Oktoberfest feast at the Hilton

By Anne Hilton Wednesday, October 30 2013

Last week Tuesday, the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre opened its annual Oktoberfest celebrations. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest fair held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.

The origin of this “fest” dates back to celebrations for the wedding of King Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese, on October 10, 1810 when all the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the “al fresco” festivities.

Guests at last Tuesday’s event, including members of the media, were treated to a feast. Decisions, decisions, what to choose of all the food laid out on the buffet tables? Friend Cherry Araujo selected the German Spicy Goulash for her appetiser – and thoroughly enjoyed every spoonful.

I forgot I’d be eating out and ate more than usual for lunch, which accounts for the fact that I took one olive, one half of a potato, a small spoonful of Smoked Herring with Onions etc for my starter, as I was saving myself for the feast to come. Both Cherry and I made a beeline for a large slice of what looked to me like a Baron of Beef (US style). Cherry added a slice of Kasseler (Roasted Pork Loin) while I opted for a quarter of a Cornish Hen on White Cabbage. Cherry managed to get half of a Bratwurst and I got two slices of that tasty grilled pork sausage.

For the rest I leave the photographs of our plates to tell the tale of that truly scrumptious main dish.

Also on offer both for hotel guests and local patrons of Oktoberfest were Sour Braten, Pig Knuckles with Sauerkraut – and, of course, a selection of salads (including German Potato) and accompaniments with fresh, crisp lettuce.

I was so happy to find Apple Strudel and Pear Strudel and really delicious ice cream to dig into to my heart’s delight that I forgot to photograph or note the other desserts on offer (that, I think, must have included some kind of German pancake).