Authentic Oktoberfest Plate

Although we have much to look forward to as our dining room gets a new, fresh look, it is what we are preparing for in the kitchen that gets us excited. This time of year means that our seasonal Oktoberfest is just around the corner.

For all Illinois Valley residents, this seems to be as popular as many of our traditional holidays,  and we know there are other local restaurants, clubs and bars that take part in this seasonal celebration. However, we like to boast that when you dine here, you will get the most authentic German meal, complete with a traditional brew to wash it down.

Starting Sunday, September 20th at 4 pm, we will begin our annual tradition by serving a variety of tasty German favorites. They'll continue to be offered daily after 4 while supplies last. This could be gone in as little as a week, so mark your calendars!

Trust us. You do not want to miss "the area's most authentic" German fare:

• kassler ripschen (smoked pork chop)
• eisben mit sauerkraut (pork hocks with sauerkraut)
• leberkaese (German veal loaf)
• knackwurst (German garlic sausage)
• bratwurst (mild white veal sausage)
• sauerkraut, red cabbage, and german potato salad

You will also be able to enjoy my favorite dish, the wurstsalat salad which features

knackwurst tossed with lettuce and all the fixings!

A quick note on the history of Oktoberfest: Known as the largest beer festival in the world, it began as a horse race staged by the National Guard on August 17, 1810 to mark the wedding of the Ludwig Crown Prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The race was such a success that it was staged again the following year on the Theresienwiese, the meadow named in honor of the Princess.

As years went on, the number of stalls began to increase annually, and by 1896 the very first beer tents were erected. They only sold beer brewed in Munich, a tradition that continues today. An agricultural show, merry-go-rounds and other amusements were also added to make it fun for the whole family. Despite popular perception, it is not just a beer drinking event.

While this year's event in Germany begins a day earlier than ours, we will celebrate with many across the world. Just remember - supplies are limited, so come get your fill and celebrate this yearly tradition while you can!