Octoberfest

COMMENTS

Twenty-seven people (including three guests) attended this Octoberfest event at the German American Society Hall.  We learned that the tradition of Octoberfest started in 1805,  as a continuation of a wedding celebration,  rather than a harvest celebration, (as it is thought of today.)  Also it was mentioned that in Germany today,  the celebration and festive activities are not seen in a positive way by in the influx of new  Muslum immigrants, which must create a source of friction with the native Germans.     Regardless, in Omaha, (with a large component of people with German heritage) it  is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their heritage & have fun (even if you happen to be Irish)!    Our event followed a larger celebration  on Saturday, when hundreds gathering in tents at this location celebrated Octoberfest/

 Tonight our group shared a large room with members of the German American Society, but we had our own space, and area for quaffing.   Many wore costumes (including lederhosin)  & were there to enjoy the food, the comradery and the entertainment  (as were we)!

You will notice that the food (on the above menu) was very traditional German foods that you would expect to see at an Octoberfest.  Everything was very tasty, and the challenge for Frank  (Event Planner) was to locate wines that paired well with the menu, and also of good quality, with good ratings , if possible, and we .    think he rose to the challenge!

Three biers that were served included : Spaten Octoberfest, Ayinger Oktoberfest, and Hacker Pschorr Ocktoberfest.  By definition  Octoberfest biers are slightly stronger &“hoppier” than normal beer.   It is brewed normally during March to late April, stored over the summer in caves, and used for the fall celebrations.  Tonight, they  were served for quaffing, and  the first two courses, and complemented the menus very well.   

Before the first plate, we were served a shot of Killelpitsch, and told to “knock it back”!   It was 42% alcohol with a taste of fruit, herbs and spices, and it certainly woke up our taste buds, & got us ready to celebrate!

The wines served tonight  are listed on the menu, but here are a few comments about them.

First plate:  The Nebel Riesling was dry & fruity with an aroma of orange blossoms & peach. It complemented the brat & hot potato salad.  

Main Course :  The Schnaitmann Lemberg (R 90/100) (Not related to cheeses).  Note tastes of spices, black cherries orange zest & red currents.   The Becker Guillaume  (R 89) is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot & Dornfelder, and was also fruity and spicy.  Both wines were very enjoyable with this course.

Dessert:   The Domaine Ehrhart Gewurztraminer served with the torte, was big, rich, and rounded with sweet tropical fruits and spiciness.  It posessed a honeyed character, and  was a great choice.

After dinner we were thoroughly entertained with singing by the Die Singenden Wanderers, and folk dancing by Die Heimat Taenzers.   We were impressed that our event planner, Frank Sobetski, was one of the singers!

All and all, at the end of the evening we felt that we had experienced a very festive Octoberfest in Omaha, that had us feeling like we were in Munich!