I have a ritual while travelling. As soon I approach the next country/city I pick a 5 star hotel of my choice and join their breakfast buffet.

I am Chef and therefore interested what the so called completion is doing. But I am not visiting the competition, I am visiting colleagues, that’s how I see it. It is always interesting to see what other hotels are offering. I go inside with an open mind and see what I can adopt or even implement on my own buffet selection. There is always big room for inspiration.

Now, after many years of travelling the world and indulging in various American, Asian and Middle Eastern breakfast spreads it was time to visit a good old German hotel right in my home town Berlin.

In order to get the biggest bang for my buck I chose the Adlon Berlin. Let’s go whole hog!

It was a cold January morning without any snow. I arrived early at 6am as usual. I am an early bird anyway and like to be the first in line. This gives me the advantage that the breakfast buffet is still untouched and in order since not many people have arrived at this time in the morning yet. The right time to take plenty of pictures.

So I arrived at the lobby and went upstairs to the first floor. I was very warmly welcomed and brought to my table. I emphasize the word “warmly” here because we Germans and especially Berlin people are known for their early day grumpiness.