Fall – the season of crisp, fresh air and cooler temperatures.

Its a welcome relief from hot and humid summer. The harvest season (helped this year by the unusually mild weather), with a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, is in full swing throughout New England. There are countless good things to eat. At this time of year, I always look forward to Oktoberfest, one of the most enduring and popular food events of Fall. It began in Munich, Bavaria in 1810 as the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese. Early in the 19th century the festival morphed into what it is today: a celebration of food, music and most importantly beer. After World War II, Oktoberfest became the world-famous festival of beer and Bavarian culture that it is today. Symbolized by servers in traditional Lederhosen and Dirndls carrying impossible numbers of overflowing beer mugs, it has become the largest festival in the world, attracting well over six million visitors to Munich during the last week of September and early October.

Oktoberfest celebration in Munich.

200 years ago, brewing was impossible in the heat of summer. Märzen (more commonly known as Oktoberfest) beer was brewed in March to be held in cool caves for summer and fall consumption, keeping the public supplied until beer making could start again. Oktoberfest celebrated the resumption of brewing by consuming the last of the Märzen. Full bodied with a higher alcohol level, a coppery red color and bolder flavors than traditional lagers, the Märzen/Oktoberfest beer has become a worldwide fall tradition.

American craft brewers are busy creating beers in the Oktoberfest tradition. Some hew closely to the German model, while others take that as a starting point and follow their own path. Widely available regional producers to look for include New England Brewing, Sam Adams, Brooklyn Brewing, and Harpoon, but, there are many others. Ask for some suggestions at your beverage store. (At the same time, you’ll see a lot of pumpkin beer – another popular style for the fall. Pick up a few while you’re shopping to see what you like.)

Locally, Oktoberfest is celebrated at several local restaurants and bars. The Redding Roadhouse has the longest running and best known Oktoberfest in our area lasting for the entire month of October. German and American Oktoberfest beers are available on a revolving schedule. The traditional menu features German classics like wurst steamed in beer, potato pancakes, schnitzel, the always-popular sauerbraten, and smoked pork chops baked in sauerkraut. Don’t miss the apple strudel for dessert. On Sunday afternoons, there is even more fun with traditional live Volk Musik.

Brennan’s Tap Room in Norwalk surrenders its American pub vibe for a full 6 weeks of Oktoberfest celebration running till the end of October. Beers include German Radeberger plus American Oktoberfest interpretations from Goose Island, Brooklyn Brewery and Sam Adams. The menu covers the highlights of German cuisine with a dozen choices. On a recent visit, a platter of three grilled wursts was delicious, the smoked pork chop was a big hit with our party and the tender wiener schnitzel was cooked just right. Each entree comes with braised red cabbage and house-made Spaetzle, the dumpling-noodle from Bavaria.

If you want to put on your own Oktoberfest or explore the broad range of German and American beers made for the occasion, lots of area beverages stores carry a good selection of seasonal beers. Total Wine on Main Avenue has one of the biggest beer departments in the area, with a comprehensive collection of American and German beers. Stew Leonards is always a good choice for seasonal beers. Ninety 9 bottles, a store devoted to beer, focuses on a few well chosen brews from Germany and America as well as seasonal pumpkin beers.

For Oktoberfest beers without the German menu and music, visit The Gingerman in Sono for Festival beers on tap with delicious American food.

Whatever your Oktoberfest style, be sure to raise a glass to Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, thanking them for the 200 year long party that started with their wedding.

Drop me a note to let me know about your Oktoberfest celebration.

Redding Roadhouse www.Reddingroadhouse.com
406 Redding Road
West Redding, CT 06896

Brennan’s Tap Room
www.Brennanstaproom.com
280 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk
203-642-3330

Total Wine
380 Main Ave, Norwalk

Stew Leonard’s Wines
55 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 750-6162

Ninety 9 Bottles
209 Liberty Square, Norwalk, CT 06855
(203) 899-9937

The Gingerman
www.gingermannorwalk.com
99 Washington St #2, Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 354-0163