Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Currywurst, in Syracuse?

Anyone who is a regular visitor to my webpages will likely have noticed my affinity for the industrial haze of Germany's Ruhrgebiet, in particular the ubiquitous kiosks that are everywhere serving up news, sweets, other essentials, but most importantly things like currywurst mit pommes (fries) and mayo. Anyhow, before I digress too far while going for my haircut today I noticed a trailer with Walking Taco on the top and Currywurst below. I knew I just had to stop and try one, nevermind the pouring rain.  Ordered in German, the owner didn't skip a beat and it was delicious. No pommes (fries) and mayo though. :-( Will definitely be back, either there in Manlius next to Sno Top or at their other location in Paradise Market. The trailer is definitely the more authentic venue...

Walking Taco's Currywurst truck in Manlius, NY, next to Sno Top in the parking lot.
Eine glückliche Kundin!
The currywurst is said to originate in one of three places, the Ruhr, Hamburg, or Berlin. Franz Rogmans Walking Taco's is modeled on the Berlin variety  and served with a good roll even though he grew up next to the Ruhr. It is even namesake to a fair movie based on the novelle by Uwe Timm. Most famous of all is Herbert Grönemeyer's song of the same title. For those non-German speakers, the New York Times had a good article.

Our first batch with curryketchup made from scratch. Yes that's mayo on those fries!


Other links:

Anyway, I love this kind of food and ambiance, and have modeled at least one such kiosk on my layout in the form of Bochum's Bergbau-Grill (original and model below). Those that want their own should visit the page just linked to.

5 comments:

Jerry said...

I'm getting hungry! I love the kiosk model, you captured the look and feel perfectly!

Peter D. Verheyen said...

Lol! It was and will be going back... I can make my own currywurst, but the experience of eating on the street and getting it all over oneself is the special part. In terms of the model, you know it is available in "N" (link in my post) and could fit into a Japanese layout... You know, German expat lives in Japan and creates touch of home... ;-) I have one on my "N" modules and my wife has been suggesting making one in "Z"... ;-)

Jerry said...

That's really cool! I missed the link to the pdf...this is pretty cool! I just downloaded it and looking forward at trying my hands at this! I need to scour your website for more goodies like this!

Jerry said...

One more comment, I know what you're talking about with the experience of eating on the street....my favorite 'food experiences' when I travel is getting the fast, affordable, and something very special (like currywurst) from a kiosk that you can't typically find in other places.

Peter D. Verheyen said...

Very saddened to learn just now of the passing of Franz Rogmans who owned this wonderful currywurst trailer and took me back to Germany... Will think of him when I next make currywurst at home. Never the same as eating out of a paper tray on the street. My condolences to his family on their loss.