Ratskeller
Munchen: Bavarian History in the Heart of Munich
One
of thOn August 25th 1867 the first foundation stone
was laid for this honorable venue, and on August 1st 1874 the
Ratskeller opened its doors for the first time. Since then guests
have been delighted to the Bavarian specialties served in its
historic rooms. Today the menu showcases food from Franconia
and other Bavarian regions.
Many German towns in earlier times had a traditional Ratskeller
restaurant or inn, housed in the cellar of the their town hall.
Munich's Ratskeller in the past years found its place in the
Bavarian capitals gastronomy scene as a Wirtshaus (inn) which
not only offered traditional Bavarian meals, but also offered
a menu with a variety of international dishes. The huge Wirtshaus
under Munich's Town Hall currently seats 1,200 people inside
and a few hundred outside at the Prunkhof of the Town Hall at
the Marienplatz.
Ratskeller Entrance
I
would recommend before lunch you stop to watch the Munich Glockenspiel,
located steps from Ratskeller Munchen. It is a delightful show
that attracts thousands of people to witness its magic each
day. This is "classic Munich" and is the best-known
work of artistic engineering of its kind in the world. It occurs
in the tower of the New Town Hall at Marienplatz at 11 a.m.,
noon and, except in the winter, at 5 p.m. Munich's glockenspiel
is the largest in Germany and 4th largest in Europe, containing
43 bells.
The
first part of the Carillon, takes place on the top section and
represents the wedding festival of Renata von Lothringen and
Wilhelm V, founder of the Hofbräu brewery. The wedding
took place on the Marienplatz (then called Schrannenplatz) in
1568. 18 figures dance around Wilhelm and his bride, including
two jousting knights. The Wittelsbacher (Bavarian), with the
white and blue colors on his horse, wins against the Habsburger
(Austrian, with red and white), knocking him backward, every
single day. This really beautiful and worth seeing if you are
in the Marienplatz for lunch.
Munich Glockenspiel
When
entering the Ratskeller you will find the Bavarian hand painted
murals, lighting, furniture design and dishware fascinating.
Numerous rooms in the Ratskeller, provide everything from traditional
elegant Bavarian to cozy and down-to-earth interiors that are
artistic and inviting. The food preparations and presentations
include specialties from Munich and Franconia accompanied by
Löwenbräu beers fresh from the tap and wines from
the wine estate of Würzburger Juliusspital.
The
Sunday brunch at the Ratskeller is worth planning your schedule
around, as the huge selection of authentic local dishes is astounding.
Chef Michael Schubaur, a pupil of the famous Bavarian Michelin
star chef Otto Koch, creates with expertise and fantasy, true
culinary surprises for patrons. The tireless kitchen team uses
only fresh ingredients of flawless quality and origin, primarily
from their own region. The Ratskeller has also become known
for its selection of beautifully prepared fish dishes.
Sauer Braten
Most
sought after dishes at Ratskeller Munchen include Schweinebraten
€11.5/US$12.80 (roast pork with gravy and crispy bacon
crumbs, served with bread dumpling, potato dumpling and Bavarian
coleslaw) and Grillwürstl Schmankerl
€18/US$20
(Nuremburg-style bratwurst, skinless veal wollwurst, smoked
beef beer-knack bratwurst, Schnapps bratwurst, grilled bacon,
sauerkraut and mashed potato). They also appeal to vegetarians
with dishes like the Käsespätzle
€10.50/US$11.70
(egg noodles and mountain cheese).
The
Ratskeller traditional menu includes starters of Pancake soup
in beef broth or Frankish (Nuremberg grilled sausages, "Silvaner"
herbs and horseradish) or a Munich salad plate (Herb salad with
bacon, potatoes salad, cucumber salad, carrot/orange-salad,
green leaf lettuce and yogurt dressing). Choices of main-course
include Lean roast pork with crisp bacon crumbs, potato dumplings
or Frankish Sauerbraten, a German specialty of beef marinated
in vinegar with smooth burgundy sauce, and served with red cabbage,
potato dumplings or green asparagus risotto (Italian risotto
with green asparagus spears, oven dried tomatoes, in a tomato-wrap).
Munich Combination Salad
Desserts
include Black Forest Kirsch cake or hot apple strudel with vanilla
sauce or Munich apple fritters with vanilla ice-cream and whipped
cream, plus 2 drinks per person (choice of beer, wine or soft
drinks) also including a coffee/tea. Kids Menu (0-12 years old)
includes choice of Fish fingers crispy baked with french fries
or Chicken nuggets crispy baked with french fries, mixed ice
cream with whipped cream, 1 soft drink of choice plus Hot chocolate.
It's all wunderbar in Munchen!
Millions
of people visit the Ratskeller and enjoy the Munich Glockenspiel
during Octoberfest each year. The first Oktoberfest was held
October 12,1810 in honour of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig.
Octoberfest 2016 in Munich will be held September 17 through
October 3.
For
information visit:
http://www.muenchen.de
http://www.ratskeller.com/
By Bonnie Carroll
About Bonnie Carroll
Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since
1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll's
Life Bites News - www.lifebitesnews.com,
does travel and food reporting on KZSB1290 radio, and contributes
to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle
publications. Her first children's book C.C. Charles was published
in 2002 and she is currently working on a second book. Contact
her at Contact her at writebc@aol.com.