Oktoberfest, the original, in Munich, Germany, is reportedly the world’s longest running annual festival. Started in 1810, it draws visitors from all over the world to imbibe in local beers, and food like pork loin, sausages, and pretzels.
If you can’t get to Germany the first two weeks of October, chances are, there is an Octoberfest-type celebration near you, as variations on a theme are held in most every country these days.
Duluth, MN is no exception, with two main restaurants, Grandma’s Saloon, and the Pickwick, battling is out for customers in early October. Arguably, with its German heritage, the Pickwick should have the upper hand, and it appears that it might have prevailed, judging on the opinion of the dishes on offer.
Pickwick rolled out some very innovative takes on traditional German cuisine, including a sausage flatbread, chicken schnitzel, Reuben chowder, and several pork dishes, sauerbraten, and a pork stack sandwich. Sides included spaetzel dumplings, mashed potatoes, sweet and sour cabbage, and apple influenced gravy.
Minnesota bureau chief started with the pretzel breadsticks, with two dipping sauces, and then went with the chicken schnitzel, and reported they were both “more than fine.” (Pics Copyright 2013 Kawikamedia.com. More later.)
Here’s a vid of the music at Grandma’s- put you in the mood to look at these fantastic food pix!
Here’s an order of Sauerbraten from the Pickwick, marinated slow roasted chuck, with sweet and sour cabbage, spaetzel dumplings, and a gingersnap thickened gravy.
Sauerbraten
The Pickwick is also offering “Reuben Chowder”, a creamy, chunky potato based puree with diced corned beef.
Reuben Chowder
Pickwick Oktoberfest
On to Grandma’s Saloon and Grill, where the feature was roast pork loin, again with spaetzel dumplings. Must have been a sale at restaurant supply.
