Two weeks ago, during our last weekend in New Jersey and before becoming domestic partners in Pennsylvania, we dined at Zum Schneider in Manhattan. Nick had received the recommendation from a German friend who claimed it was the most authentic Bavarian Biergarten in the city. And that it was.
The restaurant is located on a modest corner in the East Village. Inside it’s dimly lit with a blue and white striped ceiling, rustic wooden tables, and long benches — our own little slice of Bavaria.
While waiting for our new friends, Julie and Peter to arrive, we ordered half liters of Hofbräuhaus München lagers and Weisswurst to share. The two boiled Bavarian white sausages were served with sweet brown mustard and brez’n, a homemade soft pretzel.
For dinner Nick got the Schweinshaxe, or roasted pork knuckle, with a potato dumpling and red cabbage salad. The pork, which was boiled in beer, had an incredibly crisp skin and meat so tender that it fell off the bone.
My dish, pork tenderloin in mushroom sauce with homemade spätzle, was earthy and savory.
We drank a few more half liters with our dinners, including Hacker Pschoor (a typcial Bavarian lager), Reissdorf Kölsch (a light refreshing beer from the Cologne region), and Schneider Weisse (an amber colored smooth wheat beer).
Then last Thursday we acquainted ourselves with another Bavarian eatery. It was our inaugural Mystery Date Night, and I surprised Nick with a six-pack of Franziskaner and dinner at Herwig’s Austrian Bistro in downtown State College.
The interior is sparse, but the wait staff is full of personality. They threaten to make you wash dishes if you don’t finish every bite on your plate — and let me tell you, there are a lot of bites!
I had the Bratwurstplatte: two homemade all-pork sausages grilled to order (of course I paid extra to receive one Weisswurst) served with potato salad and sauerkraut.
Nick had the Bauernschmaus: an assortment platter featuring roast pork, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and bread dumpling (knödel).
I’m sure Nick thanks his lucky stars daily that he found a woman who can eat heaping helpings of meat and potatoes. Just wait until he sees me eat my way through Germany next year.
Prost!
Yay Zum Schneider! Such a fun little spot.
P.S. I’m super impressed by your ability to remember the name of beers.
I cheated, Julie! I looked at the menus online. I might have a decent memory, but not when it comes to German beer names!
What are you doing in Germany next year? I’m jealous! Unfortunately, Atlanta doesn’t have much in the way of excellent German food. I’m off to Berlin in a few weeks myself, and I can’t wait! 🙂
Kathleen, we’re planning a trip to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. My husband was born there, but I’ve never been. We’re definitely going to visit Munich and Stuttgart (to see family). Is this your first trip? Any recommendations?
to see family … and friends! Hopefully 🙂 I cannot wait. You will have to try at least one beer each day. I am so excited. The food sounds really original and I am glad that you enjoy it. If Nick has not convinced you until next year, you better be prepared to try Rouladen when we meet! Have nice weekend.
And friends, too, of course! We’ll see about that Rouladen 🙂
Oh wow I am so jealous! I went to Hofbrauhaus five years ago and I have been trying to find something stateside to adequately replicate the amazing Bavarian experience ever since! This restaurant looks amazing, it will be on my to-do list the next time I am in NYC.
Melissa, there’s also a really authentic Hofbrauhaus in central PA, if you’re ever in the neighborhood!
Hey Emily, just came back to this post via your latest. This will be my 5th trip to Germany — my first was for a year abroad in Freiburg im Breisgau, which is in Baden-Württemberg a couple hours southwest of Stuttgart. It’s a lovely, gemütlich university town that’s charming as all get out, and I highly recommend it, since you’ll sort of be in the neighborhood. Of course, Munich will be totally awesome. I leave for Berlin (and a side trip to Dresden) on Sunday and am sooo excited for the christmas markets 🙂
Oh, Kathleen — your memories of Germany sound just fabulous. Thanks for the recommendations, and safe travels on Sunday! I hope to see pictures from those Christmas markets!
I just found your blog and I love it! You guys are super cute 🙂
Just wondering – do you have a post talking more about your “mystery date night” thing? Do you guys surprise each other with dates once a week or something? Sounds intriguing!