Oktoberfest

Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a Marketing & Social Media Specialist. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John’s University and is active within her community as a writer and mentor. She enjoys cooking, traveling and singing in her Long Island-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by email at LISAVORYEATS@gmail.com.

Fall is here, and I’ve never been happier. October is one of my favorite months for many reasons: fall foliage, cooler temps, Halloween, and last but not least: Oktoberfest. Although this year will certainly look a little different when it comes to celebration, we can still seek out an authentic meal, and quality experience.
My brother-in-law, Kyle, lives for Oktoberfest. Fluent in German and all things German culture, he opts for biergartens 12 months a year, but especially in October. Having spent some time in Germany, he is always excited to share cultural and traditional tips with us and point out the true German restaurants, entrées, and beers. His go-to local picks are The Village Lanterne in Lindenhurst, Das Biergarten in the Long Beach area, and Zum Stammtisch in Glendale.
The Village Lanterne provides an unparalleled ambiance. Traditional exterior, complete with renovated biergarten, and a cozy and thoughtfully decorated interior. It’s somewhere you must visit if you’re interested in the German dining (and/or drinking) experience. Their menu lists all the traditional cravings you’d expect, from Schnitzel and Bratwurst to Sauerbraten. They have “Specialties of the House” listed throughout, and my personal pick is the “Best of the Wurst”: a plate of German sausages, with a side of red cabbage and sauerkraut. If you’re dining out with someone who isn’t interested in trying a new cuisine (let’s be honest, we all know someone) don’t fret: they have familiar menu items including salmon, burgers, steak, and oven-roasted chicken.
Das Biergarten is a no-frills beer garden with quality food and authentic beers on tap. You can have your 3-liter beer boot, and Bratwurst, all in one place. They also, take the time to delve into the culture and experience with their “German Food 101” guide – which breaks down Bavarian cuisine, and dishes such as Spätzle and Bier Cheese soup. My go-to group order here would include the Das Pretzel (complete with haus made mustard and bier cheese), Das Best Wurst Platter (selection of delectable German Sausages with Kraut, apple red cabbage, pretzel bites basket, haus made mustard and bier cheese sauce), Schweinshaxe (braised pork shank with crispy skin, so tender it falls off the bone. Served with haus made potato dumplings and apple red cabbage), and Zwiebelrostbraten (prime tenderized NY strip steak with a mountain of crisped onions over a warm German potato salad). I’m also a fan of the Curry-Spiced Wurst – a German “fast food” favorite! Smoked-bier sausages, sliced and topped with spicy & sweet red curry sauce.
Last but certainly not least, if we’re lucky enough to be visiting Zum Stammtisch in Glendale, we opt for the German Herring Salad, Knockwurst (mild, finely ground beef and pork sausage), Krainerwurst (coarser pork sausage smoked with hickory), and Braunschweiger Liverwurst. This place is authentic and traditional, plus they offer daily specials, and killer desserts. (Black Forest Cake anyone?) Zum Stammtisch was founded in November of 1972. Owners, Hans and Werner, also expanded the Stammtisch name by opening up a German pork store right next to the restaurant. Stammtisch Pork Store & Imports offers authentic German meats and delicacies that you can take home and use to create your own Oktoberfest celebration.