PTT Pick: Gerda's Dive Shop

Gerda's is a PTT pick - but not for what you might expect. I had a pair of Gucci Boots that ran me a pretty penny. But, after buying them, I realized the top of the boots were too wide - making my leg look funny even in boot cut jeans. So, I took the boots to Gerda and she reshaped the top. You see, Gerda makes shoes for handicap people in Munich. So, she's quite the shoe guru. Check her out if you need some leather work done on a pair of boots, shoes, etc.

Gerrda's Dive Shop
Schluderstrasse. 22
Munich 80634
Phone: 49 89 16 14 65
Email: info@gerdasdiveshop.de
Web: www.gerdasdiveshop.de/

PTT Picks: Cosmo Grill

Sometimes you just want a good burger. In Munich, if you're looking for the gourmet variety, check out Cosmo Grill. It's small. And I quite honestly don't see how they manage the lunch crowd. But their attention to detail, including tins that keep the burgers perfectly round while cooking, buns toasting on the side as fresh potato skins crisp on the grill, and the freshest ingredients to top the mile-high burger are reasons to withstand the eventual wait. But don't expect any value meals. It's pricey for hamburgers - on average 15 Euros per person. So save up your money for this delicious American food taken to the next level in Munich.

Maximilianstr. 10
Monday - Wednesday: 11:00-3:00
Thursday - Saturday: 11:00-6:00
Closed on Sunday
Tel: 089 89 05 96 96
Web: www.cosmogrill.de

PTT Picks: Selig

I've been told there isn't much to chose from in terms of a gay contemporary bar or lounge in Munich. Most of the bars fall closer to a casual drinking establishment. One bar that does get mentioned, however, is Selig.

Located in Isarvorstadt (near Sendlingor Tor), Selig is actually a bar/lounge/cafe. I'm not sure who eats there during the day as again, most people mention Selig for late night drinking activities. We stopped by one Saturday night and it was packed - which means walking around is quite difficult. Selig has to have one of the worst layouts in terms of a bar I've seen. Tables crowd the front. A bar jets out in the middle. So between the two, you try to shuffle across from one side to the other. We were fortunate to grab a table to the left of the bar - somewhat out of the way of the stampede. But it was the place to be.

Address: 3, Hans-Sachs-Strasse (Isarvorstadt)
U-Bahn: U1/2 Frauenhoferstrasse
Telephone: (089) 23898878
Website: www.einfachselig.de

PTT Picks: NY Club

From the pictures, it doesn't look half bad. And after going one Saturday night, I have to honestly say, "It's not half bad!" The music was current - though the mixing was a bit all over the board. But the club has an easy-going lounge area, somewhat open dance floor and even a dark room. Though, they should call it a dark hallway as that's what it truly is. But overall, again, I was pleasantly surprised with the club's vibe - no pretentious attitudes in the crowd. And unlike Paris and other European cities, the club actually gets going around midnight - no need to wait until 2 a.m.!

Address: 25, Sonnenstrasse (Sendlingor Tor)
Telephone: (089) 62232152
Website: www.ny-club.de (and it's in English)
mail: info@nyclub.de

PTT Picks: Leo's Sports Club

Leo's wins by default. It's not my favorite gym in the world (that title belongs to our old stomping grounds in Paris - L'Usine), but Leo's is one of the best in Munich. I hear that other facilities are trying to compete, but because they're a bit out of the way, again, Leo's wins because it's convenient.

If your visiting Munich, most likely you'll be working out in your hotel. But if you find yourself staying for a while, or even moving, then Leo's may be on your radar. Be sure to bring a towel for showering and hand towel to carry with you while you lift. Leo's has them available but they cost you. Showering gels and shampoos aren't provided either. And if you're into group showering, Leo's is the place for you.

The training staff is nice and pleasing to the eye. Leo's also has one of the largest free weight areas in Munich (as most don't consider it important). And if you're a model, apparently you get 50% off your membership!

Address: 11, Leopoldstrasse (Schwabing)
Telephone: (089) 38 38 99 0
Website: www.leos-sportsclub.de
Email: info@leos-sportsclub.de

PTT Picks: Lemar

Chris mentioned this restaurant to me a few months back when he visited Munich. He said it was delicious but smoky. So you can understand my trepidation when we made plans to return. In short, not only had they gone smoke-free the food was delicious. I don't know how I can explain what Afghan food is, but it has hints of Mexican? For an appetizer, we ordered the pumpkin marinated in honey and thyme. Wonderful. I then ordered what looked like dumplings filled with minced meat in a red and yogurt sauce (or sour cream). I didn't want to share. And did I mention it was smoke-free! So many reasons to return. We chatted with the host and said we'd be back for sure - and with more people to share in the goodness that is Lemar Afghan Restaurant and Lounge.

Brunnstrasse, 4
80331 Munich
Tel: 089 26 949 454
Website: www.lemar-restaurant.de

PTT Picks: Gay Oktoberfest Information

If you're on the hunt for information on "Gay Days" at Oktoberfest, this website details a few important bits of information including the beer tent and dates. Two important notes: (1) Gay Days at Oktoberfest (Octoberfest for you Americans) is Sunday, September 21. (2) If you don't have tickets (and probably you don't), then you need to arrive no later than 9 a.m. (and that's pushing it) as last year we arrived just after and had to wait for hours (that is until we snuck in around the back). If you want to try our trick, have somebody already indoors pass their bands to you through one of the exit doors. We threw a sweatshirt (with the bands hidden inside) over the crowd as they have security guards at each entrance. Sometimes you have to resort to creativity.