Napoleon Bonaparte – Godfather

When it comes to food, Düsseldorf has much to offer. For this, thanks goes to, believe it or not, the Frenchman Napoleon Bonaparte who influenced the Rhinelander character through his occupation of the city which, in turn, became more sophisticated – as did the cooking. Sauerbraten alone still causes the occasional argument as many are convinced that it has to be prepared not from beef, but from – à la France – horsemeat, which may perhaps enrage horse fans, but which never really seemed to bother the Francophile-minded Rhine inhabitants. The roast is nowhere more delicious than on the Rhine – except perhaps in France, especially Paris. Some season the sauce with honey, a handful of raisins or pumpernickel crumbs.*

*Pumpernickel: Westphalian dark, slow-baked moist bread made from pre-soaked whole grains.