I had intended for this week’s Tasty Tuesday to centre on the epicurean delights we encountered in Cologne while we were at Gamescom. A bit of a food diary. Truth is, beyond the beer and the occasionally excellent brezel, the food there is rather bland, uninteresting and awful. You can only eat so many currywurst or bratwurst before you start wanting to eat your own arms. And then it all changed.
We were invited one evening to a birthday dinner by one of the publishers, and frankly jumped at the chance to have a meal that didn’t cost us the earth. It was, frankly, a fantastic decision. We ended up at a little family-owned restaurant in Cologne called Ristorante Etrusca and the entire experience was akin to having angels orgasm in one’s mouth.
We didn’t even get a look at the menus, with the manager instead asking us what sort of things we’d like to eat. When he started rattling off the starters, my ears focused on scallops – a perpetual favourite of mine – and i was unable to even hear anything else he had to say.
Lightly grilled scallops, on a bed of beluga lentils, with light cream sauce, to be more precise. It was, frankly, magnificent. The scallops had a light outside crust, but were buttery soft on the inside, offering my knife zero resistance. Conversation came to halt, replaced instead by an echo of ooohs, ahhs and mmmms from the around the table. Everyone else was apparently enjoying their entrees as much as I was.
Before the main course arrived, we were treated to an amuse bouche; a small sample of a freshly made egg pasta in a garlic parmesan sauce, dusted with shaved truffles. What made this beyond magical is that it was prepared tableside, with the parmesan coming from a lightly hollowed wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Hot pasta and cream met in the concave indentation, slowly infusing them with the cheese’s unrepentant umami flavour. It was, frankly, heavenly – and one of the nicest things that I’ve ever put in my mouth. Given the option, I’d spend the remainder of my days gorging on the stuff, eating my way to an early grave. I’d not regret a thing.
My main course was a lightly crusted rack of lamb, lovingly nestled in a bed of wilted spinach, and accompanied by a rosemary infused jus. Perfectly rosé, succulent and juicy – with the rosemary never overpowering. It was perfect.
Though already stuffed, in situations such as these you have to try the dessert – which we all did, of course. I couldn’t decide between the panna cotta, or the crème brulee; two of my very favourite desserts. Luckily, I didn’t have to choose, with NAG’s Miklos and I opting to share, like a cosy set of lovebirds. Each was exquisite. The panna cotta was wibbly and wobbly, as it should be; subtly flavoured and speckled with vanilla. What stood out most about it though was how rich and flavourful the cream that went it to it was.
The brulee, likewise was delightful. A problem I often have with them is that the layer caramel a top the dessert is too thick, but that wasn’t a problem here. I wafer thin layer of burnt sugar topped a light custard base that could make angels sing. It made up for every other middling meal we had – and was, quite probably, the highlight of my entire Gamescom trip.
What was it we were talking about? Oh yes. Here’s the new we didn’t post today because goddamit I’m now starving.
In Other News: Ubisoft abandons Wii U’s mature audience (all two of them), Project Cars gets screened, Hotline Miami’s getting a bit leaky, and Gang Beasts are Double fine.
News
Double Fine is publishing multiplayer brawler Gang Beasts
New Project Cars screens want to take you for a ride
Don’t expect to see Assassin’s Creed on PS3 and Xbox 360 next year
Rollercoaster Tycoon screaming onto PC in 2015
Samus gets a new outfit in Super Smash Bros and oh boy
Ubisoft CEO says that Wii U owners don’t buy Assassin’s Creed
Take to the skies with the latest GTA Online update
Hotline Miami 2 footage leaks
Stuff
Which Diablo class is the best?
Performance Analysis – Metro Redux
Goldeneye glitches you may not know about
Videos
Ghost Of A Tale – Gamescom trailer
Mad Bullets – Launch trailer
NHL 15 – Gameplay trailer
What’s on at The Movies
Sharlto Copley and Michelle Forbes to leas the cast of Powers
You can’t get rid of this trailer for the Babadook
Animated short Henchmen to become a feature film
Director Patrick Hughes talks The Raid remake
Don’t expect Dr Strange to be an origin story
This trailer for Open Windows will do anything you ask
We Review Sex Tape – A “Raunchy Comedy” that skimps on the raunchiness and comedy
Header: Matthew’s mouth-watering mozzarella
Last Updated: August 19, 2014
Mossel
August 19, 2014 at 16:01
Now I can’t wait for summer!
http://hugelolcdn.com/i/303895.gif
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:05
Totally something I’d do. But then, I already have a gf. 😀
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:08
I do that to my “gf” on a regular basis…
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:11
Freak her out so that she slowly backs away from you? It’s a wonder you still HAVE a gf. 😉
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:12
HAHAHAHA
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:14
Well, truth be told she doesn’t know she’s my gf. Yet.
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:16
oh, really?
http://i.imgur.com/WR9tN.jpg
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:17
Well it also depends if you packed enough rope and roofies
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:18
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0oe2qtW5m1r08w8o.gif
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:19
Tried to make her smell my handkerchief one day. She ran away screaming and got a restraining order against me.
Do you think I approached her wrong?
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:20
Yeah, try from behind next time. Works like a charm. All the ladies fall for you that way. 😉
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:20
Heh, “fall”
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:22
Try opening with smell my finger, work your way up from there .
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:23
Well I’m seeing her tonight, so maybe. That depends on if she sees me first.
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:24
hehe
http://store.sho.com/imgcache/product/resized/000/537/307/catl/dexter-tonights-the-night-giclee-print_500.jpg?k=580b54ca&pid=537307&s=catl&sn=showtime
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 19, 2014 at 16:16
WIN!
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 19, 2014 at 16:09
WHY would you wear a speedo to the beach?
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:11
For teh lulz
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:12
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:12
That has to be one of the funniest gif’s I’ve seen!
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:16
There has to be a better way to ask for a sandwich
Spathi
August 19, 2014 at 16:03
Damn the food looks amazing! I live to eat and one of the main attractions about a holiday is the food and drink.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
August 19, 2014 at 16:05
I will dream of this food. I too, live to eat…as discussed before, food is my /other/ passion. Wanted to become a chef, actually – way before all of this new foodie culture nonsense.
If you ever do find yourself in Cologne though, give the place a go. As is the norm for the region, service is slow – and you could wait forever (which is the only reason this place doesnt have a Michelin star, I reckon)
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 19, 2014 at 16:06
Enough with the food Zoe, you’re such a hipster! Oh…. it was… it was you Geoff. O_o
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:07
You’re right o_0
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
August 19, 2014 at 16:08
Food is life, bro, 😛
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:08
And that food looks amazing OMG
Jac7
August 19, 2014 at 16:31
And quoting what he said, “one of the nicest things that I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
Anon A Mouse
August 19, 2014 at 16:10
As if I wasn’t hungry enough. Bastard Geoff is Bastardly…
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:18
I hope this doesn’t become a regular feature
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:11
CURSES!!!
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:11
DOUBLE CURSES!!!!!!!
hairyknees
August 19, 2014 at 16:12
T-T-T-TRIPLE CURSES!
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:12
ALL THE CURSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hairyknees
August 19, 2014 at 16:12
*courses 😀
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:13
Aye, don’t remind me
hairyknees
August 19, 2014 at 16:11
I don’t want to look at these pictures 🙁 they remind me of a time when the world wasn’t filled with filth such as McDonalds, and everything other than what is pictured above :'(
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 19, 2014 at 16:14
There, there…have some cabbage bredie. All better…
hairyknees
August 19, 2014 at 16:14
*Sob* thank you kind sir!
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:16
Give it to him RAW
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 19, 2014 at 19:09
Are we still talking about the bredie? O_o
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:16
Wait, isn’t that cannibalism?
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:16
“one of the nicest things I’ve put in my mouth”
All kinds of wrong with that Geoff!
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
August 19, 2014 at 16:17
All kinds of right.
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:17
Riiiight
😛
ToshZA
August 19, 2014 at 16:17
As it turns out, only one kind of “right”. That one. 😀
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:20
B=====D
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 19, 2014 at 16:21
Ag nee sies man spaffy
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:24
lol
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:32
I don’t believe that melts at all 0_o
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:33
I wouldn’t know o_0
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:37
Still a virgin eh? Don’t worry you will find the right person 😛
Spaffy
August 19, 2014 at 16:41
Do you really think so?
Maybe the restraining order is a misunderstanding 🙂 Yea, that’s it 🙂
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:42
LOL!
Anon A Mouse
August 19, 2014 at 16:24
Immediately went to “That’s what she said” after reading that.
Hammersteyn
August 19, 2014 at 16:36
I know there are issues with how women are portrayed in games but really, some things are just going to far. I mean look what they are doing to Samus. Where’s her space suit???
http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/279828-smash%20copy.jpg
Kensei Seraph
August 20, 2014 at 07:33
The aliens don’t always wait for you to suit up before attacking, especially if they’re led by a crazed intelligent lunatic.
Incidentally I recently came to control a small interstellar armada and was wondering where to invade next, any advice?
Weanerdog's phone
August 19, 2014 at 17:13
Is that Parma Ham on that ball of mozzarella in the header
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
August 19, 2014 at 17:41
Ok, now I’m hungry
Her Highness the Hipster
August 19, 2014 at 17:45
i’ve never had scallops as amazing as that. Also, following the awesome pasta, i gorged on swordfish and tiramisu. both were perfect in every way.
Maxiviper117
August 19, 2014 at 18:00
I’d rather go to Spur on a monday and go for their double burger special for 50 rands
Brian Murphy
August 19, 2014 at 18:43
Kensei Seraph
August 20, 2014 at 07:31
Since I haven’t eaten breakfast yet and the canteen isn’t going to open for at least another 30 minutes, Geoff you are an evil bastard and I hope that when you eat your arm you choke on it.
Admiral Chief Assassin
August 20, 2014 at 07:53
Looks pretty…generic
Hammersteyn
August 20, 2014 at 08:36
It looks easier than any Souls game in that you regain health during combat :/
Also the guns doesn’t even do any damage so what’s the use?
Miklós Szecsei
August 20, 2014 at 09:01
If anyone is interested, after sharing desserts, Geoff and I held hands on the taxi ride home.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
August 21, 2014 at 08:27
Smooches.