There’s a chill in the air. Leaves are turning. After a hard morning of shopping (flowers, plants, wine, cheese), thoughts turn to a bright luncheon that fills the gaps, but doesn’t carry the weight of refined carbs and slabs of beef.
When we’re in Homburg, the choices are vast. For a smallish city, this one steps up a platform or two and caters to those who drive flashy convertibles and drape themselves in Italian wool and sheer silk. Well, at least the wives and significant others do. Can’t picture myself in silk, unless it’s tied in a Windsor and fits under a collar.
You can go Asian, with the flare of crunchy Thai or Vietnamese spring rolls, or polish off an elegant schnitzel in a cozy bier stube. Italian offers the options of lobster filled, hand-rolled ravioli, or stone oven pizza. But, one thing you’d best not overlook, especially on a chilly day in Homburg, is the heartwarming solace of fish soup.
Flatter’s fish restaurant is as trendy as they come, but not at all pricy. A big bowl of delicious, chunky, house-made fish soup will run you under ten bucks. You can also go smaller and cheaper. Flatter’s rendition reminds me of bouillabaisse, but not quite as heavy. Matter of fact I’d call Flatter’s version a redolent blend of fish and vegetable soup.
There are two dining rooms, as well as fresh air seating, and believe it or else, Germans often sit outside, even when the snow is falling and the wind is whistling. They will never have to fight me for an al fresco seat when the temp can’t make up it’s mind to simply numb your thoughts, or go for the whole body bone chill. Call me a wimp, but gloves and a scarf will never be necessary at my table.
Germans love the outdoors more than any people I know. In the dead of winter’s snows, I’ve seen ancient matriarchs pushing their walkers with sure, steady steps, as the drifts swirl. I’ve seen them from the comfort of the heated seats in my car, I might add.
When we’re at Flatter’s, we prefer to sit at a table in the sunny entry. Doesn’t sound warm, but with the open kitchen barely ten feet away, it is. Great view of passing pedestrians and the bustle of the city.
Inside, right by our table, the chef and sous-chef busy themselves, while clerks cater to clientele purchasing both fresh and prepared seafood. Yes, Flatter’s is also a tidy little fish market.
Back to fish soup. Lunch is an event in every European restaurant I’ve ever been to. None of this rush in and rush out. The feeling is, if you don’t have time to dine, don’t go.
The waitress approaches and takes our order. We go for a pleasant Pinot Blanc. Something to tickle the taste buds, but not overpower the delicate flavors of the sea. She comes back with wine, and afterwards with a basket of freshly cut baguette, and a dish of herbed mayo spread.
I can go either way with the spreads. Bread over here is spine-tingling delicious. The aroma wafts past the nostrils before you take a crunchy bite that ends with a smooth soft finish. It’s the way bread is supposed to be, and today it don’t need no stinking spread. My wife feels differently and of course, gentleman that I am, I simply snicker, without coming right out with a well justified criticism. One secret of marital bliss is to avoid eye contact when you snicker. Plausible denial.
We sit comfortably, sip, chew the bread, and watch pitiful shoppers brave the cold. Then, our soup arrives and our thoughts channel to the heavenly aroma and exquisite taste. Fish soup can be overpoweringly fishy, or so bland you wonder what you’re eating. Flotter’s fish soup is neither. It carries the breath of the sea, with an abundant taste that lets you know you’re eating fresh catch. Just spicy enough, and with the surrounding vegetable broth, the flavors accomplish all you’d hoped they would.
The soup comes with crunchy croutons and a slightly spicy cream sauce. Both add to the enjoyment!
We while away an hour or more, enjoying the wine, the atmosphere, and each other’s company, and chat about the things she wants to chat about. Another secret to marital bliss. Come on guys, put your mind in gear. As long as you’ve got a nice wine in front of you, you can do it! “Waitress, another over here, please!”
