Sofitel Hotel in Central Berlin
Sofitel Hotel in Central Berlin

By Eileen Ogintz

BERLIN, Germany (Day 2) — Fried herring?  Perhaps some Tyrolean ham?

We’re having breakfast at the Sofitel in central Berlin (70 rooms and 22 suites) right on Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin’s historic square and site of one of its famous Christmas markets.

Certainly the hotel is very comfortable and centrally located. Certainly there is a fitness center (my daughter and son in law do yoga themselves), and a spa. Certainly the staff is very helpful. I love the little rubber duck that is in the bathroom to  welcome us!

Kids having fun in Gendarmenmarkt Square in Central Berlin
Kids having fun in Gendarmenmarkt Square in Central Berlin

But I admit what I like best is the breakfast buffet. I’ve love the chance to try foods that Berliners might typically have but I wouldn’t at home—several varieties of herring and smoked salmon, wraps made from the smoked fish, cheeses, pate,  salamis and an amazing assortment of breads—crusty whole grain, baguettes, croissants, pastries, local jams, fruit and yogurt.

Pickled herrings and smokes salmon at Sofitel Berlin breakfast buffet
Pickled herrings and smokes salmon at Sofitel Berlin breakfast buffet

Yes, there are omelets made to order, French toast, plenty of kinds of juice (cherry juice anyone?) but there is also the opportunity to expand your palate—especially for kids. Food can be a way into a foreign culture (perhaps that’s why food tours are increasingly popular) and breakfast  is an easy and safe way to do that. It’s not as if kids (or any of the picky eaters in the bunch) have to take a risk and order something they may not like (what do boiled sausages taste like anyway?)  Here, they can try a bite of one thing and a bite of another.

They might be surprised what they like. And there’ s always French toast to fall back on.