Berlin Street Food
So, the cat’s out of the bag: I’m opening a restaurant. I’m determined to bring Berlin Street Food, first to Ottawa, then to the rest of North America... because, go big or go home right? Plus, everyone has gotta taste this!
But, first things first: know what you don’t know. I, for instance, may know how to run a business, but I don’t know shit about running a kitchen. Nor do I have any reason to believe I’d be any good at it. Nor do I really want to, to be completely honest. Know your strengths — and — what you suck at.
So, when I had the crazy idea to bite into the food industry, I knew I shouldn’t try to do it alone. I could, and I would if left no other choice, but I knew my odds would be much better if I could only find the perfect partner. I was looking for someone who would compliment me—in the ‘makes up for what I suck at’ kinda way, not idle flattery... though that never hurts. Haha.
I was searching for someone who knows what to do when it comes to food (unlike me who mainly loves to eat it). With experience running a kitchen. Who really knows his shit. With an entrepreneurial mindset. Who is fucking awesome. And can handle my crazy ideas, big ass dreams, and my OCD. That’s not too much to ask, is it? Shouldn’t be too hard to find... (Yes, sarcasm).
Daniel knew a guy. He introduced us. We met. I knew right away: this was my guy. Luckily he loved the concept and was ready for a new challenge. He said yes! It’s still a secret though so I can’t tell you who. For now, let's just call him Chef.
He checked all the boxes. There was just one teeny tiny problem: Chef had never actually tried this German street food. Easy fix. That’s what Aeroplan points are for right? Time for a little trip to Germany’s street food capital — which happens to also be the actual capital. That’s Berlin in case you didn’t know.
Oh, and remember Matt and Brooke — my power couple sidekicks from XPR? Well, Brooke was crazy enough to want to follow me into yet another one of my adventures, so they came along as well. Brooke’s ability to handle whatever I throw at her is always invaluable.
So anyway, we land in Berlin, check-in, and don’t waste any time — we had serious work to do! Besides, they were all dying to finally try this mysterious food I couldn’t stop talking about. And I was dying to see their reactions. So we head to our first stop. We order. They take their first bite…
They love it! Woo! Though deep down I knew they would, it was still a relief. I’m not crazy! I loved seeing the surprise on their faces. The sounds of delight. They get it! They agreed it was unlike anything they’d ever had before. They were now 100% committed to helping me bring this across the ocean. They now fully understood the importance of our mission: to make it possible for you to taste this too.
Don’t get me wrong, this was no Eurotrip vacay. This was a serious research trip and I had a carefully laid action plan (one that may well have been confused with competitive eater training). The goal was to try 3 different spots per day — to taste test every type, variety, and combo possible.
The funny part is we all kept saying we should pace ourselves, not eat the whole thing every time so we didn’t get too full. Yet almost every time we couldn’t help ourselves, we wolfed it all down. Fortunately, Berlin is a massive sprawling city, so we walked many many miles between the various locations —all part of my plan to work up our appetite between each taste test.
We carefully analyzed each experience, meticulously dissecting every element: the bread, the meat, the vegetables, the sauce… We noted what we liked, didn’t like, and what we could do better. It was a hands-on, open-mouth, A/B eating test designed to optimize yumminess (technical term).
Now I know you’re probably starting to get pretty annoyed with me for stringing you along for so long. Sorry, not sorry? It’s kinda like we’re in stealth mode…! (and that’s how you know I come from the startup world).
Ok, how about a hint? It’s the #1 street food in Germany. And, it’s not a sausage. It actually overrules both bratwurst and currywurst in popularity. There, that’s two hints. You’re welcome.
Plus, since I’m feeling particularly nice today, here’s a glimpse…
Think you got it? Have you done your research? I promise I’ll tell you next time. I know, I know, I promised that last time. But I really mean it this time. Pinky swear?
PS If you still really don’t know by now, clearly you don’t follow me on Instagram… ;)
