Asheville restaurateurs pamper your palate in Erwin

German Food, German Restaurants USA


Dear Readers, may I present to you Ms. Janis MacGregor and Mr. David Outar, a pair of restaurateurs from just over the hill in Asheville, North Carolina. MacGregor and Outar own and run Asheville’s Bavarian Restaurant and Biergarten on the north end of town at the Woodfin suburb. It is a popular place, being much frequented by customers from Tennessee, who were not shy about entreating the pair to open a new restaurant on this side of Sams Gap. Well, the pair looked at many different locations throughout the Tri-Cities before choosing 202 Union St. in the town of Erwin as the location of their restaurant and naming it the Pampered Palate Café

    One comment , , ,

    Hurrying Slowly: The Mosel in 22 Days

    German River Cruising

    In the small hours of a rainy night in Neumagen-Dhron, Germany, peering idly from our hotel window, I saw something that looked like a shadowy train, with an occasional lighted window, passing slowly and silently beyond a thin screen of trees lining the river. There are no train tracks by the river in Neumagen-Dhron, so I watched for a full minute, mystified, as the long apparition glided by and finally out of sight.
      Leave a comment , , ,

      BIEROCKS: A GERMAN-RUSSIAN TREAT IN AMERICA

      German Food, German Recipes

      Bierocks. Sounds like a combination of a German beer festival and a rock concert. (That would actually be a good promo name for such an event!)
      I had never heard of Bierocks until a German Life reader wrote to ask me about them. She was an American from Kansas, who had also lived in Germany, and she had just finished reading my new memoir-cookbook, T-Bone Whacks and Caviar Snacks: Cooking with Two Texans in Siberia and the Russian Far East. Her question: “The ethnic German-Russians in western Kansas and the Mennonites prepare a pie similar to pirozhki [in the cookbook], stuffed with ground beef or sausage, onion, and sauerkraut, that they call Bierocks. I had never heard that name in Germany. Do you have any idea of its origin?
        Leave a comment , ,

        Local German restaurants feel the pain of Wurstfest cancellation

        German Festivals USA, German Food, German Restaurants USA

        NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A highly anticipated event every fall, Wurstfest is among one of the largest events recently canceled in Central Texas due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 60 years of the festival’s history, organizers have never had to cancel. The event brings thousands of visitors every year to Central Texas to enjoy German culture, food, drinks and music. The German festival brings thousands of visitors and tourism to Central Texas.

          Leave a comment , , ,

          Schnitzel Haus asks community for help on GoFundMe page

          German Food, German Restaurants USA

          With restaurants struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic and unable to provide indoor dining, a Bay Ridge favorite is asking for help. Schnitzel Haus, the German restaurant at 7319 5th Ave., has been in the community for 13 years and owner Alfred Urban has created a GoFundMe page to help pay the rent. “I’m not the type of person that asks for help, but unfortunately we have nowhere to turn right now,” he wrote. “Schnitzel Haus has become a staple in Bay Ridge in my opinion. At the beginning my parents and my family were the only ones that believed  in my dream. It has been a very difficult road. 

            Leave a comment , , ,

            COVID-19 shelves Wurstfest for the year

            German Attractions, German Heritage Festivals


            The Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels on Thursday announced the cancelation of its 2020 festival due to considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This will be the first time Wurstfest has canceled a festival in our 60-year history,” Randy Rust, 2020 Wurstfest president, said in a statement. “We have had our challenges in the past, including flood events and most recently a fire that destroyed the Marktplatz building.

              Leave a comment , , ,

              Hügel Haus Switches from Sunday Dinner to Brunch – Door County Pulse

              German Food, German Heritage USA


              The German restaurant and “Door County’s wurst bar” in Ellison Bay has changed its Sunday routine from serving dinner to serving brunch. Every Sunday for the foreseeable future, you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious brunch, 9 am – 2 pm. The menu features a variety of classic breakfast and lunch options, plus some […]

                Leave a comment , ,

                Authentic German fare in the mountains of Georgia

                German Attractions, German Food, German Heritage USA

                It’s interesting. Helen, Georgia is one of those bizarre places. I’d heard about it once or twice, and was there 20 years ago, but didn’t remember much about it. I remember it being a German-themed town, embraced by the entire town, with one awesome Oktoberfest. But this is the middle of the summer, not during Oktoberfest, during a pandemic. Would Helen, Georgia still have that Germain “flair” I remembered? The answer is not so simple.

                  Leave a comment ,

                  Belleville Oktoberfest canceled due to COVID-19

                  German Heritage Talk

                  The annual Oktoberfest in Belleville has been canceled, event organizers announced Monday. The event was scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 18-20. “All of the organizations who produce this event as their biggest fundraiser each year were very much looking forward to putting on a huge celebration, commemorating 40 years of our cities German Heritage,” said Cari Frick, Belleville Oktoberfest committee chairperson in a press release.  

                  This would have been the festival’s 40th year

                    Leave a comment

                    Authentic German Potato Salad – from Pinterest

                    German Heritage Talk

                    Here’s a great authentic German Potato Salad recipe from a post on Pinterest that I discovered recently that comes from a blog posting by Debby the Foodiewife F.

                    Originally posted on Pinterest by: foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.co.uk

                    It’s actually very similar to my own family recipe for German Potato Salad, or “Kartoffel Salat” that we all love not only during the summer months and Oktoberfest timeframe each fall, but also during the holiday season as a special family dish for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

                    A Feast for the Eye Blog  http://afeastfortheeye.net

                    http://www.afeastfortheeyes.net/2009/11/my-muttis-german-potato-salad-with-nod.html

                    Of course there are other ways and methods to create a real good tasting German Potato Salad recipe. One variation from a German Chef involves adding a bit of apple in the recipe.

                    Leave a comment

                    Food News: Popular German Beer Hall King’s Biergarten Gets a Facelift

                    German Food, German Restaurants USA


                    KING’S BIERGARTEN IN PEARLAND IS BACK, re-opening Tuesday after being closed for four months for a substantial renovation. Among the upgrades: a new bar with 36 taps, a new dining room with leather seating and reclaimed wood furniture, and a new parking lot. Plus, National Deli Month is a few weeks away. Deals can be had.

                      Leave a comment , ,

                      Fermenting Sauerkraut at Home, 3 Comments, April 6, 2020, Fermenting Sauerkraut at Home

                      German Cookbook, German Food, German Recipes

                      One of the world’s quintessential beer foods, sauerkraut is a delicious treat at any time of the year. Sauerkraut is also the perfect food for this world-historical moment when many of us are stuck at home and digging in for the long haul. Loaded as it is with folate, Vitamins B6, C, and K, riboflavin, thiamin, iron, potassium, and magnesium, sauerkraut is a “superfood” — which is super news at a time when we want to keep our immune systems running at peak efficiency. In this two-part series, I’ll give you the goods on fermenting sauerkraut at home, and then provide you with a few recipes to get you on your way.

                        Leave a comment , , , , ,

                        Backyard Biergarten – How To Create for Summertime Fun

                        Biergartens, German Heritage Talk, German Heritage USA, German-Americans, Germany, history

                        Creating your own Backyard Biergarten at your home can be tons of fun, especially when family, close friends and all your neighbors can share in the enjoyment of it all. 

                        beer-garden

                        Your own Backyard Biergarten is a real fun project to create and you really can make it as simple or elaborate as you may wish. After all, it is your backyard.

                        The first part of creating a viable Biergarten in your backyard is knowing the history of Biergartens in Germany. It is true that Biergartens originated in the 19th century in Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria.

                        The large breweries back then dug cellars in the banks near rivers to keep their beer cool during storage. During both the Spring and Summer months they would bring the beer out to enjoy under shade trees in a natural setting outdoors.

                        » Read more

                        One comment , , , , , , , , , , ,

                        Maifest Celebrations of German Heritage across America

                        German Festivals USA, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans, Holidays & Celebrations

                        It’s fun to see the popularity of German Heritage related Maifest celebrations increasing all across America.

                        The first of May is always a public holiday all throughout greater Germany.

                        Also known as Der Erste Mai or Tag der Arbeit, this first day in May was the historic start of an ancient festival to welcome the spring weather and to drive away all evil spirits.

                        It’s also an occasion to celebrate workers rights like Labor Day in the United States.

                        Mai pole

                        In recent years, the Maibaum (maypole) is a much decorated, tall wooden pole made up to showcase the history of trades and crafts of the local town where it’s located.

                        It is celebrated with a long precession of music and dance.

                        Maifest in America is very popular as well. One of the largest celebrations of Maifest within the USA is in Cincinnati, Ohio which has been celebrating it since 1873. 

                        2017-maifest-postcard-handbill-01Organized by the Germania Society Of Cincinnati, this Maifest celebration doesn’t start until May 19th, 20th and 21st 2017.

                        Take a look at their Maifest promotional “commercial” videos from last year. Sure looks like a lot of German Heritage fun!

                        The annual Maifest celebration in Leavenworth Washington is always a spectacular event. This magical Bavarian hamlet of the northwest always knows how to do it right.

                        maifest leavenworthSource: @ Reed Carlson

                        Of course the city of Chicago won’t begin their annual Maifest celebrations until the month of June. Maybe for the same reasons Oktoberfest in Germany takes place in September.

                        maifest_2017_sched

                        One of the most popular celebrations of Maifest within the USA is that of Brenham, Texas that originally started it’s first Maifest celebration in 1881.

                        brenham

                        This town of Brenham TX has strong German ancestry roots.

                        Brenham’s Maifest celebration may be a bit watered down these days, but it continues to be a very popular and ongoing attraction for all weekend long that showcases Brenham’s proud German Heritage with historical demonstrations, music, dance, merchandise and displays.

                        There you have it. It doesn’t really matter if it’s May 1st or the end of June… Maifest is a big part of your proud German Heritage to experience and enjoy!

                        Leave a comment , , , ,

                        Classic German Rouladen Recipe by Chef Uwe Rudnick

                        German Food, German Recipes

                        Of course I love a good German dish of Rouladen anytime. I’d like to share with you today a recipe of how easily it really is to prepare it for yourself with help from Chef Uwe Rudnick.

                        A special Thank-you to GermanDeli.com and Chef Rudnick for putting these great German recipe videos together.

                        Chef RudnickSource: GermanDeli.com

                        Just click the video below to see how Chef Uwe does it and then click on the “Show More” tab for exact recipe details. 


                        German Rouladen is one of the most favorable German dishes that you can cook, not to mention it’s fun to prepare as well.

                        By the way, we love the work that Chef Uwe Rudnick does as well. Always a top ten presentation.

                        Be sure visit GermanDeli.com for the greatest German food ideas, deals and selections.

                        Also be sure to subscribe to the GermanDeli.com channel on Youtube for more fantastic German Recipes.

                         

                        Leave a comment

                        Der Biergarten Downtown Atlanta was full of Suprises

                        German Heritage Talk

                        So this was my 2nd attempt to try out Der Biergarten German Restaurant in as many years while visiting downtown Atlanta.

                        After walking from the Georgia World Congress Center last year to this restaurant on a late Saturday afternoon, we were surprised and very much disappointed to be quickly turned away because of a “Private Party” that was going on there.

                        During our visit to Atlanta this year however, we got in!

                        Der Biergarten German Restaurant Atlanta

                        Our group had lunch outdoors in the biergarten area which was very pleasant. Atlanta weather conditions was absolutely perfect with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70’s. 

                        I had my picture taken just inside Der Biergarten Restaurant after being served my first beer. I was actually surprised the beer was not really that cold. Not a big deal though.

                        Our visiting group tried a variety of German appetizers from the menu that were all very delicious! For my lunch selection, I chose a German Rouladen dish with red cabbage that really turned out to be fabulous.

                        Our server was fun, informative and very prompt in getting our orders out to us.

                        Here is a quick promotional video of Der Biergaten Restaurant Atlanta to give you an idea of what it’s all about.

                        Atlanta Eats does a great job in this video. In fact, this is the video I discovered on YouTube that got me interested enough to visit (twice) to get in the door and experience myself.

                        What does Der Biergarten Atlanta do around Oktoberfest season each and every year?

                        GermanHeritageUSA is in the Haus !!!

                        I did meet with one of the Restaurant Managers upon arrival introducing myself and informing him of GermanHeritageUSA and that I planned to do a review within this blog.

                        He came across as uninterested, uninviting and unable to even provide his name for this article. Very surprising and quite disappointing at the same time.

                        When someone wishes to freely promote your business in a positive manner, one would think one would be all over that.

                        Maybe he was just having a bad day…

                        Other than that, I give Der Biergarten German Restaurant in Atlanta a 9.0 rating out of 10 because of our food, service and the fun German ambiance and experience of it all!

                        Prost!

                         

                        Leave a comment

                        German Heritage in New Braunfels Texas Town Square

                        German American History, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans

                        It’s always fun to discover historical information about German Heritage across America. Today we take a look at the German influence and history of the town square in New Braunsfels, Texas.

                        New Braunfels TexasSource: Texas Historical Comission

                        Below is a video from the Texas Historical Commission that provides an introduction to the architectural history of New Braunfels’ town square that was produced for a Texas Time Travel Tours heritage travel app. 

                        New Braunfels, Texas was established in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. He was titled as the royal Commissioner General of the Adelsverein, also known as the Noblemen’s Society. It’s recognized in German as Mainzer Adelsverein.

                        Prince Solms named the settlement in honor of his home town of Solms-Braunfels, Germany.

                        Leave a comment

                        German Easter Tree of 10,000 Eggs

                        Holidays & Celebrations

                        How long would it take you to decorate a tree outside your home with 10,000 Easter eggs?

                        For this German family, it takes them about 2 weeks and their family tradition started way back in 1965. I have always loved this article, linked below that is loaded with great photos. 

                        Easter-treeOriginal Author: Nomad Vi

                        Easter tree? Yes, you read it right. It is the only and the most beautiful Easter tree I ever saw.

                        Tree decoration with eggs during Easter is not unusual thing in Germany. These trees are called “Eierbaum”, “Osterbaum” or “Ostereierbaum” in German, meaning a tree that is decorated with eggs at Easter…

                        See the rest of the original article by clicking here

                        Since this family tradition came to an end in 2015, perhaps another family has been inspired by this blog article to do the same as an Easter tradition of their own.

                        I’ll let you know if we discover them.

                         

                        Leave a comment

                        When Did Americans Start Celebrating the Easter Bunny?

                        Holidays & Celebrations

                        The German immigrant tradition of the Easter Bunny and colorful eggs in a basket (started by German Lutherans) was a favorite time of the spring for our family. 

                        Growing up as a kid in the 60’s and 70’s you were excited to wake up early Easter morning to large, colorful (candy) eggs that were about half the size of a normal real egg.

                         

                         

                        German-Easter-Bunny

                        Original Author: Bethany Blankley

                        The Easter Bunny first gained popularity in America in the early twentieth century. It was depicted as a colorful rabbit bringing Easter eggs and candy in a basket to small children.

                        First called the Easter Hare, and made popular by German Lutherans, the bunny was supposed to judge whether or not children had been “good or bad.” The bunny’s story…

                        See the rest of the original article by clicking this link

                        It was a big reward for all of us siblings to collect as many eggs as possible as we searched all over the house for them high and low. They were carefully hidden by the Easter Bunny the night before while we were all sleeping.

                        Sometimes the Easter Bunny would hide his eggs in the most amusing places too. One year I discovered an Easter egg that was hidden in the salt shaker on the kitchen table.

                        As a small child growing up, the thought of the annual Easter Bunny coming to our house brought about somewhat of an anxiety attack. The thought of him at that time was terrifying.

                        harvey2

                        Keep in mind from my adolescent “kid” prospective, there was a movie that was aired every Easter weekend featuring James Stewart. The movie was called, “Harvey.”

                        This “Harvey” movie used to scare me and my younger brothers senseless, mostly because Harvey was presumed to be somewhat very large compared to us little kids.

                        Harvey was said to be 6 foot tall (actually 6’3 1/2″) and the very worst thing of all… he was invisible too!

                         

                        Leave a comment

                        Schnitzel Ranch Restaurant offers Gemütlichkeit

                        German Food, German Heritage Talk, German Restaurants USA

                        Have you ever gone into a brand new place and immediately experienced the warmth and welcoming like a close family environment? You know, a sense of coziness.

                        The German’s have a one word name for that. They quickly tell you that it’s called… Gemütlichkeit.

                        I can tell you straight up that the Schnitzel Ranch Restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama has that Gemütlichkeit feeling working for them full time and it’s always in high gear.

                        sr

                        As soon as my family walked in the door, we were greeted by several staff members to the Schnitzel Ranch. They were all friendly and eager to get us seated.

                        Granted it was their first opening of their new place since relocating from across town and the excitement of their new place was obvious. That was fun to see.

                        Yes, GermanHeritageUSA was in the Haus!!!

                        Schnitzel Ranch Restaurant Owner and Chef, Renja Schmitt was busy speaking and taking pictures of patrons when she glanced up and recognized my face saying, “I knew you was going to eventually show up!”

                        After some good conversation with Renja, we were all seated and I was seriously debating on ordering either a 2 or 3 liter bier boot. I settled for a simple 1 liter mug. In minutes I was enjoying a Paulaner Premium Pils that was quite refreshing after a late afternoon drive into town from Nashville.

                        The Schnitzel Ranch Restaurant is pretty much in downtown Huntsville Alabama, not far from the Von Braun Civic Center at their new location on Church Street.

                        The select menu at the Schnitzel Ranch is fantastic folks! I had personally ordered the Jaeger Schnitzel dinner loaded with sauerkraut and warm kartoffelsalat on the side.

                        Delicious!

                        AsbachBesides just great German food and beer, the Schnitzel Ranch offers a full bar selection of a variety of spirits too! They can make you just about any type of drink you desire

                        By the way Renja, I did take your recommendation and tried a shot of Asbach Uralt. It’s a very popular old fine Brandy from Germany that’s now at the Schnitzel Ranch… Wunderbar!!!

                        In conclusion, a special thanks to Schnitzel Ranch owner and chef Renja Schmitt and the rest of the staff for a FIVE STAR dining experience. We will definitely be back! 

                         

                        Leave a comment , , , ,

                        The Bavarian Bierhaus Nashville Is Coming Alive

                        German Heritage Talk, German Restaurants USA

                        Great time yesterday afternoon in Nashville at Opry Mills Mall for the new Bavarian Bierhaus Nashville Restaurant’s pre-grand opening event where you had a chance to meet Brian Kehl and the rest of the ownership group.

                        There was German music, pretzels and a genuine Bavarian style Keg Tapping ceremony that got things going after the formal introductions by the owners. It was interesting to hear the story of how a couple of former Army soldiers came up with the idea of the Bavarian Bierhaus and put their resources and knowledge together with a group of friends to bring this dream to fruition.

                        tdesign_BB1111_400X

                        There was a group of us that were fortunate to get a personal tour of the Bavarian Bierhaus Nashville massive 600+ seat restaurant that is still under construction.

                        construction

                        14484903_1072946836146881_362590997061976368_n

                        I’m telling you now… it’s massive and Nashville is in for a treat! Just take a look at their incredible menu selection.

                        Bavarian Bierhaus Nashville

                        (Photo: Submitted)

                        It’s good to know that the outdoor Biergarten section is on the west side of Opry Mills Mall facing the Cumberland River and the loading dock of the General Jackson Showboat.

                        (Photo: Submitted)

                        (Photo: Submitted)

                        It’s perfect for all you NFL fans that take the Showboat upriver to the stadium on gameday, because now you have another fantastic venue to tailgate at for pregame or postgame festivities.
                         
                        Be certain to mark your calendar for the GRAND OPENING of this most impressive brand new Bavarian Bierhaus restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee that is scheduled to come alive on Sunday, April 30th 2017 at high Noon!!!
                         
                        Hope to see you there because GermanHeritageUSA will be in the Haus!
                         

                        ~ Prost! (cheers)

                         

                        Bavarian Bierhaus by TNdigital on Scribed

                        Leave a comment , , , ,

                        German Bierock and Runza Awesomeness

                        German Cookbook, German Recipes

                        Bierocks are very popular amongst Midwesterners in the USA mainly because they are an easy to prepare recipe that was brought to America from Germany sometime in the 1800’s.Bier Rocks

                        Courtesy of pinterest via:  Curious Cuisiniere

                        The Bierock is comprised as a delicious yeast dough roll pocket sandwich with savory filling made up with a simple mixture of cooked ground beef, shredded cabbage, onions that is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Carrots were also often used in this filling too on occassion.

                        Bierocks are very popular amongst Midwesterners in the USA mainly because it’s easy to prepare recipe was brought to America from Germany and Eastern Europe.

                        It was real staple food for native German-Russian Mennonite immigrants that settled in western and northern Kansas in the Volga Community as they assimilated into American culture.

                        The word Bierock is pronounced often as “brock” or “brook” in parts of the state of Nebraska and widely pronounced another way as “beer-rock” in parts of western Kansas and Oklahoma.

                        The state of Nebraska has another name for a Bierock. There the tasty little rolls of cooked meat, cabbage onions & spices are known popularly as a Runza’s.

                        runza

                        runza restIn fact a RUNZA is so popular in Nebraska that they started a very successful chain of fast food restaurants named after it to cater to it’s high demand.

                        A few years back I attended a Nebraska football game in Lincoln versus Penn State.

                         

                        It was quite amazing to me to see that there were literally thousands of Runza’s being consumed at pregame parties all around Memorial Stadium. It was obviously a tradition.

                        There were tailgaters making their own, to people that had just purchased them from the Runza restaurant just prior to coming to the game. There were also private vendors selling Runza’s from a hotdog karts too.

                        runza nebraska

                        You just suddenly get how traditional having a Runza can be once you cross the Nebraska state line.  Runza’s are indeed  king in Husker Nation.

                        Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!

                        Speaking of Kansas, the Runza’s there are known as Bierocks.

                        Bierock Drive thru

                        At this point, they may not have the fancy Brand or Restaurant image like the Runza’s do to the north… however their recipes are pretty much the same thing.

                        Be sure to create some Bierock’s or Runza’s for you family today!

                        They sure are tasty!

                         

                        Leave a comment , , ,

                        German Politicians Discover Social Media + MORE 06/28/2013

                        German Heritage Talk

                        Bier Tasting Night! All bottles $5!
                        – facebook.com/pages/DOENER-BISTRO/60463489177?sk=info

                        Bier Tasting Night! All bottles $5!Bier Tasting Night! All bottles $5!

                        Continue Reading On facebook.com/pages/DOENER-BISTRO/60463489177?sk=info »

                        German Politicians Discover Social Media
                        – germanworldonline.com

                        German Politicians Discover Social MediaGerman politicians are discovering the benefits and advantages of social media in the run-up to the federal election this fall, even though their campaigning is still taking place largely offline.
                        These days, many politicians in Germany are tweeting, blogging and texting to get their message out to voters…

                        Continue Reading On germanworldonline.com »

                        50 years ago in Berlin
                        – germanworldonline.com

                        President John F. Kennedy famous speech at the Berlin Wall.
                        He blasts Communism, reaffirms American solidarity and declares “Ich bin ein Berliner”.
                        West Berlin, Germany June 26th, 1963

                        Two thousand years ago–[Kennedy is interrupted by applause.] –Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was “civis Romanus sum!” Today in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is “Ich bin ein Berliner!” [Crowd roars…

                        Continue Reading On germanworldonline.com »

                         
                        Leave a comment , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                        1 2 3 4 5 … 7