F ollowing Oktoberfest 2006, we heard back from a few enthusiastic Oktoberfesters with ideas about how to make our event even better. One woman in particular noted that there was no spaetze, and was a little riled over that fact (as she had every right to be—Shame on us!).
We thank her and all others who submitted comments and ideas. Over the past several months The Oktoberfest Board has concentrated a great deal of time and effort to improve both our menu and overall event with the help of your suggestions—and yes, we found our friend her spaezle too! In fact, we like to think we went a little overboard in addressing the Great Spaezle Crisis of 2006. That said, The Labor Day Oktoberfest is excited to announce that in 2007 several restaurants renowned for their cuisine will be joining with us to help feed hungry Oktoberfesters. Feast your eyes on the menus below.
Schmidt's of Columbus
I n business since 1886 and located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio's German Village, Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus is without question one of the finest German restaurants in the states. If you haven't had one of their brats, you haven't experienced what makes Oktoberfest Oktoberfest (besides the beer, of course).
Bratwurst
Bahama Mamas
Jumbo Frankfurters
Jumbo Cream Puffs
Sauerkraut
German Potato Salad
Der Braumeister of Cleveland
D er Braumeister is considered by many the last true German restaurant in the City of Cleveland. Marked by exquisite dark woodwork that appears to've been cut from the same Black Forest where they get the cake, and a near life-size mural of Neuschwanstein Castle, Der Braumeister just feels German. In other words, this is no converted Taco Bell. It's the genuine article.
In fact, the restauraunt itself has been situated on the corner of West 130th and Lorain since back in the days when it was a roadside stand. Over all those years, restaurant ownership has only changed hands once (some may remember when it was called Herzog's).
The question is, how has Der Braumeister managed to survive where so many other traditional German restaurants have perished? Try their food and you'll realize that the answer goes beyond atmosphere. It is traditional German fare at its finest, with the occassional signature twist that makes it distinctly Der Braumeister's. Ever had a Black Forest Parfait or a Potato Pancake Reuben Sandwich? Probably not, but they do sound good... and they are!
Kummelweck Sandwich
Potato Pancake Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich
Knackwurst Sausage Dinner - with Sauerkraut & German Potato Salad
Hungarian Style Goulash Served over Spaetzle
Dessert: Black Forest Parfait
Seven Roses of Cleveland
T he Oktoberfest Planning Committe would like to note that we consider it our duty to test out all restaurants before inviting them to take part in Oktoberfest. It requires a great deal of intestinal fortitude, but after our meal at Seven Roses, it seemed like all that eating had finally paid off, and we just wouldn't take no for an answer (even if it meant being a thorn in Seven Roses' side).
Located in the heart of Slavic Village on Fleet Street, Seven Roses (Siedem Róź) is a bright light in an area long known for fine ethnic cuisine. Fortunately, this Polish delicatessen is not only surviving, but flourishing amongst stiff competition, thanks in large part to a combination of exceptional food and a wonderful atmosphere. The building itself is classic Cleveland, with a stunning interior, high molded ceilings, 15' library shelves with sliding ladders, marble tiles, etc. And like many such impressive feats of local architecture, were it not in Slavic Village, it could have been left to decay and eventual blight. But fortunately for us, and the city of Cleveland in general, the people of Slavic Village are fine stewards, fiercely committed to maintaining their community. Seven Roses took over the building, polished the place up, packed the shelves with ethnic goods and spices, set up a deli counter overflowing with a miniature Westside Market's worth of exotic meats and delicassies, created a cozy seating area, and suddently you're worried about lines at lunchtime and hoping word doesn't spread too fast. It just goes to show that exceptional results come from delivering exceptional products. And we couldn't be more thrilled to announce that Seven Roses will be sharing those products with us come Labor Day Weekend!
Potato Pancakes
Stuffed Cabbage
Kielbasa
Sauerkraut
Pierogis
Oktoberfest of Berea
O ktoberfest will have its own stand offering a variety of favorite German dishes. John Roberto, owner of Roberto's Restaurant, will be preparing a host of items to keep Oktoberfesters' mouths watering.
Hand Breaded Wiener Schnitzel
German Potato Salad
Potato Pancakes with Applesauce
Sauerkraut
Bratwurst
Bread
Outside Vendors
O ktoberfest will also feature outside vendors selling niche traditional foods as well as non-traditional foods. On the traditional side, you'll find Helmut's Strudel and German baked goods from Michael's Bakery. On the non-traditional side, you'll find Honey Gourmet Frozen Custard and Maple Side Farms' farmer's market featuring fresh fruit and veggies. See below for a full list.
Rotisserie Chicken
Sophie's Italian Sausage
Heini's Cheese Chalet
Bavarian Nuts
Cabbage & Noodles
Cotton Candy
Honey Gourmet Frozen Custard
Hot Dogs
Corn Dogs
Funnel Cakes
French Fries
Fresh Produce from Maple Side Farms
Cheese/Sausage Plate
Candy Apples
Pizza
Pretzels
Strudel
Beverage Menu
I f all that wonderful food makes you thirsty, we can take care of that. Event Co-Sponsors Hofbräu & Budweiser will be offering a variety of different flavors of beer, and for the teetotallers / designated drivers among you, we also have gourmet coffee, fresh cider, lemonade, soda and other beverages. See detailed list below.
Hoffbrä u Dark
Hoffbrä u Original
Budweiser
Bud Light
Jägermeister
Red Bull
Gourmet Coffees
Schloss Vell German Wine
Fresh Cider from Maple Side Farms
Lemonade
Pepsi
Diet Pepsi
Mountain Dew
Aquafina Water