"Our irregular visits to the lunchtime in Cologne with our gourmet club (only two members led us this time to the Basilica of St. Gereon (Altstadt Nord). It had very good reviews on the Internet and also a positive mention in the Cologne city indicator. When booking by phone, I already learned that there is only a small card at noon. The guests from the area come from the offices and want to eat something quickly. But even the few offers you can add to a menu, I was assured. So I got two seats. Ambience From the “Christophstraße/Mediapark” stop there are just a few minutes walk. The weather was wonderful. The city is relatively empty. It was also a “bridge day”. Just next to the church is a small place where a hotel and restaurant are located. I sat down on a parking bench and looked at the place. It looked quite inconspicuous from the outside – in the summer, there will probably be kits outdoors. Then came my “competent” and we entered La Fonda. There were only a few places occupied and we could choose a table after the friendly welcome. I don't like the high tables and we didn't want to go to the higher floor either. So we sat on an open window overlooking Theke and the park. The bar area is well equipped with bottles. The cherry wood walls fall into the eye and the designer lamps and some “art works” (big pictures). The tables have a white table cloth. But the napkins are small, black and made of paper. Glasses and cutlery are easy to use. Overall, the restaurant was tastefully decorated to me. Cleanliness Everything was well maintained. Sanitary facilities are easy to reach. All necessary is available. I found that all parts that are usually made of white porcelain or ceramic were made of stainless steel. Service The young ladies and gentlemen were all friendly and polite. They took care of us without constantly appearing at the table. So for possible talks or short lunch right. The map(s) There were two small cards. On the one hand, the general offers and on the other hand the daily dishes with weekday and date stood. Overall, you could choose meat and fish dishes, but also vegan or vegetarian dishes as well as two desserts. The tasting food We chose an appetizer and a main dish from the daily offer and the monthly ticket. Lachstatar — 12,50 € marinated asparagus, herbal salad The Tatar was well tasted, a little more courage during seasoning I would also have found and tolerated well. The asparagus was divided into small pieces and processed pleasantly; I would have appreciated a little more. The salad was fresh and with a fine sauce. The plate told me. Steak Frites — 19,00 € Café de Paris Butter, herbal salad The meat was buttery and finely tasted with salt. ‘sous vide’ may have been prepared; because there were no roasted aromas, but very appealing meat aromas. The salad was in an extra vessel. The butter matched the meat, but was not exceptional in taste. The pommes were gently browned and slightly soft inside. So, actually, as prepared as I like her. Maybe I didn't really like it because the taste was a little fade. A decent plate with a delicious steak. Bucatini all’arrabbiata — 10,50 € Taggiasca Olives, Grana Padano (vegi The tube noodles were properly cooked and had light bites. The pasta sauce I found spicy but by no means sharp. Since it was vegetarian, I lack the aroma of bacon. The olives should therefore shape the dish. But the mild taste made food rather gentle. I would have liked more braided cheese – or just taste a piece with mill for myself. But I didn't have to taste it, my colleague had ordered the court and left me something to the cost. Beverages 57er water the robin hood of waters medium 0,75l – 6,50 € 57wasser became World Children's Day (on 20. September 2012 founded. The two founders wanted to support social actions. Therefore, the additional name “Robin Hood”. The effect: 57wasser donates 57% of the profit to projects. Good thing. The bottles look appealing and the water was fine. Heitlinger Pinot Gris Baden – 5,00 € In the glass aromas of ripe yellow fruits. Fresh and fruity on the palate, with balanced acidity. Loimer Kamptal Grüner Veltliner – 6,50 € The winemaker actually only does good things, so the entry wine was quite appealing. Fruity and pleasant acidity. Chateau Puygueraud (Cuvee from: 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec – 8,00 € The small estate is located in the no-man country of Bordeaux. Behind Saint Emillion, behind Montagne. Clean products come from here, although there are no 1 Grand Cru but they do not call up these prices. The wine showed what was in the Terroir of the Côtes de Francs. Sealed and complex with concentrated dark forest fruits, purist, classic. Espresso – 2.20 € Espresso Macchiato – 2.50 € Since there were only two classics (Creme brulee or pots with Rhabarber, we then wanted to change to a cafe and eat a dessert there. Conclusion Beautiful quiet location on the Basilica of St. Gereon in front of a square with shaded trees. Many places in the local area – so if it is full here, it will surely be very alive. We were there on a “bridge day” and it was not much going on, despite beautiful weather. 3 – if it results; but not discounted for further visits. The food was fine, it is served quickly. The drinks are appealing. In the evening, the map is more extensive and the dishes are more elaborately prepared. For a small round quite appealing, maybe something to “modern” and “laut” for a “funny” date. (1 – certainly not again, 2 – hardly again, 3 – if it turns out again, 4 – happy again, 5 – absolutely again – after “Kuechenreise” Date of visit: 31.05.2019 – midday – 2 people My pleasure experiences are also at [here link]"
