Raise your mug!
Content Editor | Priya Bala
Bangalore is a long way from Munich. But why should that stop us from jumping into the spirit of excess involving beer and food, you ask. I agree. It’s Oktoberfest time and just the excuse you need to cut loose and abandon moderation for a brief while. Despite its name, Germany’s much loved beer festival kicks off in September, to cash in on the better weather.
Bangalore, with its love of beer, has adopted the tradition for several years now. I remember one crowded event I went to several years ago, raucous and peopled with ruddy-faced Germans, which ended up with the revelers dancing on the benches and even the tables. Such fun!
Chef Bela Rieck’s recreation of the festival at the Sheraton Bangalore is a far more sedate affair, but stays true to the traditions with the food and drink. I went to a preview of the hotel’s Oktoberfest which runs till September 23 and this German’s chef pleasure at showcasing the traditional foods from his home was palpable. He made sure everyone had a gingerbread heart to wear with a personalized line in icing written on it – like an edible T-shirt quote.
Of course, there was plenty of beer going around and delicious, super-salty pretzels, too. The one who conjured up this pairing was a genius. Oktoberfest favourites include sausage salad with cheese, pork baked in bread dough and bratwurst with mustard. Yes, it’s all very meaty, salty and just perfect for aiding hours of beer-drinking.
The spread at Feast, the Sheraton’s all-day restaurant, also includes excellent schnitzel with noodles and crisp apple strudel which, along with raindrops on roses, will make it to most lists of favourite things.
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