Michelin Coup Signals New Era of German Cuisine

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/michelin-stars-signal-new-era-of-german-cuisine-a-867191.html

Contemplate German food. It's a sea of brown and white characterized by meat and potatoes, sausage and bread, and cabbage that's been fermented until all the color has drained away. German cooking is often described with the rustic adjectives herzhaft and deftig, or "hearty" and "hefty." It's thought of as comfort food, not fine dining.
But in the last few years, at least as far as the haute cuisine kingmakers at the Michelin Guide are concerned, Germany has bucked this stereotype to become an anointed powerhouse of European gourmet cuisine. With the 2013 "Michelin Guide," unveiled at a ceremony last week in Berlin, the number of two-star restaurants in Germany has doubled in the last two years, from 18 to 36.

Poland's largest meteorite officially weighed

http://www.thenews.pl/1/9/Artykul/118651,Polands-largest-meteorite-officially-weighed

Geologists at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, western Poland, have been engaged in a painstaking cleaning process over the last fortnight, ultimately brushing off some 18 kg of debris.
“We're proud that we managed to clean it up, and from next Monday, the meteorite will be on display at the Earth Museum of our department,” enthused Professor Andrzej Muszynski, head of the research team, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
The 261 kg marvel was found on 8 October at Poznan's Morasko Meteorite Nature Reserve.

Portuguese protest ‘mourns’ Merkel as German chancellor makes pro-austerity visit

https://rt.com/news/portugal-protest-merkel-visit-532/

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting Portugal in a show of support for a recent series of austerity measures in the bailed-out eurozone state. Protesters gathered in Lisbon to denounce Germany’s decision to back the harsh reforms.

Dozens of peaceful demonstrators gathered outside the Palace of Belem in Lisbon on Monday, as the German chancellor met with Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva.

She also held talks with Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho and a conference attended by leading German and Portuguese corporations.

Russia cracks down on drunk air passengers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/9675659/Russia-cracks-down-on-drunk-air-passengers.html

The transport ministry said its proposal came as a result of airlines complaining about a rise in disruption caused by inebriated travellers.
[...]

Under the proposed changes, passengers will still be served limited alcoholic refreshments but will be unable to swig at will from their own supplies.

In draft amendments to Russia's Aviation Code published on its website, the transport ministry said duty free drinks bought either in airports or during flights should be handed over to air stewards

"In the interests of air safety, alcoholic products will be handed back to passengers at the end of the flight," it said

Belgium to issue stamps that taste of chocolate

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/belgium/9665001/Belgium-to-issue-stamps-that-taste-of-chocolate.html

In the wacky spirit of Road Dahl's eccentric candy-maker, the Belgian Post Office will play tribute to Belgium's chocolatiers with special stamps that will taste of chocolate when licked.

Recipients of the specially hallmarked letters or post cards will be able to enjoy the aroma of the candy celebrated on the postage stamps.

"With such stamps we prove our sense of modernity and innovation," said Johnny Thijs, the CEO of Bpost.