Elke has lived in Berlin for nine years, with time out in Paris, New York and Malaysia. She learned to cook the old-fashioned way from her grandmother, and while she was a student worked in a small Paris restaurant, where she gained an insight into fine French cuisine. She loves to cook but also enjoys eating out and is always on the lookout for good food. She strikes a balance through sport and playing the piano.

Katrin does not lead any tours but she is responsible for everything running smoothly. In the office she’s the contact person for our customers, staff and partners. She has been in Berlin for two years, is already familiar with much of the city and feels at home here. When she’s not in the eat-the-world office, she enjoys photography and seeking out Berlin’s culinary delights. One of her favorite dishes is her mother’s homemade wedding soup.

Dieter has lived in Berlin for 22 years, with breaks in Sydney and Paris. His grandmother and mother come from Luxembourg and Lorraine respectively, so he loves French cooking and champagne. He is a passionate hobby cook and also enjoys Australian, Asian and German cuisine. Dieter is very open to new culinary experiences.  From roasted insects in the Australian Outback, bull’s testicles in Spain to raw fish in Tokyo long before the sushi craze, he’ll try anything rather than say no.

Helga has lived in Berlin for 24 years. Above everything else, she loves the way Berlin has so many different faces, is constantly changing, and has always something new to discover. She is very fond of Italian and Indian food, cooks creatively (at times) and experiments with original ideas for quiches and jams. She is also interested in culture, Berlin’s history and tales, is very active, juggles (unfortunately only occasionally now) and loves the summer.

Laura was born in Berlin and loves living in the capital.  What she likes best about Berlin is that it has something for everyone, both culinarily and culturally.  Her favorites are Italian and Mexican.  Laura came to know and love Mexican food during her time in San Diego, California, where she spent a year with a host family. There, she discovered classic American temptations for the first time, such as chocolate chip cookies, double fudge brownies and banana nut muffins, which she then ‘worked off’ by inline skating along the Pacific coast. Laura’s love of cooking and good food has come from her family: her uncle owns a famous fresh fish shop on Usedom, which she loves visiting in summer for the freshly-caught Baltic zander with fried potatoes.

Mariam always has a suitcase in Berlin. The city has been her adopted home for twenty years and she loves it like no other. Her other big love is travelling, closely followed by food. That's the reason she enthusiastically tasted her way through the food of the world. While travelling, she went to Bombay’s magnificent Café Leopold, where she sipped on an old Monk and finally began to record her culinary discoveries in her short stories.

Nicole has lived in Berlin for ten years, apart from taking time out in Montpellier and Hamburg. What she loves about Berlin is its openness, sense of improvization and diversity. She loves wandering the city streets, hoping to discover something new. Nicole is passionate about eating out, and loves to try everything, from Arabian and Indian through to Portuguese. Since her last trip to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Nicole has fallen in love with Brazilian food. Whenever she feels like bringing a taste of Brazil to Berlin, she goes to Linda at the Saturday Maibachufer Market. Linda comes from Brazil and cooks dishes from her homeland.  Nicole recommends the feijoada, a black bean stew with meat and rice. For dessert, there is one that has its origins with the indigenous peoples of Brazil: cural de milho, a maize pudding made with milk and cinnamon. Bon appétit! When she’s not wandering or feasting, Nicole enjoys reading, especially Mexican literature, and watching independent films on the big screen.

Jörn comes from the ‘Waterkant’ (coast) of Lower Saxony, and as a genuine Frisian, is a huge fan of gruenkohl (green cabbage), turnips and other traditional stews. However, he found that the north German region didn’t have much more to offer, making his amazement when he moved to Kreuzberg in 2004 all the greater, where he’s been enjoying the colorful food scene ever since. On trips to Thailand, Africa and across half of Europe, his palate has experienced the most diverse tastes and returned a very clear verdict: diversity is key! In his spare time, Jörg shoots hoops for a Kreuzberg basketball team and also plays in various bands. He also knows his stuff at night too, working as a barman in Kreuzberg.

Bärbel is a born and bred Berliner, growing up in Tempelhof and staying faithful to the southwest area of the city. Mother to three grown-up children, and now a grandmother too, she also holds a degree in Public Administration. In her spare time, Bärbel likes to read. Otherwise, you'll find her Nordic walking or out on her bike. Her favorite pastimes, however, are travel and handicrafts. She is continually amazed at how her home city has changed, but also at how many beautiful corners are still waiting to be discovered.  

Andreas has lived in Cologne since 1987. This journalist has also spent time living in Hamburg and San Francisco, along with several years in Rio de Janeiro, where he trained as a therapeutic masseur. He combines this with his work as a shamanic guide. However, he is always drawn back to the metropole on the Rhine. What Andreas loves about Cologne is the carnival, the CSD (a sort of summer carnival), the open Rhine way of life, Cologne’s ‘kiosk culture’ and the fact that the city is very accessible, despite having a million inhabitants. The passionate cyclist lives in the heart of the city and loves both eating out and cooking for friends.

Sarah Lee was born in Hamburg, lived from time to time both there and in Boston but has been back in Hamburg for four years now. Her great-grandparents actually had a guesthouse in Fredeburg, where her grandmother and mother helped out. "Sarah Lee" is a major food brand in America, which is like being called "Dr.Oetker" in Germany. She is also passionate about baking (wedding cakes too), and devises recipes such as a white Russian cheesecake. In addition, Sarah Lee meets friends in St. Pauli, reads contemporary American literature and enjoys watching films with original sound and accompanied by a bag of salted popcorn. Her favorite food is freshly baked bread with butter.   

Peter

Kathrin was born in the Hansa City of Lübeck, but has lived in Hamburg for twenty years.  Before joining eat-the-world, Kathrin spent ten years flying around the world as a flight attendant, living for a year in Washington D.C. She loves Hamburg’s culinary diversity, accompanied by a glass of good white wine. In her spare time, she tends her vegetable garden and goes to yoga classes. 

Claudia finally settled in Hamburg after many stop-offs along the way, including the Canary Islands.  The atmosphere found in the cosmopolitan port city well suits her passion for foreign countries, people and food.  Africa, with its great diversity, has left a particular impression on her.  Claudia’s huge passion for hospitality and indulgence led her to eat-the-world.  She loves trying out new things, as well as sharing her culinary discoveries with others. 

Ina is not actually a born and bred Hamburg lass, but has been spending her time in the beautiful and inspiring areas of Hamburg since she was young. Since moving to Altona, however, her enthusiasm has only grown. Ina loves eating her way through the various nations, never skipping dessert. Sometimes she enjoys the confusion as people fight over the sunny spots, but at other times she likes the quiet places, where she can listen to the waves and the harbor, which can never get tiresome.        

Oliver – a journalist and married with a young daughter, comes from a little place on the Lower Rhine and has lived in Hamburg since 1999, following stays in Düsseldorf and San Francisco. What? He moved to the big city? Well, yes, but in a way he still stayed in touch with village life – for the wonderful Ottensen gets much of its charm from its village past. Its proximity to the Elbe and the port, along with its lively cultural diversity and exciting food scene, make this locality in the heart of the city unique. Oliver loves eating at authentic Turkish fast food restaurants, imagining he were in Istanbul, before going to a few places and feasting on a Swiss cheese fondue. 

Helga Friederike was born in Frisia but has been living in Hamburg for fifteen years. She is very enthusiastic about her chosen home, especially Ottensen. What she loves about this extremely tolerant and lively part of the city is that it simply has so much to offer. She finds the area near the Elbe particularly beautiful, as she is a passionate sailor and the river is an exciting place to sail. Otherwise, Helga enjoys Hamburg’s cultural diversity and likes to go jogging, always discovering something new in the city, preferably when out and about on her bicycle. Her culinary voyages take her from pasta through to Asian specialities, delicious fish to regional delicacies. Quite simply, anything goes, best of all with friends and family.

Peter Johann is a native from Hostein with Danish roots. He has lived in Hamburg since 1976, loves the Alstertal and recommends canal trips to see the most beautiful parts of his city. He has explored Hamburg by running and cycling, but there is still more to discover - no wonder, with an area that extends 52 km from east to west. He cherishes original Italian pasta dishes and the incredible diversity of Chinese cuisine. His favorite is cooking risotto with the best ingredients of stir fried vegetables on udon noodles with shrimp. His favorite holiday spot is Menorca in September, where he likes to enjoy tapas in the picturesque port of Ciutadella.

Ina is a 1975 vintage, born-and-bred, liberal-minded Saxony girl who loves travelling around her home turf - with hiking shoes and rucksack, motorbike and tent, that’s how she likes it best. She first became involved with eat-the-world last year, an experience that so infected her that she decided to bring eat-the-world to Leipzig. This actually has nothing at all to do with her previous line of work, but very much to do with her lifestyle and love of culinary treats, which have to be homemade and lovingly-prepared. This philosophy she took from her grandmother, and has been practiced in her family since time immemorial.  Ina particularly likes her sports, whether it’s in her climbing boots or beach volleyball, in running shoes or on the yoga mat, nowadays often accompanied by her six year old daughter. 

Nicole was born in Leipzig and, after finishing school, wound up first in Boston and then ended up studying in Görlitz and Dresden, before finally returning to Leipzig. In her spare time, Nicole often goes cycling or inline skating, while she also likes reading and going to concerts.She takes great pleasure from cooking - along with her largely improvised dishes, for which she finds inspiration from Leipzig’s restaurants, you’ll also often find a traditional family recipe in her cooking pot. She likes Leipzig for its liveliness and diversity, and because there’s always something new to discover.

Susann grew up in a small town in the Spreewald area, but has lived in Leipzig for ten years now. She read Cultural Studies at university and now works in the ‘Freie Szene’, always on the lookout for new cultural and culinary gems, which can always be found in Leipzig. During her time at university, Susann spent a year in Lyons, where she developed a penchant for French delicacies.

Maria is a native of Leipzig, to where she was persuaded to return after spending some time in Frankfurt am Main. She loves the unusual and going off the beaten track, culinarily too, of course. Above all else she likes to cook and experiment. She spends most of her spare time with her friends, and also enjoys a barbecue in one of the city’s many parks, or at the lake – its greenery is what inspires her most about her city. Maria also loves her cat, and the view that can be had from the Uni-Riese building.

Susanne is a Berliner by birth, but studied Theatre Studies in Leipzig, where she returned after many years of making a living as a freelance in both the East and the West. Along with her son, her great love is still primarily the theatre, but she is interested in anything that makes life more exciting. On many trips around the world she discovered a passion for culinary experimentation, and enjoys drawing on Leipzig’s riches in this respect.

Dorothea originally hails from Bulgaria but is now a confirmed Saxon. As soon as her school days in Chemnitz ended, she went off into the great unknown: while studying Japanese Studies in Leipzig, she spent a year in Japan where, along with the people, the food appealed to her more than anything else. The Japanese invest a lot of time and money in their cuisine; it must always look good, and wherever you try it, whether it’s sushi, an omelette or a hot dog, it always tastes as if it were made by a top chef. Dorothea is especially fond of ‘otsumami’, where an evening beer is served with an accompaniment of treats such as steamed soya beans, grilled scallops or chicken skewers, with the plates placed in the middle, allowing you to try a little of everything. Just like with eat-the-world!

Caroline was born in Munich and has always lived there. She has a serious interest in art and culture and enjoys visiting museums and going to exhibitions, going to the theatre and opera as well as to concerts (mainly open air events such as at Brunnenhof der Residenz or classic concerts at Königsplatz or Odeonsplatz). Caroline enjoys cooking for family and friends, including trying out new recipes, and she places great value on a balanced and nutritious diet. She likes going out and also eating out. She prefers the smaller and more traditional restaurants and bars with a cozy atmosphere and individual cooking, especially when she knows the owner personally.

Simone grew up in the area around Munich and has lived in the city for 14 years. She is mother to Amelie and Niklas and at the moment cooks mainly whatever is quick, preferably pasta in all its varieties. For her friends there is sometimes fish cooked in salt and a nice glass of wine too. When she has the time, she goes to the mountains, seeks out a breeze for windsurfing and also enjoys going to museums and the theatre.

Ines was born in Franconia, but has lived in Munich for two years after first spending several years in Italy. Ines has a wealth of experience in the areas of tourism and catering, earning a Master’s degree from the ‘Slow Food University’ in Parma. She has also worked for an online firm selling fine foods and delicacies. Ines has twice worked as an au-pair, in Houston and in Florence. Most of all, Ines likes eating in little restaurants that offer a small selection of daily dishes. In her free time, she loves cycling around Munich and the surrounding area, while she is also very fond of cooking and baking.

Judith was born in Nuremberg. A qualified software developer, she has lived in Munich for 39 years. As the mother of two grown-up children, and a freelance IT trainer, she now has the opportunity to explore the world, from Arabia to Europe, the US to South America. In her spare time, when she’s not busy globetrotting, Judith likes to take advantage of Munich’s cultural offerings, including going to the opera and the theatre and visiting exhibitions. She also regularly enjoys putting on her dancing shoes. Her culinary preference is Asian cuisine, and she is currently in the process of setting up a group with the aim of trying out a different restaurant each week. 

Raffaela was born in Munich and has lived in Schwabing for 15 years. She went to tourism school and has been on many trips around the world funded by her job in catering, but always ends up back in beautiful Munich. She especially loves the city in summer when you can relax in the beer gardens and explore the countryside by bike or on foot. Above all else she likes eating typical, hearty Bavarian food, although she has also taken a fancy to Italian and Thai cuisine.

Katharina was born in Munich and grew up both in the city and the local area. She spent several years in Asia and North America, getting to know a variety of cultures on different continents. For a few years now she has lived with her family in Munich and loves the city and its great diversity. She takes great delight in introducing people to her home city. Katharina treasures its proximity to the lakes and mountains just as much as the opportunities to cycle around the city and the surrounding area. She is a willing host and spoils her friends and family with international dishes. When travelling, Katharina loves exploring towns and cities away from the tourist trails, major chains and fast food outlets. 

Andrea was born in Coburg, but following an extended stay abroad in Barcelona, has now been living in Munich for eighteen years. She loves to cook well-balanced food with variety, making use of any recipe she can lay her hands on from around the world. Above all, she has a penchant for starters and desserts. She also loves all things sweet and chocolatey. Andrea balances this out with sporty activities such as Zumba and body styling. She also sings in a gospel choir, enjoys reading and travels regularly.

As a native Rhinelander, Maren ended up studying at Münster, where she has lived for more than 30 years and gotten to know and love Münster, including its people. She has been a tour guide since 2005, and was immediately taken by the idea of showing tourists and visitors, and even the Münsteraners, another side to the city. In her spare time, Maren enjoys cookery, socializing, meeting up with her friends to cook together, and reading. Her favorite food is Mediterranean, especially Italian, although there is very little she doesn’t like and she loves trying something new. Maren also enjoys cycling - a must for any Münsteraner - and likes to spend her free time on the North Sea island of Juist. 

Stephanie is Münster born and bred and, after leaving school, was unable to tear herself away from the ‘most liveable city in the world.’  She studied teaching at the University of Münster, and now lives in the Aasee area with her two daughters, Julia (13) and Anna (10), and their dog, Emma.  Her passion for culture came at an early age from her father.  She also places great value on culinary delights, whether in Münster’s restaurants, or cooking at home with friends.  Above all else, Stephanie enjoys Westphalian, Italian and Asian food.  When she’s not cooking, you’ll often find Steffi out in the garden, enjoying her sports or travelling, while foreign cultures, traditions and languages really set her pulse racing.   

Eva grew up in a small village in Münsterland and studied Art History in Münster.  After time spent living in Düsseldorf, Paris and Bremen, she found her way back to Münster eight years ago.  Raised on authentic Westphalian food and with a passion for cooking, today Eva is particularly fond of simple French country cooking, along with Asian foods and spices.  She regularly tries out new and traditional dishes with friends, while a good glass of wine tends to make the time fly. Today, Eva works as a fashion designer, and likes going to the cinema and visiting museums, as well as enjoying Münster’s culinary and cultural diversity.

Klaus was born in Münster, and as a result will always have one foot firmly planted in his home city. His other, however, pulls him as often as it can out into the wider world through his job as a travel agent, preferably to America and Asia, where he takes an interest in the land, the people and, above all else, the food. He loves to combine cooking ideas from around the world at home for a culinarily hot evening grill with friends. Along with music (Klaus plays guitar and drums), he enjoys spending time on the golf course, as he is largely responsible for the golf travel section of one of Germany’s largest travel agencies. As a typical native of Münster, he is usually out and about on his ‘leeze’ (bike), always discovering something new in his home city. As a lover of fun, Klaus loves the market, the Aasee lake, and Münster’s diverse pubs and restaurants – an enthusiasm he is more than happy to share. 

Lisa spent most of her childhood in a small village in Muensterland. As a child, her grandfather taught her history while her grandmother prepared authentic home cooking in the kitchen – a scene that still shapes her today.  As a result, she ended up studying History and Philosophy at the University of Münster. Although her cooking never tastes as good as how her Grandma made it, Lisa has discovered many alternative types of hearty fare and expanded her tastes to include the art of Italian and Spanish cooking. In her spare time, Lisa likes to hang out at Münster’s harbor, where she can enjoy the food and ambience over an excellent meal or a simple glass of wine.

Falk is a genuine Saxon and native of Dresden. During his professional development, he continually came into contact with fine food and culinary art. As a qualified wine-grower, Falk has experienced everything from growing grapes to the aromatic wine in the glass. Later, he began tasting teas from around the world and selecting them for the market. A few years ago, under his guidance, he breathed new life into a Dresden gourmet exhibition. In his spare time, Falk loves to reinvigorate himself by going on extended walks together with his wife. Whenever time allows, he likes to cook and chat with friends over ‘literary appetizers’ or on ‘Friday evenings around the kitchen table’.

Andreas has lived in Cologne since 1987. This journalist has also spent time living in Hamburg and San Francisco, along with several years in Rio de Janeiro, where he trained as a therapeutic masseur. He combines this with his work as a shamanic guide. However, he is always drawn back to the metropole on the Rhine. What Andreas loves about Cologne is the carnival, the CSD (a sort of summer carnival), the open Rhine way of life, Cologne’s ‘kiosk culture’ and the fact that the city is very accessible, despite having a million inhabitants. The passionate cyclist lives in the heart of the city and loves both eating out and cooking for friends.

Irini was born in Athens but has lived in Cologne as ‘Imi’ (as the locals would call her) for more than twenty years. Her days of studying Art History took her to Rome for a year, where she worked in the Vatican, among other places. Irini loves Cologne because its people are so open, while she is also a keen Jeck op Karneval (carnival reveller). Best of all, she likes to sit on the ‘Schäl Sick’ (the Deutz side of the Rhine) in the summer, with its views over the river, the Old Town and Cologne Cathedral. In the winter, she enjoys wandering around the city’s many Christmas markets.

Ute spent her childhood in Siebenbürgen, otherwise famously, or infamously, known as the home of Dracula, Transylvania. Ute claims she first heard about Dracula only when she moved to Germany at the age of thirteen. What she treasures most about her old homeland is the Transylvanian cooking culture, which is characterised by German-Austrian, Hungarian and Romanian influences. This multicultural aspect is also what Ute loves about Cologne, her choice of home for more than twenty years. Likewise, she never ceases to be amazed at the Cologne spirit, especially in Nippes, her ‘Veedel’ (district), which is typical for the city.