Kathrin's Biergarten

Will drink a beer later to me, but also one to my Oma. She was born April 17th, 1912. She was an incredible strong woman, raised four kids being a "Trümmerfrau" after WW2 in bombed Hamburg (Opa fell in the war). She is one of the reason, I stress so much not to waste any food or beer. I spent a lot of time with my Omas; both lived through two World Wars, and knew what it means to have nothing. She made sure I developed respect for food and to not waste anything (she even cont...rolled how many toilet paper pieces I used when I went to the bathroom, seriously :-). She moved later to Bad Homburg (closed to Frankfurt), and until she died August 13th, 2003, we celebrated almost every birthday together. Pictures on the right side were our last birthday, we spent together. Happy Birthday, Oma. Miss you, love you and thinking about you! You are always being remembered. And I will keep making sure we waste as little as possible in the restaurant. Cheers to you! Happy Saturday everyone! See more

For those who asked. The European Cup 2020 was scheduled to take place 12 June-12 July 2020, but due to the coronavirus outbreak it will take place 11 June-11 July 2021. It opens in Rome on 11 June 2021 with the match Turkey v Italy. As most of you know, we are a huge soccer family, and I love the European Cup, so we obviously will open the restaurant for all Germany games. Here are the dates for round one. Mark your calendar, and get ready for some beer for breakfast! June 1...5th: France v Germany (21:00, Munich) - 12pm our time (Tuesday) June 19th: Portugal v Germany (18:00, Munich)- 9am our time (Saturday) June 23rd: Germany v Hungary (21:00, Munich) 12pm our time (Wednesday) Edit: Since we don't know in which tier Placer will be by then, but you want to watch the game, please reserve a spot for the case we will still be at 25% capacity. Good thing is that the games are during hours, we are usually closed, so we will have only soccer fans there, but a lot of our customers like soccer, so please make sure you have a spot. We will be having fun, but want to make sure it's safe fun. Open 11:30-9 today. Prost, and happy Friday everyone! https://germangirlinamerica.com/german-soccer-vocabulary/

You have to admit - Germany does have some amazing castles (that's the Hohenzollern castle)! Happy Earth Day everyone!

It's funny. I wrote this in the newsletter I sent out last week: I hope you understand that it’s not that easy with all the come and go of new people. I am trying my best to train them, but it will take a while to get the team on the same page again. For many, all this German is tough, learning the food and beers, the routine. They are trying! Please have a little understanding and patience if mistakes happen. We do care, and do want to survive, And then saw this post below... shared in different neighborhood and foodie groups. Whoever wrote that, but his points are so spot on. Number one, for example; I was on the phone on Monday with Hofbraeu and St. Killian Imports; yesterday with SHW Brands Import. We are all in the same boat. Shortage of beer is terrible right now, but everyone is doing their best! Bitburger, Koetztritzer,.for example were caught up in the canal debacle, there are not enough transport options. Shipping costs are three times as expensive, and transport time takes double as long. Import companies had been much more carefully with ordering as no one knew what’s happening, and you don’t want to have beer go bad. It’s exactly how he/she said: Manufactures cannot keep up with demand of States opening up so quickly. When I order at European Import, I always leave a blank check as I can be certain that some items I ordered are out of stock. My order is never complete. I totally understand how frustrating it is if people are finally going out, want to support, spending a lot of money, and then mistakes happen. But please understand it’s not that we don’t care. Finding people right now is real challenging for a lot of us. I’m of course responsible and am accountable for the mistakes. Shortage of products and work force is just hard to solve and to fix; shortage of kindness isn’t necessary. We are working it through! We will get there. Please just have a little patience. Germans don’t rush through their meals anyhow. Enjoy, take your time! And if your favorite beer is out, then that is the time to try another one. All German beers are good ;-) Thank you! Prost and happy Thursday everyone! See more

It was the first time. You have no idea how excited I was when he gave me the ring asking me to hide it in the dessert. I was jumping up and down like a little child. She almost ate the ring but I did made some German noises so she noticed last minute. One out of many happy moments in the Biergarten. Blessings and much love to the happy couple! Open 4-9pm today. Prost everyone!

March first, they allowed us restaurant workers to get the vaccine. I immediately informed all of my staff, and wrote them an employee verification. Since I trust experts (virologists, epidemiologists and doctors who have studied diseases and vaccines for their entire lives) and think vaccines are blessings (we would still deal with polio or the smallpox if it wasn't for vaccines), I encouraged my employees to get the vaccine; however, I don’t require it. They are all adults,... and should decide for themselves what they are believe is best for them. Most of them, I know, did get the vaccine, but we ALL will continue wearing masks. Got my second dose March 29th, so I have now the 2 weeks complete for the full effect. I also believe in the studies of fresh air, so I encourage everyone to continue to rather sit outside. The last thing we want, is to fall back again. Other countries are still struggling extremely (Germany is talking about lockdown until June now!). Everyone, stay healthy and happy (and thirsty :-). Open 4-9pm today. Prost! See more

On this day, April 13th, 1841, the magnificent Semperoper (Semper Opera) in Dresden was formally opened in a festive ceremony. The building was designed by 37-year old architect Gottlieb Semper and built in under three years. Semper’s rounded design was regarded as the most beautiful theater in the world. The Seperoper has a long history of famous premieres, including major works by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. The Semperoper is today the opera house of the Sächsisch...e Staatsoper Dresden and the concert hall of the Staatskapelle Dresden. If you ever visit Germany, you need to go in there. It's powerful! Open 4-9pm today at the Biergarten. Cheers to German architecture, and happy Tuesday everyone! See more

It's now the third time someone asked me whether I believe people are too stupid to find the exits in tents. No!!!!! That's exactly the response to the officer from the fire department who told us we need exit and "no smoking" signs. "It's a small tiny tent with two open sides (Covid health regulation for air circulation)! So two sides always have to be down anyhow. It's common sense where the exit is!" I was standing there in disbelief, and thought it was a joke. I wasn't fined but they listed it, and told me I have to fix it until they come back. They just doing their job, and I just following the orders for your safety. Because without the signs, you wouldn't know where to go. But now you finally know where to exit (just follow the red signs :-) Open 4-9pm today. Prost and happy Tuesday!

We will be closed today because of a staff appreciation/team bonding event. Sorry for the inconvenience! We haven't had one in a long time, and with so many new people to welcome, it's just overdue. To explain why I think it's important to me, look at this picture that shows German’s National team. In the soccer history starting after WW2, it has ALWAYS been called Nationalmannschaft (national team), but interestingly, in 2014 in a somewhat weird turn of events, reporters ...and journalists in other countries has extensively used the word Mannschaft (just team, instead of National team), which backfed into Germany. It’s now the team’s branding, on marketing campaigns (on the team bus, on the jerseys,.even a movie was made with that title). The point is that unlike in the US where most teams have a super star), Germany doesn’t. They stressed the word Mannschaft so much because that’s why German soccer is the best soccer in the world. They understand that a team is only as good as their weakest player. There is no star, there is no one more or less important. Even the bench who doesn’t play is as important as they cheer to the one on the field and support in other ways. My coach in Germany used to tell me that however you are on the field, you are in life. Understanding Life is not that much different than understanding a game. In team sports, you can be the best scorer or striker, it doesn’t matter if your defense sucks you still lose the game if the other team makes more points! Same is the restaurant industry: You can think you are the greatest server, it doesn’t help you if you serve food that is crappy, or end up not having dishes to serve it with. The German noun ending schaft (Mannschaft) has an equivalent in English: -ship Some of you might think of friendship but comradeship probably grasps it better. It’s a kind of collective working together for achieving a common aim and thus being responsible for each other. Think about a rope team as a ropeship: everybody is connected to the others by a rope for collective security while climbing together. In German that’s a Seilschaft. Every individual depends on the other. If one member makes a mistake, all have to face the consequences. If one likes to work as an individual, that’s their choice and I’m sure there are plenty of places who support that. However, my place is not right for them then. Server, preps, cooks, bartender, dishwasher, buzzer,(and there is MUCH MUCH MORE which most can’t even see)- I want them to understand that each of it is as important as the other, and that we can only success when helping and supporting each other. I want to grow as a "Mannschaft", that's why I think team bonding events are important. We will be back tomorrow to normal hours. Thank you, Prost, and happy Monday everyone!

Another challenge most restaurants (who followed the orders too) are facing now with reopening is getting new staff, and rebuilding a team. I want to open up for lunch every day; however, can’t just yet as I need more people. As soon as we get a third bartender, we can. Started yesterday training one. That was his first pour. We are getting there!!! Prost and happy Sunday everyone. Note: Tomorrow, Monday, we will be closed for a staff appreciation, team-bonding event. But open 11:30-9 today, and back on Tuesday 4-9pm.

If you celebrate your birthday at the Biergarten (and tell us), you'll get a dessert on the house, but we only sing in German....:-) Open 4-9pm today. Happy Monday everyone!!

THANK YOU so much for yesterday! I can't remember the last time I got spoiled as much as yesterday!! I had no idea. I have the most amazing team, and the greatest customers in the world! It's more than just a business; it's more than just employees; it's more than just customers; it is also very much family - a beautiful community. A wonderful memory that I won't forget. Thank you!!! Last day of our weekend Special: Bierfleisch- Beer braised beef over imported German noodles, topped with mushrooms and bacon. Open 11:30am-9pm. Prost, guten Appetit and happy Sunday everyone!

Weekend Special: Swabian-style beef tenderloin with fried onions and house made spaetzle. Open 11:30-9pm. Prost and guten Appetit!

Drinking from a beer boot is much harder than it looks. The rule is: If you manage to drink a boot (one liter or larger) without putting it down, the beer is on me. Only a few customers managed so far, and I told Martin (one of our line cooks), he couldn't do it either. Martin: "I bet you $50, I can." Me: "I don't have that much money; you should see the bills I have to pay. Let's do $20." Well,.....he did manage (and at the end of the video you can see me walking to my purs...e to get him his $20 :-) Have fun, and give it a try (please only if you have a designated driver. Drinking a liter that fast, you'll feel it). Prost and happy Friday everyone! See more

I make that face a lot at the Biergarten. (Translation: When you live abroad, and hear someone in the crowd speaking your mother tongue..."). Spotting the Germans :-) Open 4-9pm. Prost and happy Thursday everyone!

Gooooood morning! Local news had me get up at 4am today for "National beer day". 4 clips in the 5:20am news; will be aired again in the 11am news. I only saw this one in the news (news reporter heard "flu shot" instead of "Fruehschoppen" :-) (https://www.abc10.com//103-d60591e9-c66c-4d41-96ab-2dca316); and their facebook version (longer than the clips on TV). https://fb.watch/4JxhKFJnPd/ Not sure what else they are airing at 11am, but it was fun. Happy National beer day everyone! Have the German ones today! Prost to you!

See, even the German cars understand the importance of fresh air :-) Assessment day today; apparently Placer remains in red tier. But Newsom is talking right now announcing his plan to reopen, so let's see. Either way - we do have the Biergarten and patio, fresh air, and weather will be beautiful all week. Open 4-9pm today. Prost and happy Tuesday everyone!

It actually returned already yesterday, and we blew the first keg within hours. Welcome back, dear Anno! Some are very happy about that....:-) Open 4-9pm today. Prost, and happy Monday everyone!

Last day of our weekend special: Rinderfilet mit Rosenkohl - Rib eye steak topped with homemade Chimicurri (herb butter with red wine and Sherry), comes with roasted brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. Guten Appetit, Prost and happy Sunday!

Tja.... As a Biergarten - we focus on the beer, so let's just hope no one spills their beers today.... Prost to whatever you feel to Prost to today (either way; preferable with German beer though ;-)

When customers tell me that a one liter boot is not big enough.... Don't worry just yet. We also have the 2l boots, and yes, if you finish it without putting the glass down, and without spilling; it's on me. (If not, we also have the baby 0.5l boots for you to practice ;-) Prost and happy Friday everyone!

Last day of sunny weather around 80F for a while; first day opening up also for lunch on Thursdays (will see how that goes the next weeks...). Still building on a large outside tent to prepare for the colder weather and for whatever they might announce the next days (regarding Placer moving into red tier again). Hanging in there as long as we can with whatever we can. Prost and happy sunny thirsty Thursday everyone!

Time to change the sticker today. Open 4-9pm (tomorrow until Sunday, we open at 11:30am); last two days of beautiful weather until it cools down; but we starting today to build a big tent in the patio to prepare and adjust to what is about to come (in those aspects of life you actually can predict at least a little). Prost and happy sunny Wednesday! (PS: As "voted" for by many - Goulash is from now on on the regular daily menu during the winter!) :-)

Even though I have never found a single candidate who could fully speak for me, as a woman, a mother, a person who believes in human rights, (and now, my first election as an owner of a small business) - I never took my right to vote lightly or for granted, but (especially if you considering how many dictatorships have existed in Europe), made sure my voice was/is being heard. I'm very enthusiastic that not only many of the Biergarten team but so many Americans (as compared ...to previous elections) seem to be getting out and exercising their constitutional right to vote! This way, I hope whoever wins, the result will be so clear that there will be no challenges to the outcome (as I believe no one wants to see riots and violence tonight nor then lawyers to decide the election). It’s going to be a huge day, and as many don’t believe in polls (nor do I as we all saw how that ended in 2016), I just give both candidates a 50% chance; however, my forecast for tonight - on a slightly different note- is that I’ll give a 99% chance of beer! Remember, your voice and thirst matter! And it’s a lot easier to start the day when we know it ends with beer. So, come join us today, wear your sticker and enjoy a 0.3 liter beer for $1. No TV’s in the Biergarten or patio, but TV’s in the restaurant will be following the results as they come in. Today, it’s Prost to the voices of the Americans. No matter what you vote, but this high voter participation already shows one thing: that we still care, still hope, and have not forgotten that sometimes even one small voice can make a difference! (and tomorrow we talk about why we ladies of the Biergarten only got a sticker that small that I had to crop the picture in order to see the sticker while the men got those huge stickerststststs ;-) Happy Tuesday everyone, and please be safe!

New for November: Have an Underberg (The Rheinberg herbal digestive is a very special after-dinner drink, and is served in more than 100 countries as a crowning finale to gourmet meals or hearty snacks. Underberg’s all-natural recipe contains only water, alcohol, and herbal extracts. There are no other ingredients, and more specifically, no additives! The recipe and processing methods have been secrets held and guarded by members of the Underberg family, since 1846!! Underbe...rg is the only hard liquor (44% vol. premium kosher alcohol) I’m allowed to sell with my license as ABC considers it as herbal medicine or something like this; try one, watch your stomach, and you’ll understand . Collect your caps for cool Underberg swag! Items range from 10-50 caps, prizes available while supplies last. If you want to play, get a little glass with your name on it that will be stored on our glass shelf at the restaurant, and collect your caps there until you have enough for the desired swag (Underberg needs to be consumed at the restaurant!). As you can see on their website (https://www.underberg.com/en/award-program/awards/), we do not have all swags (just those on the picture here), but you have to collect much less caps in order to get some: Twin -Tin: 10 caps (official 48 caps) Nostalgic metal cards: 12 caps (official 48 caps) Rummy Cards: 15 caps (official 96 caps) Bag: 18 caps (official 96 caps) Baseball Cap: 18 caps (official 96 caps) Tall glass: 22 caps (official 96 caps) Metal signs: 23 caps (official 144 caps) Pin board with magnets: 25 caps (official 192 caps) Thermometer: 35 caps (official 240 caps) Umbrella: 40 caps GOLD CUP: 50 cups (only one available!) New winter opening hours: Monday - Wednesdays: 4pm-9pm Thursdays: 11:30am -9pm Fridays and Saturdays: 11:30 -10pm Sundays: 11:30 - 9pm (kitchen closes 1 hour ahead of restaurant but pretzels always available until close) Happy cap collecting! And happy Monday!

November 1st, and still beautiful Biergarten weather! Enjoy while we can. Last round of our Stein Club sale of 2020 starts today (until Steins last not too many left). But now for $25 as we only have 2 months left: Buy this special edition Hofbräu Stein with the choice of any Hofbräu, or the Paulaner/KB Krug with a choice of any Paulaner or Wiesn beer. Take the German flag bag, and your Stein back home. Come back any day and bring the Stein back, get as many refills you want for $5 each until December 31st. CA sun, German food and German beer what’s not to like? Happy Sunday everyone!

Received such a sweet message yesterday from a customer telling me that she had a reservation for today and wondering whether they could come with wearing their Dirndl and Lederhosen that they got but couldn't wear since all Oktoberfests were canceled this year. She wanted to wear it at least once but was concerned whether that would offend anyone. NOT AT ALL! I love that! Some servers will be wearing their Oktoberfest outfits today too; so yes please, if you do not have any ...Halloween plans, and/or don't want your Dirndl/Lederhosen to dust in just yet, come to us. We'll have the German music on, weather will be beautiful, and some new beer on tap (Hofbraeu Kellerbier/Zwickelbier and Koestritzer Pale Ale). Let's say 'good bye' to October with a big "Prosit". And of course, Gluehwein, and our special: Goulash (or "Gullpopo" as many German kids call it ;-) Prost, happy Saturday, Guten Appetit, and happy Halloween! See more

Smells sooo good, tastes great - first batch turned out excellent. You know what that is and ready to serve now; yes you do, or it's way overdue for you to stop by and to try it! :-) (to be fair to people who do not know what it takes to do it housemade from scratch - the big pieces do look a little like carrots and some could confuse it with a soup, but I promise those are cinnamon sticks among tons of other authentic spices - it's not a soup, you'll taste the difference and find out! ;-) Also: Hungarian Goulash as weekend special, and starting tomorrow: Raclette (by reservations only). Prost and happy Friday everyone!

When I’m in a good mood, it’s sometimes funny to read certain complaints. Criticizing me that I’m posting in English (well, my restaurnat IS in California, and most do not speak German while I hardly know any German who doesn’t speaks/understands English). Or get upset when they come in and talk German but servers don’t understand them (What kind of German restaurant is that when they don’t understand what I order!). This point is actually true besides learning the foo...Continue reading

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm excited they import now "Teekanne" (Teekanne was found on 16 July 1882 in Dresden. The registration as a trademark makes it one of Germany´s oldest trademarks still existing). Not only offer we to sell for take home, but also serving it at the restaurant (NOTE: many different flavors, but most of them are without caffeine). We'll also be starting to serve Glühwein (mulled wine) on November 1st (to keep you warm). BUT, if you don't know... the answer to this picture here, you might want to rather stick to German beer ;-) Open 3-9pm today. Happy Wednesday!! See more