Why wait until fall to celebrate Oktobefest? The cuisine of Germany has been available in the Tri-Cities since 2008 when Freiberg’s German Restaurant in Johnson City has been serving plenty of bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and much more.
Andreas Herholz and his wife, Michele, opened Freiberg’s in 2008. The restaurant’s atmosphere encourages patrons to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal in pleasant surroundings designed to imitate the exterior of a small German town.
Bratwurst paired with fries and sauerkraut.
In fact, according to a story on the restaurant’s menu, the restaurant is named after a little German town in the Saxon region of East Germany. The town’s chief claim to fame was silver mining, which spanned 800 years of the town’s history.
The dining area is located on two levels and offers a rustic atmosphere highlighted by terra cotta and cream walls, wrought iron railings, cuckoo clocks and chandeliers fashioned out of antlers. German flags are also displayed on the walls. The restaurant is a great destination if you’re getting together with a group of friends for a fun lunch or dinner. The restaurant also regularly offers live entertainment, which enhances Freiberg’s desirability as a lively, fun dining destination.
The menu’s Vorspeisen, or Appetizers, section offers Saxon Potato Skins, Frittierter Blumenkohl (Fried Cauliflower), Frittierter Kaese Platte (Fried Cheese Platter) and Pretzels with Beer Cheese. The Fried Cheese Platter is an innovative twist on a traditional meal-starter favorite. Three different mixtures — Ham and Swiss, Blue Cheese and Cream Cheese and Spinach — provide the fillings for these ample wedges of cheese fried to a golden-brown crisp. Diners can also start off a meal with a cup or bowl of Linsensuppe, or Lentil Soup, which consists of lentils stewed with carrots, onions, potatoes and a blend of spices.These hearty appetizers are another reason to make a trip to Freiberg’s in the company of several hungry friends.
Choosing a main course involves careful contemplation of the array of options. German fare is largely a “meat and potatoes” affair, with some cabbage tossed in for good measure. The menu offers Suppen and Salate, or Soups and Salads, as well as a variety of sandwiches, Bratwurst (Grilled Pork Sausage Links) and other entrees. The main selection of Hauptspeisen, or Entrees, includes a variety of pork, beef and chicken dishes accompanied by a selection of traditional German side dishes.
Try Freiberg’s in Johnson City for a taste of German cuisine.
The items include Goulasch, which is actually a Hungarian dish described on the menu as “too good to be called a stew.” There’s also a nod to its origins in Hungary, as well as the proviso that it was perfected in Germany.
Other classic German fare includes Huehnchen (Chicken) Schnitzel; the Boulette (German-style Ground Beef Steak smothered in onions); Jaegger Schnitzel, which is a hand-breaded pork tenderloin topped with onion, red wine and mushroom gravy; and the Freiberg Schnitzel, which is served smothered with roasted onions and the restaurant’s creamy beer cheese sauce.
One of my favorite dishes has been the Schnitzel with Spicy Paprika Sauce. I’ve also enjoyed the eatery’s delectable Sauerbraten, which consists of a tender beef roast soaked for three days in Freiberg’s signature marinade, then slow-cooked for hours and topped in its own gravy. Pair the Sauerbraten with Rot Kohl (Red Cabbage) or Sauerkraut, as well as Brakkartoffeln (Fried Potatoes with Onion and Bacon) – these are delicious – or Bavarian Potato Salad for a flavorful, filling meal.
The Pork Schnitzel with Spicy Paprika Sauce goes great with Sauerkraut and Bavarian Potato Salad.
For dessert, Freiberg’s offers its own take on Apple Strudel. The strudel consists of a large pastry filled with apples, cranberries and nuts, and it is topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Much German fare lends itself to consumption with beers, and the restaurant offers an impressive selection of German and other imported beer.
The restaurant also offers a lunch menu. All the dinner favorites are present at more modest prices. Even better, the portions are still quite ample.
There’s also a Kinderkarte, or Children’s Menu, so bring along the entire family.
I’ve always been impressed with my visits to Freiberg’s, and I am already looking forward to returning and sampling more of the items on the menu.
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