Kraut Kugels.
Robin Pritz, General Manager at The Reading Liederkranz, points out that even though the kitchen makes chicken wings (Wednesday is Wing Night!) to compete with the best of the best in Berks County, his main focus when it comes to food is “proper German flavors — that’s our niche.” His wife is Executive Chef Marlis, who clearly enjoys the creative aspects of inventing and cooking every bit as much as Robin does.
Here’s are some of their favorites:
Kraut Kugels. On the extensive appetizer list is this unusual item, which the uninitiated diner might easily overlook or be wary of. Once you bite into one of these perfectly crisped sauerkraut balls though, you’ll be begging for more. These large, breaded lovelies are drizzled with a stunning honey-mustard sauce, and are — in this writer’s opinion — one of the best appetizers on earth. Robin takes credit for this invention, giving generous kudos to the generations of cooks in his family. “We make these fresh,” he says proudly, “and we can’t keep them in house.”
Brez’n. These Bavarian soft pretzels, imported from Munich, and dipped in a bowl of hot beer cheese are uber-scrumptious. A must-try.
Gebackener Brie is baked and served warm and toasty with crackers and luscious raspberry sauce.
Fritierte Gewürze Gurken…otherwise known as fried pickles! They’re battered with beer (what else?) and light-fried for a fun n’ tangy warm bite to start off the meal.
Aus dem Suppentopf (soup of the day). This varies, obviously, which speaks to Chef’s devotion to seasonal freshness. A clear hands-down certain soup to never, ever pass up — especially in fall and winter -- is anything made with squash. Yummm. It’s fragrant, smooth as velvet, satisfying to the eye and palate. Plus, it’s a totally guilt-free pleasure, full of nutrients (e.g., antioxidants, vitamin A, many other vitamins and minerals).
Chef Marlis admits that there is a lot of hard work involved in setting high goals for the kitchen’s output, including the club’s “Culinary Tour Through Germany” on the third Thursday of the month, with an all-you-can-eat buffet. “Yes, I get tired,” she laughs, “but when the customers say how much they like it, it’s worth it.”
One of the secrets to The Reading Liederkranz’s dining success is, according to Robin, “They give us the flexibility to express ourselves with food.” And that makes all the difference.
By Marian Frances Wolbers | photo by Heidi Reuter
