Schnitzel Kitchen
Oktoberfest, a celebration echoing through the ages, holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a concerto of laughter, clinking steins, and the pleasant aromas of hearty cuisine. With a tradition that hails from the heart of Bavaria, Oktoberfest is a time-honored gathering that beckons carousers from all corners of the globe. Here, amidst the lively folk music, one can savor the essence of Germany’s rich Bavarian heritage, where beer flows freely, sausages sizzle, and the spirit of fellowship is as effervescent as the brew in your mug. It’s a celebration of life, an ode to tradition, and a testament to the enduring power of togetherness.
In researching the origins of Oktoberfest I discovered that it all started as the wedding celebration of a prince and a princess—which really adds to the fun if you think about a wedding party so epic that it’s been celebrated every year since 1810!
Here in Sarasota we’re blessed with a number of ways to celebrate Oktoberfest, and thanks to chef Heidi Tudor we’ve chosen our favorite for this year: Schnitzel Kitchen in Gulf Gate. In the grand tradition of restaurants in Gulf Gate, the Schnitzel Kitchen is a magical door that leads you from a strip mall parking lot to a bistro in Munich. There is nothing subtle about Schnitzel Kitchen and that’s part of its incomparable charm. The server is dressed in a Bavarian dirndl—the classic costume of an Oktoberfest server at a beer hall. There is German music playing over the speakers—unless you’re lucky enough to be there on a night when there’s lively live music from the one-man band. The walls are covered in a variety of themed decorations that range from homemade and hand-carved to cute and kitschy. There are shelves of steins throughout the restaurant’s little rooms. If you’re thinking that the one thing missing that could complete this picture is a cuckoo clock, just wait for it. Chef Heidi has been collecting these items for years; some are from her mother’s house but many are gifts from her dedicated and adoring regulars. She states fondly, “It is my museum.”
Chef Heidi is as much a part of what makes Schnitzel Kitchen such a perfect German restaurant as the schnitzel itself. Hailing from Berlin, Heidi vacationed to Sarasota 15 years ago and fell in love with the city. “I sold all my stuff and moved immediately. I was on an investor visa so I had to demonstrate that I could do something that no American could do—like be a German chef.”
Heidi lets loose a peal of lovely laughter and I can see, without any difficulty, why she is so adored. I ask if she got her love of cooking from a family member, and she says “No! My mother couldn’t cook so she sent me to school.” Heidi says that she practices the Golden Rule: “There is no reason to look down on anyone, just be happy.” Heidi is happy to recommend dishes based on your experience with German food, your appetite, and your willingness to try something new. Her personal favorite? Schweinebraten with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. This dish is a stick-to-your-ribs slow-roasted pork roast in a light brown gravy.
I opt for the eponymous schnitzel. I choose Pork Schnitzel Jager style (mushroom cream sauce) with spätzle (pasta) and red cabbage. The dish is daunting at first—it doesn’t seem as though I’ll be able to finish it all, but this comforting plate of food is so delicious that I’m unable to stop eating until there’s not enough left to justify a to-go box. The red cabbage is the stand-out for me with its addictive sweet and sour flavor but the texture of the spätzle and the perfect cook on the schnitzel make the entire combination a winner.
Chef Heidi insists that I try her favorite dessert, which is a fresh plum cake with thick slices of plum and a crumble that tastes like homemade shortbread topped with mounds of fresh whipped cream.
Schnitzel Kitchen boasts a wide variety of German beers as well as an extensive menu of delicious German foods, making it the perfect choice for an Oktoberfest celebration … any time of the year. I think the prince and princess would approve.
