Germany in Chicago

[Kalleh1]

There was an article today in the Chicago Tribune about all the German fests that will be taking place in Chicago, starting very soon. I was annoyed, though, that they hardly mentioned the German beer fests at all...they only mentioned Berghoff's Oktoberfest, that's it! Yet, they talked about the food, the parades, international fashions, and Fox Valley's Oktoberfest, the largest of the Germanic celebrations in the Chicago area. Why they didn't write more about the beer is just irritating!

What good beer fests are going on in the Chicago area? There must be more than that at the Berghoff! Now, theirs isn't bad; in fact, I was at dinner at the Berghoff tonight and their Oktoberfest seasonal beer (a red ale) was quite good. Still...I know there are better places.

[BTW, I get busy for awhile and come back here to what...the mid-atlantic waaaay ahead of the midwest in posts! Sheesh! :mad: ]

[mdblu1]

Originally posted by Kalleh1
[BTW, I get busy for awhile and come back here to what...the mid-atlantic waaaay ahead of the midwest in posts! Sheesh! :mad: ]

They have 200 guys named Chaz who just make up stuff to post!

[steveh]

German Fests = beer. No need to say any more - although it's probably a PC problem -- god forbid any sort of alcohol consumption be endorsed.

85th Annual German American Festival (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/events/festivals/summer/34613,0,3243407.event?coll=mmx-home_top_hedsh2o)

Have some fun listening to the traditional music, eating some great food, they usually have Hofbräu beer -- and if that's not enough variety, walk 20 feet to the Brauhaus or the Heuten Bar for more selection - Both usually have Spaten Okto on tap for the season.

S.

[chazwicke]

We have plenty of German Festivals coming up in our area. Some are better than others. I go to several. Probably the best is German Beer Night put on by the German Air Force in their hangar at Dulles. It is an invitation only thing and many of the Germans from our area attend. The beer booths are now primarily Spaten, Paulaner, Hofbrau, and Hacker. Sometimes they will have Bitburger and Warstiner non Oktoberfest drafts. Ft. Belvoir has a cheesy but fun one. Years ago it was held at the now closed Vint Hill base and it was wonderful. I think they used to fly in special German beers via military channels but now it is Spaten and that most German - Miller or Coors. from beer trucks. I had quite a lot there last year and was the last to leave the beer tent one night. I felt that a bit in the morning. I love Oktoberfest season and no matter how small or cheesy, if they have a German Oktoberfest on draft it is usually worth attending.

I had the bottled Hofbrau last night. It was very good. Ended up having 4. I had Sweetwater Tavern's version on Tuesday evening and it too was good. I have a sixer of Old Domion Okt. that I have not yet sampled. Who says I only drink CC Ales.


Originally posted by mdblu1
They have 200 guys named Chaz who just make up stuff to post!


Actually the Mid Atlantic membership has grown significantly over the past year or so. And dispite the fact that DC area has it's own beer forum many post in both places. My posting has actually declined in the past month or so because the board has been a little less active and I've actually had to work a day or two:( . I thought we had given up the challenge anyhow.

[mdblu1]

I was just kidding:D You're right, I think a truce was called, but I couldn't resist! You are a huge asset to this board, it's just fun to razz you once in a while!

[Kalleh1]

I thought we had given up the challenge anyhow.

My fault. Sorry. I won't bring up that subject again.


You know, Steve, we need a beer columnist here in Chicago, don't you think? Then maybe finding good beer wouldn't be such a game of hide & seek!

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by mdblu1
I was just kidding You're right, I think a truce was called, but I couldn't resist! You are a huge asset to this board, it's just fun to razz you once in a while!

No offense taken. :) Razz away.

[GooseIslandFan]

The Army band that I am in performed in the Von Steuben Day Parade this weekend and we were excited to learn about the hospitality tent they had invited us too afterward. As I approached the keg, I was excited about the possibility of cooling off with a nice Hofbrau or some other German offering. I was a little dissapointed to find out that we were about to drink that o' so German of beers, Rolling Rock. While I am never against free beer, and I certainly appreciate the hospitality shown to us, it didnt seem to quite fit in. Atleast maybe a local german style offering if not the read deal.RR used to be our party beer of choice in DC during the school days because it was so cheap on the East Coast and a step up from BMC.

So if you are checking out German Fests in Chicago, make sure they have German beer!

[steveh]

Originally posted by GooseIslandFan
So if you are checking out German Fests in Chicago, make sure they have German beer!

I was just about to post in this thread that a co-worker went to the Geerman Fest in Lincoln Square (traditionally the same weekend as the Von Steuben Day Parade) and was horribly disappointed at the only German beer prospect being Beck's. In years past this fest and the Maifest always had Hofbräu beers - don't know who's in charge of things any more. It's no wonder the Chicago Bräuhaus and the Heuten Bar (and probably the Hansa Clipper) were packed -- I'm sure they had much better beer flowing.

S.

[YamahaXS]

Oktoberfest in Milwaukee is 9/10 at Old Heidelberg Park
From here (http://cityguide.aol.com/milwaukee/bars/event.adp?evid=2124343):

The kegs are about to be tapped. Wear your loosest pants and keep coming every weekend in September. First things first: Set up your designated driver. Then keep your glass within range of the spout. Feast on Spanferkel (roast suckling pig), bratwurst, roast chicken, rollbraten and rich tortes and cakes. Friday night is the much-anticipated fish boil. All that beer will make the music sound better and the dancers suddenly more talented. Live entertainment includes Austrian Express, D'Oberlandler Dancers, Alte Kameraden, the Wendlstoana Dancers and River City Blaskapella. Sunday offers a few extras. Watch the Green Bay Packers game on large-screen TV and the crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen. Sunday is also Grandparents Day. Anyone 60 and older gets in free. -- C.W.

700 W Lexington Blvd
Milwaukee, WI, 53217

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by YamahaXS
Watch the Green Bay Packers game on large-screen TV



They might draw a bigger crowd if they showed the Redskins. LOL!;)

[steveh]

...and the beer selections will be...?

S.

Yammerhammer, was in yer neck of the woods over the weekend -- Ratskeller? Oh m'gosh - glad I didn't decide to go to college in Madison!

S.

[YamahaXS]

The rathskeller is a fine place to drink, and I suppose you made it out to the terrace too.

Once upon a time, the beer sold at the Rath was subsidized by the university such that your beer dollar stretched a good deal further than it does now.

Next time you are in town let me know and I'll buy you a beer.

[steveh]

Originally posted by YamahaXS
The rathskeller is a fine place to drink, and I suppose you made it out to the terrace too.

I did indeed, beautiful - the whole place had the true feel of a German Bierhall.

AFA subsidizing, I think there were discounted prices for students, alumni, and game-ticket holders -- of I which I was non of the above - oh well, the Spaten Optimator was still tasty!

Next time you are in town let me know and I'll buy you a beer.

Thanks, this was sort of a quiet, relaxing trip for one day, but the next time I'm in town for longer I'll be sure to make the area folk aware.

S.