German style corned beef burger at Dunne’s Pub
It may mean traveling a bit far afield, but we have some ideas for you to get your Oktober on.
Oktoberfest is upon us, and many folks enjoy the hearty flavors of Bavaria in the fall. Here are a few suggestions where you can take in the German-style beers and ethnic specialties to the sounds and scenery of the Bavarian Alps. You can also check with your local pubs and taverns who often serve Oktoberfest dishes this time of the year.
Dunne’s Pub, 15 Shapham Place, White Plains (914-421-1451) will be serving their popular Oktoberfest Menu every Thursday during the month of Oct. Sean Dunne’s kitchen puts out fine versions of:Potato Pancake Appetizer, Sauerbraten, a hearty Triple Wurst Plate with all the trimmings, Veal Schnitzel, and Calf’s Liver, German style. There will be German beer, too. Dunne’s Restaurant Pub in White Plains is a neighborhood treasure, an authentic Irish tavern with all the traditional Gaelic accoutrements intact.
Oktoberfest is celebrated the first Thursday of every month. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Municipal parking. www.dunnespubandrestaurant.net
White Plains Oktoberfest, Oct. 11th The food and sounds of Bavaria will take over the streets of White Plains for the 7th Annual White Plains Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 11th on Mamaroneck Ave. between East Post Road and Maple Ave. The festivities will take place from 2 to 7 pm. and include German inspired beers and food along with live music provided by the Alpine Squeeze Band. $5 wrist bands and proof of age will be required for beer purchases. Participating restaurants at this writing include: Black Bear Saloon, Brazen Fox, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, Copper Face Jack’s, Elements Food Spirits, Hudson Grille, Lazy Boy Saloon and Ale House, Lilly’s and Ron Blacks Beer Hall. Iron Tomato will supply the German food. For further info go to: www.wpbid/oktoberfest.com
Bear Mountain Oktoberfest takes place every weekend thru October 25th, from noon to 6 pm. The popular annual event draws big crowds for the great scenery, Bavarian food, spirits and a variety of artisanal vendors. Admission is free. There is an $8 parking fee. Located on the west side of the Hudson River in Rockland and Orange Counties. www.visitbearmountain.com
Jennifer’s Restaurant, 715 Saw Mill River Road, Yorktown Heights (914-962-4298), opened by the Schramm family in 1979 as The Lakeside, it is one of the last German-American eateries remaining in the Westchester area. It sits on the lovely Croton Reservoir and is open Wednesday-Saturday for dinner from 5 pm, and Sundays from 2 to 9 pm. Look for such specialties as: Herring Salad, Chopped Chicken Livers, a hearty Bavarian Platter with a medley of fresh roast pork, smoked pork loin and bratwurst served with sauerkraut and bread dumpling, Wiener or Jaeger Schnitzel, and Sauerbraten. Try the Black Forest Parfait for dessert. www.jennifersrestaurant.com
Traveler’s Rest, 25 Saw Mill River Road, Rt. 100, Ossining (914-941-7744) has been operating since 1961 by the Langner family. It is a German-American restaurant and caterer with lovely grounds that are often embellished with celebratory decorations. The menu still offers such Traditional dishes as: Short Ribs of Beef with horseradish sauce, Wiener or Jaeger Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, and homemade spaetzel and potato pancakes. The Rest is open Wednesday thru Saturday from 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 9 pm. There is a rathskeller-type bar room downstairs. www.thetravelersrest.com
Sour Kraut, 118 Main Street, Nyack (845-358-3122), an authentic German restaurant opened in 2010 by restaurateur Marianne Olive right in the bustling downtown, quickly filled a void for those craving a taste of Bavaria. It is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Look for such Oktoberfest specialties as: Hot German Pretzels with mustard, Frikadelle, German meatballs with caramelized onions, Weisswurst served with German potato salad, Roast Pork in a German beer sauce with cucumber salad and semmel knodel, Schnitzel a la Holstein, and Kassler Rippchen, smoked pork chops. Oktoberfest specials will be served thru Oct. 31st. www.sour-kraut.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. gutreactions@optonline.net)
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