Follow Benny in Cologne

If you watched the episode, I don’t know why you’re reading this.

Even my nearest and dearest will know that what I put forward in Cologne fell short of what I wanted to do on this show. Yes, I think asking locals for a constant stream of recommendations (or as I called it, You Sent Benny) is a fun idea. Tennis with knives instead of balls is also a fun idea but that doesn’t mean it won’t end in disaster. In case this paragraph hasn’t spoiled the episode for you, you should watch it now.

I’m not happy that I quit but at the time I was really riled up. It looks quite fun on camera because I tried to put on a brave face but in reality I was really angry and had lost a lot of motivation. Shifting moods and giving into emotional responses is something I’ve really been working on since I got back and without spoiling future episodes, it’s a mistake I’m glad I made early on.

Coffee Gang

Part owned by our Air BnB host Tim, Coffee Gang was the starting point of many days in Cologne.

We stayed in a sick AirBnb in Cologne with a beautiful rooftop balcony which is where we filmed the episode intro, as well as the intro to my ill-fated day. The apartment is owned by Tim who appears in the episode and also owns and runs the nearby cafe Coffee Gang.

Australians are picky about coffee, especially overseas but luckily for me, Tim lived in Melbourne for a few years and specifically opened Coffee Gang to bring Australian cafe culture to Cologne. Mission accomplished Tim. On my shooting day it was actually so warm that we had a delicious cold brew before Tim told us where to go next.

Brewery Paffgen

When I wasn’t being yelled at I was thoroughly enjoying this hunk of meat at Brewery Paffgen.

I cam to Cologne for kolsch. As a professional beer reviewer I’ve had many a kolsch over the years but never the exceedingly fresh type whipped into a fancy little glass right in front of you. Basically, never the real stuff. Part of that authenticity is the chance you might meet a rude kolsch waiter or as they’re known, Köbes.

Well, I did. I had been warned that they had a certain bravado but had not been clued into how you are expected, and even encouraged, to throw some cheek back at them. Things might have been different if I’d have known that and if I didn’t tip the guy a ridiculous five euro and he then wouldn’t even give me a tip of what to do next.

Food was great and it had a very local feel (loud footy boys etc) but you need to go to Paffgen prepared to deal with a middle aged hospo veteran taking his hate for the world out on you.

Zulpicher Strass

I’m not even sure I should be including Zulpicher Stass here.

Yeah look, in hindsight, I think I went much too far up the street. On our way back (when I’d given up) I think I saw a Zulphicer Strass station that I think was where we should have gotten off. That might have been more fun. Actually, I’m going to say it would have been because where I was ended up being a bit desolate. I did the best with the problem solving skills I had at the time and quit here, something I am dedicated to never doing again.

Now for an illegal entry!

Hausbrauerei Zum Schlussel

Ultimately, Katie had such a good day I doubt I could have beaten her without the rage quite but I’m glad that I ‘finished’ my day after judging.