Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The German Cafe - Paoli, IN

It was the fourth day of our trip, as we hopped in the car on this Sunday with no particular destination in mind.  Chad must have been hungry because no sooner than we had gotten in the car he made a sharp turn  off the road into the parking lot of a small blue house with a white porch.  I didn't even realize it was a restaurant at first but soon saw a woman (who I later found out was the owner, Ramona) walk on the patio and flip over the open sign.  Chad and I were both slightly hesitant because it was German food and it was our first meal of the day.  Also, we are always weary of eating new places because of my issues with food... we are never sure if there will be something I can eat.   My gut told me we should go.  I'm German... Chad looks German... and I love Bratwurst.  So... why not give it a try.  



Walking in, I was astonished by how absolutely adorable the restaurant is.  There is so much charm.  The restaurant is divided by rooms, with different tables situated with mis-matching chairs.  There are German knick-knacks everywhere, but it is well put together and not overwhelming.  It is simply an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at home. 




 Ramona quickly greeted us with a smile and told asked if a table up front would be alright.  She presented us with the menu and explained the specials in depth.  She also offered us the wine and beer list and took care to tell us about each of the wines and beers.  She stated that all of the beverages were from Germany and were selected based on what she and her husband Bernd enjoy.  


Chad selected the Dopplebock also known as a double bock.  He says that it was a delicious full-bodied beer brewed in the traditional style.  What he enjoyed about it was that it wasn't too heavy to have with a meal and had just the right amount of happiness for his taste.  Not too bitter, not too sweet.  Something that a craft-brew lover would hate to miss.  


I selected Schmitt & Sohne - fünf.  This semi-sweet red wine has just enough sweetness to it.  Ramona described it is a fun, young, almost sparkling wine, and I couldn't agree more with her.  It was a refreshing, fruity table wine that was almost too easy to drink. 


Both Chad and I decided on the special that came with three different kinds of sausages including a slightly spicy bratwurst, a mild white sausage (usually served before noon in Germany), and a third pork sausage that was like a sweet hot dog.  They were delicious!  We both loved the white sausage and were surprised by how flavorful it was.  We've never had anything quite like it.  We chose different sides.  Chad had the spatzle (pronounced like - sh-pit-z-luh... kind of).  These were wide noodles with mushrooms and creamy sauce.  While they were too much for him eat, they had a great texture.  Nothing too bold, making it a great first meal of the day for him.  I had the side salad and sauerkraut.  I have never liked sauerkraut but thought, since I was in an authentic German restaurant, I should give it a try... I am so glad I did.  It was delicious!  As was the salad.  It had all sorts of vegetables, including beans and corn, which made this salad absolutely delectable tossed in their vinaigrette.  




I cannot wait for another trip so we can go back there!  If you have the chance, go!  Talk to Ramona!  You would never know that she moved from Germany three years ago.  Her English is near flawless.  Her husband Bernd is the chef.  They make an amazing team and are the reason for the success this restaurant has achieved in the 2 years it has been open.  


While we were at the restaurant, we met a lovely couple who sat at the table across from us, Shane Campbell and Donna.  The two have seemed to travel a great deal and were happy to share their travels and knowledge.  They were wonderful to talk to and get to know.  They made the experience even more pleasurable.  As we sat, talked, and enjoy our food, Shane told us that he is part of a group that reviews restaurants.  You can find his story at:


http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19353

You will also be able to find more information about the restaurant on their website: 


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