More than a year into the quarantine experience, the spread of the viral infection finally appears to have slowed a bit due to continuous vaccination roll-outs and stringent implementation of health and safety protocols. There is light at the end of the tunnel as the metro slowly and cautiously opens up once more. But traditional celebrations will change...
The annual Oktoberfest celebration at Brotzeit takes on a festive yet subdued vibe following guidelines to curb the spread of the pandemic. Things may have changed, but the celebration remains just as memorable. A round of fresh Bavarian brews drawn from the tap, good food and limited company, rolling out the barrels for Oktoberfest despite being scaled down for the new normal is still a tradition that can be experienced at Brotzeit. How? Read on for a closer look...
Now with a fully vaccinated staff, Brotzeit welcomes back diners to its Shangri-La Edsa and BGC branches with the latest mandatory health and safety protocols in place. Face masks, face shields, social distancing, tables set up with clear plexiglass dividers and al fresco dining are now part of the experience at Brotzeit in this new normal. The sweeping changes due to the pandemic continues to change and transform the culinary landscape with emerging consumer habits such as dining at home, the rise of the food delivery culture and increased online usage defining a challenging new normal.
Like many establishments, Brotzeit has adapted to these changes for its loyal customers to remain relevant (for more on Brotzeit's pivot to the new normal, see my posts, Al Fresco at Brotzeit for a Tipple and Take-Out and Raise a Toast with Sumptuous Ribs Three Ways for Father's Day at Brotzeit).
While restaurants operate on a limited capacity for dine-in, al fresco dining is now the new normal and smarter option. At Brotzeit, the spacious open-air area allows proper social distancing with tables topped with clear dividers and seats spaced apart. Even with the new configuration, enjoying a cold brew becomes an enjoyable yet more personal experience. But just as festive. Traditionally held from September 18 to October 3, Oktoberfest may be over but you can have your own celebration any time you wish at Brotzeit.
The only authentic German beer bar in the metro, Brotzeit brings its selection of world-renowned brews...
...and hearty Bavarian cuisine to the table for a unique and memorable dining experience. The selection of world-class beers and flavorful cuisine by Chef Ivan Maminta combine for that signature Brotzeit vibe.
For those looking for refreshing new libations, Brotzeit offers a wide selection of choices. Just ask the staff...
...or you can keep it legit and authentic with their specialty beers. My recommendations for your own Oktoberfest celebration includes the following dishes...
Beer and sausages are the usual suspects for Oktoberfest, and Brotzeit offers some of the best in the metro. Made in-house, the sausage selection at Brotzeit include savory Weisswurst or pork and veal sausages, Nurnberger or grilled pork sausages, Huhnerwurst or spicy chicken sausages and Bockwurst or garlic pork sausages to name a few. But it's the Kasekrainer that's always high on my list.
Stuffed with chunks of cheese, the specialty Kasekrainer by Brotzeit always brings a smile. A dab of hot mustard completes the flavors.
Served with a side of sauerkraut and potato salad, the Kasekrainer brings tasty bites with a creamy cheese finish to any Oktoberfest celebration.
Craving for bolder flavors to pair with your beer? The Currywurst or pork curry sausage draped with chili-curry sauce and served with potato wedges should do the trick.
Chef Ivan Maminta then presented one of his newest creations just in time for Oktoberfest, the Doner Kebab. Fork-tender spiced strips of beef, fresh cabbage, onions, chili sauce and garlic cream wrapped in a soft pita, the Doner is a sumptuous hand-held feast with rich savory notes.
The richness of the tender spiced beef is tempered by the sharpness of the onions followed by the silky smooth finish of the garlic cream for complex yet balanced layered flavors. A beer and the Doner Kebab becomes a celebration in itself.
If there's one dish that's been part of countless Oktoberfest celebrations through the years at Brotzeit, it's the specialty Schweinshaxn. Served on a wooden slab, the oven roasted hind shank of tender, juicy and delicately crisp grain-fed pork is served with potato salad, sauerkraut and homemade sauce.
A slice of the crackling brings that familiar crunch adding to the celebratory mood at the table. Perfectly roasted, the play on textural contrasts with the juicy pork and crisp crackling will have you going for another slice and bite.
Sausages, the Doner and Schweinshaxn paired with fresh brews straight from the tap, all essential elements for a proper Oktoberfest celebration in a new normal.
Dessert? Brotzeit has that too...
The Kaisersmaren or Emperor's Cake is the perfect and indulgent ending to cap your Oktoberfest celebration at Brotzeit. A drizzle of sweet and tart cranberry sauce on dense shredded rum and raisin pancake is best paired with the appropriate beverage, like the...
...creamy Hot Chocolate topped with cinnamon cream. A proper Oktoberfest celebrated safely at Brotzeit, that's reason enough for another toast.
Times and traditional celebrations may have changed, but you can still enjoy a cold beer and savory sausages at Brotzeit. With a fully vaccinated staff, social distancing and al fresco dining, Brotzeit takes Oktoberfest to the new normal with your safety and peace of mind.
Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant is located at 112 Streetscape, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Edsa corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City or call 8631-1489 for reservations and inquiries. You can also check out their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/brotzeitph/ for more updates.
Dude for Food is now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, check out these social media accounts for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.