Oktoberfest
Once again our German friends have found an excuse to celebrate! This time it is the Oktoberfest which is celebrated in Southern Germany - especially in Munich. It all began in 1810 when a big folk festival was staged on the outskirts of Munich to celebrate the wedding of the crown prince of Bavaria, later King Ludwig I, to Therese, princess of Sachsen-Hildenburghausen, and has continued ever since - now corresponding to our fall harvesting and country fair season.
The crops were excellent - the harvesting has been completed - the farmer has sold his grain - the bills have been paid - and a handsome profit has been realized - or not - even without subsidies! And now is time to have “Gaudi auf der Wiesen!” (Fun in the Meadows).
The Wiesen are huge green meadows just outside of Munich, where this gigantic festival is staged. The boys and girls, dressed in the finest Trachten (Lederhosen, Dirndels and Ornaments) visit the large tents where noisy brass bands greet them. These tents are owned by the big breweries. The special Oktoberfest Bier is dispensed out of 50 gallon wooden barrels into a Mass (a crockery stein holding one liter of beer - one quart). The guests are seated at large wooden tables and benches - all united as one big family, assembled for just one purpose - to have Gaudi.
To satisfy the appetite, there are such delicacies as Kalbshaxen, Scheinshaxen, Brathendels, Weisswurste, Pretzels and Rettiche, or you may go to one of the large outdoor cooking areas, where whole steers are roasted on a spit and you may obtain any cut you wish.
Granted, we here at the Student Prince do not have the facilities to roast a whole steer, but we do have the choicest cuts of prime beef and veal prepared the way you like them. Our special Oktoberfest menu offers tempting Bavarian delicacies which we know you will enjoy.
So, we say Prosit! Enjoy a stein of foaming Oktoberfest Beer and have Gaudi in Springfield at the Student Prince and Fort Restaurant.
Guten Appetit,
Rudi & the Entire Staff