Saturday, September 27, 2008 My sweet, German experience By Luis A. Quibranza III
THIS story has nothing to do with Lis, a good friend of mine in the newsroom, born of German descent. Though the title does sound like a good Germanovela concept in the making, I must say that the only “cheese” going to be mentioned here, is the Brie cheese that is flawless when taken with grilled German sausages and authentic beer.
October is right around the block and the Marco Polo Plaza here in Cebu is bringing back the grand annual tradition of Oktoberfest from Oct. 10-11. The event will be held at their grand ballroom and is going to be transformed into a Bavarian village.
There are three things one can expect during this grand two-day festivity: world class entertainment and games; fine German cuisine; and of course, barrels of free-flowing beer.
Here’s a quick look at some of the German dishes.
The classic grilled bratwurst is a pleaser for any meat lover. Firm yet tender, its natural flavor is perfectly complimented with perhaps a tinge of mustard and a serving of sauerkraut (made of finely shredded cabbage fermented for a distinctive sour flavor).
And boy, do the Germans know their meat. Smoked-ham leg and Hungarian sausage salad – just two of numerous courses boasting of sumptuous flavor and assuring to satisfy and fill even the persons with the most outrageous of appetite.
But even though Oktoberfest is widely known around the world for its beer and sausages, German pastry is not to be taken lightly as mere “dessert.”
According to Marco Polo’s pastry chef Willie De Jesus, what makes a black forest cake is the distinct “taste of cherries in it.” In this case, their black forest cake is prepared with syrup made from cherry liquor.
The warm apple strudel doused in vanilla sauce is also a dessert dish not to be ignored. This sweet is served with exquisite portions of nutmeg and cinnamon bits to join the caramelized apple slices.
And behold, the mother of all cheesecakes.
I felt my knees lose its strength as I took a bite of the German cheesecake. The cake was covered with crunchy graham crust and topped with a brandy snap. Even Charmaine, our Neighborhood page editor, who was there to cover the business aspect of the festivity, (and I quote) “felt like crying” after tasting it and remembered the scene from the movie Ratatouille.
The part when the harsh food critic was brought to bliss after a spoonful of his comfort food. It was indeed a sweet German experience.
So make your plans for merry-making before the calendar hits October.
Before you know it, you might find yourself in the middle of a wild “beerfest,” engaging in crazy games, dancing to lively “oompah” music and consuming of the best recipes Germany has to offer. Bis später (roughly: see you later)!
