Oktoberfest at Axel's - San Diego
First off, let me be clear...I don’t have an ounce of German blood in my body. And I’m sure I couldn’t tell the difference from a bierschinken from a bockwurst. However, I do know what tastes good to me.
Having saying that, I do enjoy the Sunday brunch at European Bistro, Chef Axel’s place from time to time. During brunch today, I noticed a Oktoberfest beer and wine tasting menu. It is a three course fixed menu throughout October. It features your choice of two beers or two wines, soup, braised lamb shank, and desert for $29.50 per person.
I also did some wine tasting there today and the Riesling Huslese-Oppenheimer was excellent.
pbhomey
Oct 01, 2006 11:33PM
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I'm with you, Homey. Like you I'm no German food expert, and so I feel kind of like the Philistine in the art museum (Don't know art, but know what I like), but I've really become a fan of this place. Last week I had the lamb shank off the regular (not the Oktoberfest special) menu, and it was first rate. We also had the best potato pancake I've ever eaten (crisp, fresh, not greasy). While we were there I told Axel that I wasn't a fan of German wine -- too sweet, most of it. He brought out samples of three different selections which, I found to be very tasty but ... too sweet. Finally, he brought out a German Pinot Noir(!). I don't have the name at hand, but the bottle features a huge embossed rhesus monkey. I don't know if oenophiles would count it as a good thing or not, but it was virtually devoid of any tannic astringency. It turned out to be the only red wine that Diana has ever liked -- and so did I.
I don't know how well he's doing, but there are always plenty of tables, so I fear for its long-term prospects. If you're interested, I urge you to give it a try soon. For the price (very moderate), Chef Axel's is a helluva value.
. . . jim strain in san diego.
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Axel actually had some lamb shanks out for brunch yesterday; and they were quite tasty. Not sure how they stack-up with the dinner menu shanks. We also tried the “Monkey” wine. Did not taste like any Pinot Noir I’ve ever had...more like a Rose, a real good Rose. That is one of the wines featured during the fixed menu fest.
As far as many tables available...not during brunch. The few times I’ve been, most of the tables were occupied. Axel told me he does a lot of catering, which helps out for the empty tables. I also like the personality of this restaurant. Axel, his wife Helen, and the servers are always making their rounds talking to the customers. Very rare in a restaurant.
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