Eating in Europe can be as expensive as you want to make it, same as it can be in the US or Canada. Some people will tell you they can't find a decent restaurant meal for less than 25 dollars, others will eat happily for 10 dollars; these people will be doing the same in Europe. Notice we are not talking fine dining but at the same time we are not going hungry or thirsty and we can splurge occasionally on a good restaurant meal if we choose our spots. And go with the flow; drink wine in wine countries, drink beer in beer countries. Drink and eat the local stuff with local people in local bars, cafes or restaurants. Here are some ideas for the first time visitor to Europe to explore when the hunger pangs set in.

Germany is the place to be for the "meat and potatoes" crowd. In small towns 10 dollars will buy you a hearty meal with some kind of meat, perhaps the local Wurst and either potatoes, spatzle, or perhaps some sauerkraut which will be better than any you ever had at home. In the springtime, you will find many country inns (Gasthaus) in the western area of the Black Forest advertising their fresh asparagus and ham (spargel mit schinken) - an asparagus lover's dream come true. If you are near the Rhine or Mosel rivers, white wine is the drink, in Bavaria drink the beer. You'll find a brauhaus or a weinstube with no difficulty whatever in any city, in small towns look for the local Gasthaus.

In bus and train stations, look for the sign "Schnell Imbiss" for a fast food stand; try their version of a hot dog "W