I went to Germany and I fell in love with a handsome, well-built young king. I not only photographed (see the accompanying photo) but brought back his delicious memory. Here’s my true story. Once upon a time there lived a handsome young king. He built a fairy tale castle (in fact Walt Disney has immortalised his castle now). The sensitive young king loved music and art and built the most exquisite castles.

More than a hundred years ago he died under mysterious circumstances but his memory lives on. The young and sad and much misunderstood King Ludwig (Konig Ludwig) lives in the hearts of the Germans. And the most delicious part of it all is that the cheese and the beer that he enjoyed are still being made, to the same recipes and in greater demand than ever. I got a taste of both in the traditional Casa Schonegger housed in the seventeenth Century building in the charming small village of Steingarten. I not only sampled the exquisite full bodied beer cheese (you read that right) but also dishes made from it in the restaurant. Ever had a cheese soup?

It’s my first time too and I enjoy every tasty, hearty, creamy spoonful of it. Even a cheese dessert. It’s delightful to trip out in a “Cheese restaurant”.

I follow the King’s trail and visit his castle which towers above trees on the mountains. Of course I am familiar with it (having seen it again and again in the Walt Disney logo). And then I go across to the Alps in Austria where this cheese is made amid scenic beauty.

I meet Sebastian Demmel who explains that “Konig Ludwig Bierkase” (King Ludwig beer cheese) made by Schonegger Kase Alm Gmbh has won the Gold at the World Cheese Award 2006. Made from silo free raw milk from the Alps this Konig Ludwig cheese is the symbol of the highest quality. It is ripened and enriched with the Konig Ludwig dark beer. Extraordinary flavour !

What do you expect from an extraordinary king?

* Dr. P. Chandra Bose recently visited Theni district and found with some farmers davana oil (marikolundu oil). Those who are engaged in procuring it for use here or for export can contact him at 94441 10303 or email cbose@vsnl.com.

* Geetha from Ashok Nagar is taking orders for cakes, sweets, savouries, traditional Thirunelveli sweets for Christmas; bulk /company orders accepted. Door delivery in and around Ashok Nagar, Kodambakkam, Guindy and Virugambakkam. Ph: 2310256 or 94447 72531.

* Srimathi from Nesapakkam makes neivedyams such as chakkara pongal, puliodarai, sundal and other rice varieties. Ph: 43592457. She can also supply breakfast and lunch to offices and individuals.

* K.K Thrinath Kumar recommends fruit chips such as lotus seed chips, jack fruit chips, pineapple chips, and banana chips imported from Vietnam in the name of B Natural are available at Ajanthaa K.T.K Products, 12 Govindappa Naicken Street, near seven wells Market, ph: 25226244. They are also available at all major outlets such as Nilgiris, Team health shoppee, Yes Yes supermarket, Vijaya Shoppee, Amma Nana store, Santhosh supermarket etc.

* Saima wedding caterers arrange everything — mandapam booking, decorations, catering, video and photo coverage and transport — at a reasonable rate. Ph: 93819 87333.

* Senior citizen, C.N. Sankaran recommends Aksaya Caterers from Mylapore who supply evening meals (vegetarian) comprising chapattis and dal. Door delivery in Mylapore and Mandaveli. They can extend the service up to Raja Annamalaipuram and Nandanam for monthly orders. Contact Balakrisnan at 24610199.

* Kumari Vijayan from Koyambedu can deliver home cooked food in the evening in and around Koyambedu. She can also take orders for chappatis with subji. Dishes such as avial can be supplied on request. Food for diabetics can also be supplied. Call 24794048 and 42660148 or mail vijayanchellappan@yahoo.co.in.

* Sai Krishna Foods, a pure vegetarian catering unit supplies meals (Rs. 30) in disposable boxes that are easy to carry. The combo meals consist of two variety rice, two chapattis with side dishes and chips. Serviettes and disposable spoons are also provided. The meals can be door delivered if the order is placed the previous day. Minimum order is one. Bulk supply of up to 500 boxes can be delivered in offices. The meal is also ideal for those who are travelling, school children and those going on a picnic. For orders and other details call Sai Krishna Foods at 24951598, 64619881, 65434472, 65434473 or 99406-65969.

* Jayashree Rajamani will be conducting chocolate making classes on December 8 and December 15 (10 a.m. till noon). Address: New No. 22, Maharaja Surya Road, near Venus Colony, Alwarpet, ph: 24350926 or 93807 08991.

* Venkatesan is starting an ice cream parlour and would like to get in touch with suppliers of ice cream toppings such as chocolate chips, sauces and syrups. Ph: 98404 76362.

* Vandana Tiwari would like to know if anyone can deliver breakfast and dinner everyday for two at Valsarvakkam. Ph: 99401 36543.

* Venkatesh and his wife Renuka from Valasaravakkam want homemade food delivered to their house. Ph: 97862 92934 or 97862 92935.

* Aarthi Gururajan would like to know if there are caterers who can home-deliver chappati and side dishes on a regular basis. She stays in Anna Nagar East near Chinthamani. Ph: 9884167160.

* Aashish wants dinner from Monday to Friday. Call 99426 60150 after 6 p.m.

* Sanjay from Anna Nagar would like to know of a restaurant or a caterer in Anna Nagar, Choolaimedu or Kilapauk. He wants hygienically-prepared lunch, dinner and breakfast (Andhra style). Ph: 98410 98626.

* Ravi from the U.S. is in Chennai for a couple of months and wants home cooked food (non-vegetarian preferred, but even vegetarian is okay) delivered everyday at his flat near the Kodambakkam railway station. Ph: 98406 93839.

* Dr. Manoj from Chrompet (First Main Road, New Colony) wants lunch and dinner for two everyday. Ph: 98400 39833.

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