The Florida Foodie
Beers and Brats! It’s Oktoberfest in South Florida
By Saucy Sarah
American German Club
5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth, FL 33463
Phone: 561.967.6464 ~ www.americangermanclub.org
The original “Oktoberfest” occurred in Munich, on October 12, 1810, for the commemoration of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen marriage. Now, two hundred and five years later, Palm Beach County is host to one of the largest Oktoberfest’s in the country. Held the second and third weekend in October, the American German Club, on Lantana Road in Lake Worth, brings this German tradition to life for its 42nd year. There is something to delight everyone in the family. Oktoberfest at the American German Club is one of my favorite ways to celebrate my German heritage and fall. If you haven’t been, it is worth a visit.
Love food? The American German club offers traditional Oktoberfest fare such as giant hot dogs and brats. Want serious German dishes? They’ve got them. Try some Sauerbraten, Schnitzel, Goulash, or Red Cabbage. Don’t forget to save room for a sweet like a slice of black forest cake or the ever-popular apple strudel. They also offer many eats for those not so adventurous. Have a giant pretzel or dill pickle! Beer may be the highlight of the festival with many imported varieties to try, but the German club also offers an impressive wine selection. You can also try a selection of fruit flavored schnapps.
As you stuff your face, enjoy the authentic German music by bands flown over from Germany to perform for you. There are also Bavarian dance groups and even a Beerstein holding contest. For the young and young at heart, there are many midway rides and carnival games to keep you entertained.
The festival runs Friday through Sunday the weekends of October 9th and October 16th this year. Plan to spend the day with the family celebrating the Royal Wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen! Visit the American German Club’s website for more information about Oktoberfest.
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In her previous life, Sarah, a Palm Beach County Native, spent ten years working in various high-end eating establishments around South Florida. She is currently a fiction thesis candidate in the MFA program at Florida International University where she also teaches creative writing and rhetoric. If that is not enough, Sarah is also the owner of Cakes by Sarah, a local custom cake shop. Sarah lives in South Florida with her husband and two beautiful boys. “Food, fiction, and family are my life.”