Lifestyle briefs

May 12, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Ginger hype continues into the summer

Berlin (dpa) - No other exotic plant induces as much hype as ginger, which has long been used as a popular fragrant spice in cooking and is now adding a layer of flavour to this summer's cocktails.

'Nothing compares to the current ginger trend,' says dietary expert Heidrun Mittler. The combination of ginger with chocolate is well known but the root is now becoming more popular in diets thanks to its fat burning properties. 'Nearly every women's magazine is now advertising it,' she says. Ginger's popularity has now seen it appear on the shelf of virtually every discount store.

Gourmet meals at a height

Brussels (dpa) - The Cube restaurant at the top of the 43-metre-high arc at Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels will be offering a form of mobile cuisine until July.

Up to 18 guests can be seated in the restaurant, savouring fine dining created by several top cooks and enjoying superb views over the Belgian capital. The firm Electrolux is behind the idea and after Brussels the Cube restaurant travels across Italy, Russia, Switzerland and Sweden. (www.electrolux.co.uk/en-gb/cube)

Bed beside the pool

Berlin (dpa) - Visitors to Berlin can now spend the night at a swimming pool. The Prinzenbad in the Kreuzberg district is the most popular outdoor swimming pool in Berlin and has now installed 40 sleeping huts which tourists can rent out from 20 euros (30 dollars) per night. The huts are approximately seven square metres in size and renters have access to the facility's showers and toilets during the night. The first huts will be available from July 1 but bookings are already being taken.

Burlesque all the rage in Vienna

Vienna (dpa) - The Burlesque craze is sweeping Vienna at the moment with Bananas, Victory Rolls and Flapper Lips all the rage. Vintage styling workshops have been set up to help people recreate a 1920s look with students coming from all ages and social groups, according to workshop organizers. Students learn hair and make-up tips as well has how to best create individual burlesque outfits. (www.burlesque-vienna.at)

Vietnamese baguettes in Berlin

Berlin (dpa) - Berlin's fast food scene has long been dominated by Wurst stands and Doner Kebab shops. More recently, the city has seen a growth in Indian and Thai snacks, followed by a love of Vietnamese cuisine. The latest trend is Banh mi, a Franco-Vietnamese baguette crammed with marinaded meat, mayonnaise, coriander, lemongrass, basil and Asian vegetables and spices. The vegetarian version substitutes tofu for the meat.

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