A kiss, when all is said, what is it?
… ‘Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.
– Edmond Rostand
| Cafe Knösel Haspelgasse 16 69117 Heidelberg Phone: 0049-6221-22345 Fax: 00496221-600160 http://www.cafek-hd.de/startseite.html |
Heidelberg is widely considered to be one of the most romantic cities in Germany. Its winding cobblestone streets, gingerbready-looking eaves and arches, its crumbling castle … just oh-so-quintessential, Grimm’s-fairy-tale German.
And if you’re looking for a dose of old-fashioned German romance, you simply must pay a visit to Heidelberg’s oldest café, Café Knösel.
Built in 1863 by pastry chef Fridolin Knösel, the café soon became a favorite hangout for respected citizens, university professors, students—as well as the young ladies of the Heidelberg finishing schools. Accompanied by their watchful governesses, the young ladies regularly visited the café … where they would undoubtedly attract the attentions of the university students.
But, since attentions of such wild, young, unmarried men were unspeakably untoward, the governesses kept even the most innocent flirtations under control. A fact which did not escape Fridolin Knösel, who was not only good-natured, but—like any true German—a romantic at heart.
And so, one day, he surprised his clientele with a particularly delicious chocolate pastry dubbed the “Student’s Kiss.” It wasn’t long before the university students were exchange “kisses” with the young ladies of the finishing school—right beneath the governesses’ watchful eyes!
Café Knösel is still standing today, and attracts visitors from all around the globe, including yours truly. But when I traipsed down the street to pay a visit, I discovered it had been closed for renovations.
Oh, my aching heart! I was sore disappointed—probably as much as the young ladies of the finishing school were when their governesses warded off the (uncouth!) gentlemen of the university. But fortunately, just down the street was a satellite shop selling Café Knösel’s famous Students’ Kisses, so I was able to load up on a little bit of chocolate romance for my trip back home.
If you’re looking for a good dose of schmaltz (and pick up souvenirs that just about everyone will like), I highly recommend stealing up a kiss or two to remember you trip to Heidelberg.
Figuratively, that is. They really aren’t that expensive. Pay for them so that you don’t spend your trip to Heidelberg in the Studentenkarzer (Student’s Prison).
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