Friday, October 23, 2009

Wish Fulfillment: Germany Part Two

The year was 1998 and the husband and I were traveling through Germany with his family. We were a large group, nine in all, and when we got to Munich, we split up for part of the day. Six of us had spend the early afternoon wandering around the city and had just completed a tour of the Frauenkirche when, all of a sudden, it began to rain. And by rain, I mean it was pouring cats and dogs - just a completely ridiculous amount of water falling from the sky.

Umbrella-less as we were, we had little choice but to dash across the street as fast as we could and nestle ourselves into a cozy corner of the Nurnberger Bratwurst Glockl am Dom ... a charming, traditional brathaus just steps away from the church. (Pictured above.) We were tired, we were wet, and we were thirsty. You know what comes next - beer! Big, delicious wheat beers for everyone, and basket of fresh house made pretzels to go along with them. ~happy sigh~ We were cozy as cozy could be; yet, sadly, we were not hungry.

I'm sure we'd eaten lunch somewhere earlier in the day, so we didn't think too much about eating at the time. We sipped our beers, munched on the pretzels and generally enjoyed the warmth of the atmosphere; enjoyed the comfort of being in the exact right place at the exact right time.

As we were seated upstairs, I hadn't noticed the kitchen when we arrived, but I saw it on the way out ... and I very nearly swooned. That tiny kitchen was dominated by a sizeable wood-burning grill, upon which lay dozens and dozens of succulent looking sausages. (Duh, its a brathaus! ) Instantly, I was filled with regret.

Much as I enjoyed our respite at The Glockl, I was so sorry we hadn't taken the opportunity to avail ourselves of the tasty meats! I vowed then and there that the next time I was in Munich, I would have a meal at The Glockl ... and so I did.
The Nurnberger Bratwurst Glockl am Dom is the Munich branch of one of the most famous brathauses in Bavaria (located in Nuremberg.) They have a history that dates back to 1390 and they are most famous for the small pork sausages indigenous to the Nuremberg region. The sausages are house-made, roasted over an open flame on a grill that burns beechwood, and they are spectacular! You can order them in numbers ranging from 6 to a staggering 50, and each order comes with a choice of sauerkraut or house-made potato salad.

Pictured above is my plate, my wish fulfilled. I demurely chose the 6, wisely chose the luscious potato salad, and happily scarfed them down, adorned with the selection of delicious mustard adorning our table. Suffice it to say, this meal was everything I'd hoped it would be - and perhaps made all the better for having waited 11 years to enjoy it!

I cannot recommend this place highly enough. While located in a touristy area, the restaurant is anything but - in fact, far from it. We were the only non-Germans there. With its wood paneled interior, traditional Bavarian decor, and waitstaff robed in traditional Bavarian garb, The Glockl offers everything you'd want in a brathaus and more. In addition to the wide variety of sausages, they do offer a full menu with daily specials. I'm told the fare is equally good, but, personally, I'd have a very hard time ordering anything but those tasty little brats.

The Glockl am Dom has been operating at this location since 1893 and I expect it will be operating still whenever I next find myself in Munich. It is one of my most favorite places in all of Europe and I will most certainly return. Let's hope it won't take more than a decade this time.

Guten appetit!

p.s. - Just a head's up - The Glockl's website, to which I've linked, is in German. That said, its worth a look regardless and you can download a PDF of the menu with English translations if you're so inclined.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

That happens to me when i'm on vacation. I am so quick to fill my belly with exotic foods and then i see something cool and i'm all full. But i still eat lol, and then i get sick.
Have a wonderful weekend daaaaaaaahling :)

Ipmilat said...

That plate looks wonderful, esp at this time of year in misty, damp England. I was not drawn by the allure of sausages until I lived in Southern Greece and ate the 'horiatika loukanika' from Mani - chewy, meaty and spicy, flavoured with orange zest. Fantastic.

Charmian @ Christie's Corner said...

Did I read that right? You can order 50 sausages?!

The wood grill is enough to give me culinary envy, but please, tell me you eventually have room for dessert.

German chocolate... I need chocolate....

words...words...words... said...

One doesn't normally think of Germany when considering a list of the world's great culinary destinations. But your last two entries have made me think differently!

Sweta (My Indian Dietitian) said...

That looks like a hearty plate-just right for this weather!!

pixelgal said...

The wurst was delicious as were the sides. It was fun to watch the guy making them by the hundreds or so it seemed. And the pretzels! Service was great and people friendly and warm unlike the weather. If you go, go in the springtime or summer when it's warm.

Laura said...

Wow I never ever consider Germany for good food. Quite the opposite really.

Being someone who just spent the weekend making 100+links I can tell you it is not easy. NOT! Homemade sausage is so very worth it though. Best ever.

Fresh Local and Best said...

You got me at homemade sausages, pretzels and your description of the wheat beer. The flavors of both must be at a completely different level in Germany

Oh how heavenly it must have been to sit in such a warm, comforting and rustic place!

Deb said...

I'm drooling in envy....

nora@ffr said...

yeah home made sausages are the best ever!! yummmm

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Now that looks like a serious plate of food. I don't know why but I'm travelling I see so many things I want to try, all of the food looks so good and ecxotic, but I fill up way faster than normal.

Laurie said...

My word, Diva, you have been so deliciously busy lately. Germany!!! Lovely photos and stories. And your Fall Harvest cocktail made me sigh with envy and good memories.

My last boyfriend (pre-Kitchen Genius days!) loved Jagermeister and always kept a bottle in my freezer. I haven't tried it since, but you've convinced me I'm long overdue.

stephchows said...

it makes me so happy that you got to go back and have a delicious meal at this place!! And even better that it was still there for you to enjoy :)

Anonymous said...

What an awesome delicious plate! This place sounds like a must stop in Germany!

gfe--gluten free easily said...

That looks like the most charming retreat spot ... right out of Hansel and Gretel with the gingerbread looks (sans the dark side, of course). That looks like a wonderful meal. You just never forget the meals on such trips!

Shirley

Tangled Noodle said...

Please, someone lead me to the nearest brathaus!! I am salivating over that plate . . . Although it took 11 years to finally try the sausages, I'm sure the wait only whetted the appetite and made it even more satisfying. What a lovely place!