German Pockets in Texas
It's been a lot of fun exploring international food in the Houston area. But when I moved to Texas 15+ years ago, I had no idea I would find so many German restaurants in the small towns of Texas.
Since my maiden name is Meyer and my husband and I both like German food, I thought I should share a couple finds.
Since my maiden name is Meyer and my husband and I both like German food, I thought I should share a couple finds.
Lampasas, Texas
Lampasas is just one of the many small towns in Texas that has an impressive historic square and courthouse. However, many of the buildings in town were destroyed my birth year of '57, when the nearby Sulphur Creek flooded. A few died and I'm sure those who lived through it needed the healing of the mineral springs, which helped put Lampasas on the map. Today there are about 7,000 living in the town and as far as I know, only one German restaurant. Eve's Café.
A Big Feast for Lunch!
Don and I don't usually eat big meals at lunch, but when you run across a small town that serves up German beer and numerous Schnitzel options...you just had to go for it!
A Closer Look
My Rahn Schnitzel was amazing with a sour cream gravy. Don's Reuben sandwich was served on German rye. My Spatzle noodles gave my plate sort of an "alive" look! I'm all for the fun in food, but in truth I would have preferred potato pancakes over this worm-like noodle.
My Rahn Schnitzel was amazing with a sour cream gravy. Don's Reuben sandwich was served on German rye. My Spatzle noodles gave my plate sort of an "alive" look! I'm all for the fun in food, but in truth I would have preferred potato pancakes over this worm-like noodle.
Speaking of fun, I did love the ceiling! If the place hadn't been so hopping, I would have asked about all the marionettes, stars, flags and curiosities hanging above the tables. But the young girls waiting tables did not have time for my questions. I believe there is an Eve who owns the café and would have had answers for me, but she must have been in the back.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, Texas was settled by German immigrants in the 19th century. Even the roads are extra wide for the ox carts that were common here.
This is a good place to come for German food, but it is also quite touristy...unlike Lampasas. Not too long ago we visited Fredericksburg and dined with friends at Auslander. I believe the word auslander means outsider...or basically tourist. So out of about 10 German restaurants, maybe this was not the most authentic...but it was fun!
Lodge-like Interior
You have to love a high beamed ceiling and stone fireplace and murals of Germany. There was even German music playing. Did I hear yodeling?
And Cuckoo Clocks!
I've always been a fan of cuckoo clocks and here we were, sitting right underneath 11 of them. I got a little excited as we neared 3:00 (late lunch) Sure enough there was a sort of nutty performance of chimes and cuckoos, all slightly unsynchronized.
German Beer
German Beer
A few got into the spirit with German beer. I however, was freezing from the air conditioning, and craved some kind of hot German beverage, but I couldn't think of any
Food
The food was delicious and that warmed me up. I had a Reuben sandwich on pumpernickel, with potato pancakes and applesauce! We also shared a very curious treat called Schnitzel Rolls, which were like German spring rolls! Fun!
Another Time!
I hope to come back when the weather is perfect. The beer garden with cute folding chairs on the brick floor looked like it could be quite the place on a warm spring evening.
I want a table by the big window that looks out over the street. Then I can keep an eye out for oxen...or pickup trucks more likely.
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