"I prefer to eat mustard every day"

Local food guide Dirk Mews talks to us about Düsseldorf and the new digital food tour.

Dirk Mews has been guiding residents and visitors through the city for seven years. Sometimes as a night watchman, sometimes as a profound expert on the old town and Düsseldorf's city history. He currently invites you to take a stroll through the old town and across Carlsplatz. Virtually, and yet with samples. In this interview, Dirk tells us how this works and how he himself experiences the digital tour.

Dirk, could you briefly describe how the digital live tour "Discover Düsseldorf's delicacies" including tasting works?

Participants receive a package with typical Düsseldorf specialties in advance. The virtual tour starts with a welcome on the market square. From there, we set off on our tour based on the places where the delicacies are on offer.

Is there an opportunity for the audience to ask questions during the tour?

Yes, interaction is possible and desired. Participants are welcome to leave their microphones open during the tour and talk to me. 

What do you see as the biggest difference to "leading with people"?

As the time spent at the individual stops, such as the mustard museum or the Hinkel bakery, is much shorter without an audience, I have more time to talk about other aspects.

What do you enjoy most about digital leadership?

During the Corona period, you can clearly feel how happy people are that we are visiting their stores and advertising for them. Everyone is so friendly, even more so than usual.

I can explain more to people. Take the mustard museum, for example: my explanations are often lost in the store, as everyone immediately rushes to the test station and then no longer has an open ear. The distraction on site is different.

How does it feel for you to walk through the city with a camera but without a physical audience? Are there any reactions from passers-by?

One of the many Corona peculiarities: People smile when they see me walking through the city with my camera stick. It seems to me that they are happy that something is happening in terms of culture despite the lockdown.

What is your favorite specialty from the old town?

Mustard! Mustard is a daily food requirement for me. For me, there's nothing better than slathering a wholemeal sandwich with Gouda and ABB mustard. It's my favorite thing to do every night.

Which sights in the old town are not to be missed?

The beautiful Rhine panorama with the bridges. I think the view of the Rhine is the perfect combination of idyll and urban lifestyle. It always makes my heart beat faster.

Which restaurant in the old town will you visit first after the lockdown ends?

I'll be standing outside the Uerige with my best friends and drinking the lid off. I really miss the brewery atmosphere.

What do you particularly like about Düsseldorf?

Düsseldorf is a city that offers everything. We have a bit of everything, and all within a manageable framework. Even in the big city, a village character has been preserved.