasonal openings and closures. But while the sun is out and the weather is (somewhat) dry, soak up as much sun as possible at these beloved beach-inspired and rooftop bars.


The Roof Garden
Picture
The Roof Garden was my home away from Old Town. This rooftop beach bar is a place to eat, drink, dance or relax. During the summer months, The Roof Gardens features “Sundance” where local and notable DJ’s spin the latest house and electronic music. There is a small cover charge (usually five euros) to enter during the dance events. They even host Winterdance and serve cups of steaming hot gluwein.
The bar is open rain or shine. The “inside” section stays covered while the beach area remains topless. Prices are moderate / standard.

Picture

Schöne Aussichten 360° 
Located a stone’s throw away from Old Town and markthalle, this beach club features some of the best views in the city. Of all the beach clubs, this one is the classiest. The bar attracts a mature crowd, some of which are dressed to the nines. Whether you want to lounge on a couch or in a modern “strandkorb,” there’s plenty of R&R to be had. This is the most expensive of the four beach clubs, but the mood, atmosphere and views are well worth it. 
Picture

Strandleben
Picture
This beloved Linden beach bar sits on a small makeshift beach where the leine (river) splits. Immersed between walls of graffiti, across the water is Faust and Mephisto, Hannover’s primo art and culture center. This tiny beach bar sits alongside a big grassy knoll where you’ll see locals relaxing on top of blankets. Strandleben is affordable and features the standard beer and well drinks. Feel free to dip your toes in the water or set sail on a kayak. It’s a perfect spot for watching the sunset over the trees in the distance. The bar is best accessible with a bike or a short walk from Limmerstrasse.   
Picture

Leibniz Lounge
Picture
Located near Leibniz University, what seems like a student-only bar actually attracts a mixed and mature crowd. The garden-like grounds features a beach area where you can kick back with a beer and plug your toes in the sand. If you feel nostalgic and need a taste of life as an American college student, pay the bar 11 euros to get a beer pong set. The student-friendly prices are unreal. From cheap bretzels to lattes, the Leibniz lounge has the best deals. During the winter, Leibniz transforms into the “Winter Lounge.” Part forest, part Jolly St. Nick Party tent, they serve plenty of mulled wine, hot apple cider and brats - on the cheap! This is one of my favorite spots in Hannover.
Picture

6 Sinne Sky Bar
Picture
If you want to discover one of the best views in town, head to the chic 6 Sinner Sky Bar. I have mixed feelings about this bar. The bar is no doubt chic, fancy and classy. It’s beautiful and I enjoyed my quiet Sunday mornings of writing while overlooking the views. I literally had the whole place to myself on some Sunday mornings.

​But, the part that turned me off was when the owner or manager, dressed in a suit and sunglasses (really not necessary at 9pm in the winter), caressed every young 20-year-old waitress with his hand on their low back, some low enough to glide his hand across his rear. That stuff bothers me because young girls can get themselves in sticky situations and don’t know how to express that it makes them feel uncomfortable. Besides the semi misogynistic boss, the place is great. The prices reflect the atmosphere; it’s more expensive than the standard bar.
 
Picture
What's your favorite beach or rooftop bar in Hannover?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Hannover's 5 Notable Beach & Rooftop Bars.

​Get a Lemon every now and then....
0 Comments

Messages from the Roses: A Summer Love Affair with Hannover

7/6/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
 
The summer solstice brings the best out in man. It’s the time when the light hits its peak and everything and everyone comes alive, energetic to live a life with purpose.
 
Summer in Germany is short, but that doesn’t mean it’s not special.  To me, biking around Hannover was a quasi-spiritual experience. On the sunny days, I pedaled the flat pathways and watched Hannover bloom into one of the most magical cities I’ve ever spent time in. Nature is just footsteps away from every Hannoverian home.
 
But to me, these spiritual messages came from the roses. Germany, like most of Europe, is fond of flowers and roses bloom, blossom and bud across the city. And there was no shortage of roses in my neighborhood, Altstadt.
 
Patches of red roses ascended along the historic brick buildings, just like a grapevine. I began to have this “thing” with Hannover. I did not know how to explain it. And this “thing” certainly ignited as the sun entered the summer solstice.
 
Roses have been symbolic to mankind since the ancient times. The rose blooms with intricate layers that symbolize how spiritual wisdom unfolds in people’s lives. Mystics believe that roses have powerful energy fields that awaken a connection with God, angels or the universe.
 
In ancient times, the rose symbolized eternal love, love stories and how Gods interacted with each other and human beings. From a Christian viewpoint, roses are the reminder of the Garden of Eden, a paradise in a world that reflected God’s design before sin corrupted it.
 
After hours of staring at roses, biking through alleys lined with roses and taking time to stop and smell the roses, I realized this “thing” with Hannover.

It was a love affair, an innocent and unadulterated love affair with the purity and beauty of Hannover. No matter if I was in Berlin, Bremen or Hannover, every red rose, which symbolized love, reminded me of how special Hannover and its history is.
 
The roses taught me to be appreciative and thankful for everything in my life, especially the chance the experience life in Hannover.
 
Every bike ride felt as if I were as free as a bird and as powerful as an angel. A guider of my own life, I felt free and spiritually fulfilled as I meandered past Waterlooplatz in search of the next adventure. 
Picture
Where would my pedals take me today? I did not know. I let my heart guide me to the next place. But why is it that I became quasi-obsessed with Hannover?
 
To me, biking is meditation in motion. It’s the time where I plugin my ear buds and connect to my inner world. I do most of my thinking while on two wheels.
 
After countless miles of biking, I finally figured it out. Hannover was this gem, or a paradise that had yet to be an adulterer to the sweet fruits of modern day bullshit.
 
Sure, Hannover had corporate backereis and apothecaries, but life stood still to the good old days that embraced modern values.
 
Women rode bikes alone at 3:00am. Children played outdoors and weren’t shoved in front an Ipad. People sat in peace while sipping on a latte or enjoying a bowl of ice cream that was the size of my head. Women could do dancing without getting harassed by men. People stripped off their clothes and jumped into a lake, or wore thongs at a pool and didn't get snickered at (or kicked out for indecency). Men and women enjoyed alcohol in the park while maintaining personal control. People actually had conversations at a restaurant and were not glued to their iPhone. Life was beautiful. Life was open and free. 
 
Life in Hannover was the quintessential German experience and the way western life should be. I fell deeply in love because I lost all those experiences in America and saw other parts of the world change.
 
I saw how bureaucrats (on both sides) filtered the American mind with violence and consumerism while shoving pills down everyone’s throat. They produced violent, malicious and robotic drones all for the sake of keeping everyone poor, mind-numbed and dependent.
 
The second time I moved back to Australia, I saw how it became more Americanized and since the Gold Coast became a primo party destination there were more crimes with many against women. The New Worlds are a global mix where history has been wiped away and rebuilt with modern high-rise buildings and glittering storefronts.

Somehow, Hannover was stuck in this time machine, locked in a bubble of the good old days. Still clinging on to whatever purity it had, I loved every ounce of it.
 
I did not know where I was going with my thoughts but each ride I found a secret place to park my bike and just be free with the roses. 
 
Red, white, pink, yellow – each and every rose had a message. It told me to appreciate and discover Hannover’s history, especially with its British roots. Somehow it was ironic I ended up in Hannover. I feel that part of my quest in this life is to connect the dots. The same King of Hannover, King George III, also waged war on the American Colonies. Life as an American would’ve looked completely different if the Brits had won.
 
But, every message has its pluses and minuses. The rose, along with the German personality, retaught me toughness something I lost after leaving Cleveland. Toughness is not about being an asshole, but rather conquering/rising above our weaknesses/problems. 

Toward the end of summer, I became sad. I was partly sad because I knew this experience was soon to end. I also became sad, as I knew internally the world was shifting in an unpredictable way. I felt as if I were exploring the last bit of healthy humanity that existed on this planet. It's the quality of life that every back-breaking, emotionally-exhausted American dreams of (or once remembers) - a safe and beautiful place where you can leave your front door unlocked. 

I often study the stars. The stars told me to appreciate what I have because one day it could be gone. I couldn’t help but be thankful for this "diamond in the rough." Sadly, like everything,  even the most precious gems will one day change.   
 
During one sweaty bike ride, my legs became “jello” while conquering the “mountain” in Hannover. I locked my bike and walked through a quiet area around the Lindenberg.
 
The roses were drenched in the morning’s dew. I gazed at a dewdrop that sparkled underneath the partly cloudy sky. I went to touch the petal and the droplet fell into the earth.
 
Like the summer sun, I understood the lesson in that moment. The cycle of life and nature is in the hands of the universe. Something as pure as a dewdrop may fall into the earth, but it may not necessarily die. It will be recycled and rebirthed into something magical.
 
At that point, I did not understand the message, but regardless, the roses showed me the reality and honest truth of nature and life. The drip of the dewdrop symbolized the beauty of Germany and its culture. These people lived through decades of a dark and bleak past, which arose to something better and more beautiful than their history (and the still life that no longer exists in the States.)

Nothing can change the past, but we can control our future. Polar opposites always exist. Good and bad, hot and cold, yin and yang, Germany found its way out of the dark and into the light.   
 
Although I felt incomplete, like I did with Australia (which is why I went back a second time) I somehow knew I would return to Hannover. Where, when and why was beyond my understanding. But, life like nature can be unpredictable (and cruel) just like it is wonderful and beautiful.

In that moment, I could only enjoy the beautiful surroundings and roses and thank Hannover for everything the city and its people gave me.
 
I knew I had to return to America and with hope and the will to strengthen my inner-seed, I hoped that one day I would return to Hannover.
 

Get a Lemon Every Now and Then....
0 Comments

    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

    Picture
    Follow
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    January 2023
    August 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    Categories

    All
    Asia
    Austria
    Bali
    Camino De Santiago
    Canada
    Czech Republic
    Denmark
    England
    Estonia
    Europe
    Finland
    France
    Germany
    Greece
    Iceland
    India
    Italy
    Latvia
    Lithuania
    Mexico
    Netherlands
    Poland
    Portugal
    Scotland
    Spain
    Thailand
    Travel Photos
    Travel Shopping
    Travel Story
    Travel Tips
    USA
    Vegan Travel
    Vegan/Veg Food Travel

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Partners
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Photo Gallery
    • Photo Journey
  • Contact