In the world of Bavarian culture, cuckoo clocks, and BMW’s, there once lived Crown Prince Ludwig. Prince Ludwig, as he was known in the Bavarian Empire, married the woman of his dreams; Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 17, 1810. The glorious celebration commenced at the gates of the city with the citizens of Munich in attendence. This day would mark the beginning of a tradition that has been celebrated since. In modern-day, the Oktoberfest celebration is 16 days long and is held at the Theresienwiese (field, meadow of Therese). Some estimates put the total beer serving amount at around 7 million liters during the span of the festival. Traditional food served at Oktoberfest includes Hendl (chicken), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Knödel (potato dumplings) and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick). As far as beer goes, Munich is quite strict on what brands they serve — in keeping with tradition, only breweries that belong to the Club of Munich Brewers are allowed to produce Oktoberfest beers. Although here in the states our take on the festival is not exactly the same, there’s still chances to enjoy some delicious German cuisine and beer in honor of Oktoberfest. This is your chance to practice your German accent and act like Augustus Gloop.
If you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest the right way, there’s a plethora of restaurants offering good times and great beer. Blaue Gans located at 139 Duane street is bringing a little piece of Munich to the Big Apple. Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner offers a potluck of tasty snacks to enjoy. Happy Hour Friday’s will give guests an unlimited supply of beer, mimosas, bratwurst, currywurst, pretzels, donuts and strudel. The kickoff for the Oktoberfest event will be September 21 but no need to fret because you’ll have plenty of opportunity to show off your new Dirndl. Tickets for Blaue Gans’ Oktoberfest events can be purchased by emailing events@wallse.com. The cost per ticket is $47 and includes all-you-can-eat food and drink at Happy Hour Fridays on September 20th, 27th and October 4, and Saturday Brunches on September 28 and October 5.
Another spot to check out is Loreley Restaurant and Biergarten. The restaurant kicks off September 21 with festivities lasting until October 31, in celebration of Loreley’s 10th Anniversary. As part of the anniversary celebration there will be an Oktoberfest Halloween Party. Each day a different Oktoberfest beer will be offered ($8 for half liter, $15 for liter). On Hofbrau Tuesdays and Weihensstephan Wednesdays, beers from these breweries are $3 off and patrons are allowed to keep their mugs. Most events at Loreley’s are free admission with the exception of beer tasting dinners, which go for $55. The dinner tasting includes a 3-course meal and 7 beers to sample. Each week will bring special events taking place in German celebration. No matter how busy you are, you always have time to scarf down a beer! Loreley is located at 7 Rivington st, tel 212-253-7077 or http://loreleynyc.com.
- 9/25 & 10/16 – As part of the celebration, two Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Dinners will take place – Wednesday 9/25 & October 16 (each @7pm). Guests will taste 7 beers including the four Oktoberfest brews. Beer expert Rudi Eilers will lead the tasting and a 3-course menu (seasonal salad, sausage platter, black forest cake) will accompany the beers. Tickets are $55 (inclusive of all the beers, food and tax) and can be purchased online at http://www.loreleynyc.com
- 10/3 – The 10 Year Anniversary Party takes place on October 3rd at 8pm. Loreley owner Michael Momm’s alter-ego DJ Foosh will be spinning tunes along with DJ Evolution. 2,000 liters of beer will be on hand for this bash and food specials will include a Pig on a Spit with house made sauerkraut and mashed potatoes ($15 per portion). Free admission.
- 10/5 -13 – On Oct. 5 Loreley’s annual Sausage Festival kicks off with the Sausage Fest Launch Party at 4pm. Free beer from the first keg. On 10/5, beer specials include $1 off half-liters and $3 off liters of Oktoberfest beers; food specials include a Oktoberfest Platter with 7 types of sausage, schnitzel fingers, meatballs and pretzels. Free admission
- 10/5 – 13 As the Sausage Fest continues October 5 – 13, sausage lovers can sample up to 12 different kinds of sausages from Schaller & Weber. Sausage platters are $16 for 3, $22 for 5, $27 for 7, $33 for 9, $38 for 12, all served with house made sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
- 10/16 – Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Dinner at 7pm. Guests will taste 7 beers including the four Oktoberfest brews. Beer expert Rudi Eilers will lead the tasting and a 3-course menu (seasonal salad, sausage platter, black forest cake) will accompany the beers. Tickets are $55 (inclusive of all the beers, food and tax) and can be purchased online at http://www.loreleynyc.com
- 10/31 – Festivities conclude with the Oktoberfest Halloween Party on Thursday October 31st at 8pm. Guests who dress in a Dirndl or Lederhosen will receive a complimentary beer. The top 3 in the Loreley costume contest will win prizes such as Loreley gift certificates ($50, $100 and $150). Free admission
