Can you get German Food in Guttenberg or Not?

Writer's note: I wrote this story last year in anticipation of Germanfest. The content stands true today so I think it is worth a fresh post this week. Don't miss Germanfest this weekend.

During a recent interview in Guttenberg, a longtime Guttenberg resident wondered out loud why traditional German fare is not more obviously on the menu in town eateries. Me being a lover of kraut, German Potato Salad and spatzle, and bit of a restaurant critic sought to prove or disprove this theory.

I called most of the restaurant owners and in Guttenberg to inquire if they actually served German Cuisine and if so why or why not. Here is what I found out:

The Picket Fence owned by Jane Augustyne, says Guttenberg’s German heritage plays a role for sure in the menu served at the Picket Fence. Karin Bahls is one of the Picket Fence cooks; her job is to prepare her recipe for traditional German Potato Salad. Karin is a native of Germany and is enough of a German Potato Salad aficionado she earned the right, this year, to judge Guttenberg’s German Fest, first ever, German Potato Salad contest. Jane says the Picket Fence’s hot German Potato Salad is the most popular side dish served at her restaurant.

The Picket Fence is also the outlet for meat products produced at her family farm, Clayton Ridge Farms. The family raises hogs. The brats and other pork products served on her menu in the restaurant are produced on the family farm. Diners can order a bratwurst and kraut at the Picket Fence and then on their way out can shop the restaurant’s meat counter and take home a package of Clayton Ridge Farm brats.

Many of the Guttenberg restaurants claimed the Reuben as their offering of traditional German food. While the Reuben consists of rye bread, corned beef and sauerkraut the Reuben sandwich does not originate from Germany. Actually New York and Omaha lay claim to the favored sandwich.

Steve and Sue Rausch own Rausch’s Café on Hwy 52. This open, Monday through Saturday, café serves basic diner fare. The workers could not identify any true German menu items but did say they are a very busy place and serve heaps of breakfast and lunch, especially on Saturday’s.

The Buzz Coffeehouse owned by Laurie Wallace does not have a German item on the board. “I don’t serve German food but most of my customers are German.” This trendy coffee shop is base for many Guttenberg visitors and Laurie loves her role as the town’s ambassador.

Sherri Moser owns and operates the Hwy 52, seasonally open Pup Hut. The Pup Hut is a burger and ice cream shop. I asked Sherri if she served German entrees’. Her response was a question, “Aren’t Hamburgers German?” Well in fact, in the late 18th century Hamburg, Germany was a major European port. As a result some of the first “Hamburger stands,” along America’s coast, were designed to attract German sailors with their traditional Hamburg steak sandwich. Hamburg steak was in fact, salted ground steak mixed with German spices. So yes, Sherry it sounds like Hamburger’s are German and therefore all Guttenberg eating establishes selling hamburgers can always use their burger as backup German fare.

The Village Green Café on Hwy 52, is owned by Deb and Eric Stirn. Not wanting to seem un-German the cooks there proclaimed Reuben’s, the occasional bratwurst lunch special and their delicious German Chocolate cake as their German claim to fame.

Carol Gaul owner of Doug’s Steakhouse responded with her German Fest menu which is served every year during German Fest: Brats and Kraut, German Potato Salad, and German Chocolate cake. Carol also serves a German Dumpling soup throughout the year. Carol agreed, in Guttenberg, The Picket Fence is probably the main restaurant serving up German cuisine. Carol who serves many a tourist in her riverfront restaurant says, “I don’t have much call for German entrees. If I ever get people desiring more German fare I will certainly get them on the menu.” Carol however suggested maybe they aren’t asked about German food because it is not on the menu.

Finally, The Stadium is famous for Rod’s Reuben. Owner Rod McLane, one of Guttenberg’s famous chefs, says he pays homage to his town's German heritage once a month with German Day, when The Stadium servers brats and kraut and hot German Potato salad as its noon special.

For those readers keeping track, there are other food establishments in Guttenberg. However, Lakeside Ballroom opens its kitchen on the weekends with a short order menu and a mean ribeye steak sandwich and the other places are either Chinese or pizza places.

Our Picks for restaurants to feature during Germanfest: The new RiverView Cafe, Lakeside Ballroom, The Stadium, Doug's Steakhouse & Rausch's Cafe --- our loyal dishntunes.com members.

16 to Life Screening in Elkader

McGregor residents have to be smiling these days knowing their town simply shines on the silver screen. This was evident this past Thursday evening, in Elkader, when the movie “16 to Life” was shown at both the Elkader Cinema and the Elkader Opera House. The movie was shot on location in 2007 on McGregor’s Mississippi River banks.

Thursday, members of the cast and crew, including the film’s star, Hallee Hirsh, were on hand, as more than 600 people attended the Elkader screenings. Opera House Manager Kay Moser was absolutely thrilled when Elkader won the opportunity to be Northeast Iowa’s show off point for this new Iowa movie.

The Elkader Cinema presented a free screening at 4:30 p.m. to a nearly full house and then at 7 p.m. a crowd gathered on Main Street, outside of the Elkader Opera House, as members of the film’s cast and crew arrived for a red carpet event. Following the red carpet photo-op, everyone filed in for a sold out showing of the Iowa-made movie “16 to Life.”

The independent feature film was created, directed and produced by Okoboji native and Emmy nominee Becky Smith. Becky teamed with fellow Iowan Terry Trimpe, best known for his work as the associate producer of the Iowa filmed, “The Final Season.” After the show, the team took to the stage with the attending cast members for a question and answer period.

The two poured out their gratitude to the Opera House audience, which was mostly comprised of people who had some association with the movie production. They were on hand to see how their help impacted the final result. During production, McGregor and Marquette locals and businesses provided lodging, food service, props, and served as the movie’s extras. According to Moser, one of the audience members was there just to see how his combine showed in the film.

The crowd seemed pleased with the final outcome as they roared with laughter during this quirky, well acted, soundly produced romantic comedy. Almost every scene included some recognizable McGregor landmark including generous doses of the Beer & Brats Garden, Kwik Trip, the McGregor river walk and of course Main Street. However, it is the Mississippi River bluffs and America’s River itself that completely sells this movie into the hearts of movie goers.

The movie takes place in and around a small ice cream stand positioned on the river shore. In actuality, the constructed set sat on a bank near the McGregor boat landing. It was in this ice cream stand the movie’s lead character, Kate (played by Hallee Hirsh of ER fame), celebrated or perhaps did not celebrate her 16th birthday. The sensitive, introspective, well read yet somewhat naïve Kate spends every hour of her birthday combating the fact she is 16 and never been kissed. All the while the character is forced to confront her humiliation with an entirely odd bunch of friends, family members, co-workers and ice cream stand customers. Hirsh says the little set proved to be the perfect setting for this rural America group of characters to “boil.” Congratulations to Hirsh for her stellar performance. Because of the chemistry she created with the mixed bag "16 to Life" characters this movie is without a doubt memorable.

Having a production team comprised of Iowans certainly had its advantages for budding Iowan actors as the film’s creator, Becky Smith, fully intended to use as many Iowa resources as possible. She explains it was completely necessary to use L.A. actors in some of the lead roles in order to sell the movie yet it was certainly her intention to use Iowa actors whenever possible.

Two key roles were landed by Iowans, as well as many bit parts. The role of Kate’s angry sister was convincingly played by Luther student and Monona native, Gabrielle McNally. The role of Jordan, a handsome, preppy, love-em-and-leave-em-guy, was played by ISU graduate and Ames resident, Brennan Dunphy. Gabrielle and Brennan were in Elkader for the screening, Gabrielle was proud to report she had performed previously performed on the Opera House stage.

Smith informed the crowd the future bodes well for this already award-winning film, as it continues to travel the festival circuit. The show has already racked up several nominations and awards. This spring at the Los Angeles Method Fest, “16 to Life” received five nominations and won Best Film (Audience Award). While veteran actor Theresa Russell won Best Supporting Actor for her excellent portrayal of the experienced, hardened, yet soulful stand owner, Louise.

After their red carpet screening in Elkader the cast and crew were going to return to their everyday lives in Iowa and L.A. until they reunite for future film festival screenings. The hope is this independent Iowa film will turn the head of film distributors and find its way in major theaters across the country. Regardless of the outcome, McGregor, IA, residents must smile because your town shines on the silver screen.

Jodi's Americana Grille - Grand Opening Set

It's really a dream come true for Monona's newest businesswoman. Jodi Welch will open her restaurant, Jodi's Americana Grille, next Tuesday, September 8, after months of preparation.

"It's always been my dream to have my own restaurant," says Welch.

"My family owned the Americana Supper Club when I was young. As a kid, I would be called to wash dishes or bus tables when they got busy. It used to bother me but, as I grew up, I realized that I really loved that type of business."

The "old" Americana was owned by Jodi's mother, Bev Fuelling, in Monona for almost 20 years. Welch notes, "I have a lot of respect for my mom and, when I decided I wanted to open my own restaurant, I knew I wanted her to be a part of it with me."

Welch also put a lot of thought into what to name her restaurant. "I wanted the Americana part to honor my mom and to let people know that some of their old favorites will be back. I wanted to add the grille because I think it represents this era and a new generation." She adds, "There are a certain number of people around here that remember the Americana chicken, the steak sandwich, mom's potato salad, and the fun New Year's Eves and Christmas parties. But then there are others who want the specialty burgers, wraps, and other things." In addition to her ambitious menu, Welch hopes to draw in a lot of people for a variety of reasons. She states, "I want people to know they don't have to go out of town to get all of the things they can get in a bigger city."

It's no easy task, but Welch hopes her new business will cater to all people. "I want people to get together with groups of friends to come in after sporting events or other community activities. To do this, she's offering a full bar with all the fun but also a nice area where kids and high schoolers can also hang out together. Welch describes, "I hope people feel comfortable walking in by themselves or as a couple and, before you know it, you've met up with ten other people and soon you're pushing tables together."

The building at 107 East Center Street has undergone a lot of changes since Jodi and her husband Wayne purchased it back in May. The building was built back in the 1980s by Rex Ewing and run as a plumbing business.

Jodi tells the story of how she and Rex had been childhood friends as they lived near each other and graduated in the same class in school.

"I think a lot of people never dreamed we could take an old plumbing business and make it into a nice restaurant and bar. But it's a lot more spacious than you might think (seating capacity around 80) and it's one of the newer buildings downtown." When Welch scheduled "demolition weekend" for Memorial Day, she put out an email to family and friends to bring their hammers and join in the project. "We had over 40 people that weekend," states Welch. And the process has continued all summer. "I'm just so thankful to everyone who has helped me get this far. I sit in here late at night and I can't believe we did all this."

Still, Welch is looking forward to fun. Her motto for the business is 'great food, great friends, great times.' Whether it's high energy employees, the bold colors of the interior, or the free popcorn waiting for customers, Welch is giving it her all to try to recreate the good 'ol days.

[A ribbon cutting by the Monona Chamber will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The public is invited in for a sneak peek before the doors open officially at 11 a.m. that day for lunch.] This entry was submitted to dishhntunes.com for posting.

17 Candle

A week or so ago Beau Timmerman, of Strawberry Point, stopped by with a copy of his band's, 17 Candle, new CD,Californ-IA. First, Yeah! 17 Candle found its way back together. They are dynamite.

Beau in his always polite and somewhat understated manner explained how excited he is for the release of Californ-IA. It is upbeat & fun, pure and simple. Simple is not however, how he describes the effort that went into production. This group of five, a mixed group by day: 1chiropracter, 1 graphic artist, 1 Homeland Security employee & 1 concrete guy, hit it hard this past spring for many weeks. The group reunited at Catamount Recording Studio, in Cedar Falls, IA, under the supervision of Producer, Tom Tatman. They took their time to carefully composed a CD that is downright well-done.

According to Beau, "We are happy and satisfied." In my opinion it is maybe reminiscent of Third Eye Blind ...and in any case it makes you want to dance! The band's sense of humor certainly shines through.

In the country's eye it makes them want to vote! That's right, 17 Candle is leading the Land Shark Lager’s online, nationwide, blockbuster, Battle of the Bands Competition, having racked up more votes than any other band!!!

Next week we will give away the 17 Candle, Californ-IA CD on dishntunes.com. Check out dishntunes.com for the contest details and to listen to a couple of tracks.

In the meantime, I recommend checking out their website for their upcoming tour schedule, which includes nationwide tour dates. Locally you can see them this weekend, Sat Sept. 5th at the dishntunes.com member establishment, Strokers Saloon, in downtown, Manchester. dishntunes.com has a Strokers BOGO, dnt E-coupon, Buy A Beer or Drink Get A Beer or Drink.