Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn--a little bit of Germany in Fredericksburg, Texas

Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn is a favorite spot of mine for German cuisine in Fredericksburg, TX.  It has been around for as long as I can remember visiting the town. Yes, the prices are a bit high but everything in this little tourist town seems to cost too much. My husband and I stopped in for an early lunch on a Saturday before our 3 hour drive home.

Bread and Vegetable Soup

The atmosphere is faux Bavarian and many of the wait staff are in German outfits. We sat in a booth close to the bar area. I recommend that section if you can get it. More comfortable than wooden chairs. 


At Friedhelm's the generous entrees come with black bread with real butter, a cabbage and carrot heavy vegetable soup, a green salad, and one side of your choice. There are nine kinds of schnitzel (one of which is chicken) , a breaded sauteed meat cutlet usually topped with some type of paprika sauce and many other Bavarian dishes such as sausages, Sauerbraten, steaks and various non-German dishes. I ordered the Jager Schnitzel ($19.99) which is topped with a mushroom sauce and my side was the pan fried potatoes. My husband had the Holstein Schnitzel ($21.99) which is the Jager with two fried eggs on top with spatzle (soft buttered noodles) for his side.  You could also choose vegetables, baked potato, sauerkraut or red cabbage as sides. By they way, the schnitzel at Friedhelm's is pork not veal. The schnitzel was quite good but this a heavy meal so be prepared to need a nap. Everything is cooked in butter. I couldn't finish mine. Keep in mind that chicken fried steak is listed on their "lighter side" menu. I love their mushroom sauce, so many mushrooms! This is one of the main reasons that of all the places that serve traditional German food in Fredericksburg, I keep coming back to Friedhelm's even if it is a bit kitschy.

Jager Schnitzel

Holstein Schnitzel

Our server was very friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. She was able to answer all my husband's questions about their beers and recommended a German wheat brew that he loved. From previous experience, not all the servers are as skilled. She also brought us a side of spicy mustard to go with our potato skin appetizer. It was a great addition. I would have never thought of using it since we didn't order any sausages.


For dessert my husband had the carrot cake. I also got an apple strudel ($7) to take home.

Note: Weekday lunch menu prices are less expensive. You can also book a room there.

Address: 905 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Phone:(830) 997-6300

 http://www.friedhelmsbavarianinn.com/

Navajo Grill--fine dining in Fredericksburg, Texas

The Navajo Grill in Fredericksburg, Texas, is one of the upscale dining options in that rather small but very tourist-laden city. They have dinner service only and reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends. Our reservation was at 7:30pm and the restaurant was about 3/4 full.

The restaurant is a house that has been remodeled. The ambiance was welcoming if a bit loud. The sound of conversations bounces off the wood floors or we had very loud people around us--one or the other. There is also an inviting patio area.

The service was fine but could have been a little more attentive. We had to wait a while to request fresh drinks, though the water glasses were kept filled by the bus person. Also, the plating of the food was haphazard in a couple of the dishes.

Marlin (where's the artistry?)

For an appetizer, we shared a Baja shrimp cocktail ($10) served with slightly stale tortilla chips that were supposed to be seasoned but I could not detect any on the chips. The appetizer was a roasted tomato salsa with chopped shrimp and two seasoned whole shrimp hanging on the side of the glass. The shrimp were well chilled and spicy but a bit rubbery. I liked the flavor except it was a bit heavy on the cilantro for my taste.

My husband also ordered a cup of the Santa Fe ratatouille soup ($5) which consisted of roasted tomato broth, white beans, quinoa, squash, flavored with basil. He loved it. No question, he should have had a bowl instead of just a cup.

For our entrees, I ordered the filet ($39) which was served with Yukon Gold potatoes and grilled asparagus. My husband had the Hawaiian marlin (swordfish) with it came pineapple rice and heirloom roasted carrots as sides ($34). My filet was delicious, perfectly cooked, and the sides were fine if a little uninspired. The swordfish was flavorful if a bit dry. The sides with the fish were very tasty, particularly the carrots, but not plentiful. The steak was the standout of the entire meal for me. For my husband, it was the soup.

Filet--looked appetizing

Dessert consisted of creme brulee with berries and pecan bread pudding. Both were decent but overpriced at $8 a piece.

Bread Pudding

All in all, we expected a bit more. The experience just didn't "wow" us. Perhaps they are too used to serving tourists who may never return. The Navajo Grill needs to step up their game in several areas to justify their prices.

Address: 803 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Phone:(830) 990-8289
http://www.navajogrill.com/

Culinary Events Catering

This morning I had a chance to sample some goodies from Culinary Events Catering owned and run by Chef Dustin Snook.

Chef Snook is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Austin. He made a name for himself in Hays County but has now returned to his hometown of Abilene, much to our benefit, and has started a catering outfit.

This morning I tasted some roasted garlic hummus with red pepper sauce served with quinoa and chia seed chips and some smoked lamb bites with tzatziki sauce or a balsamic reduction and pickled red onions. Both dishes were very flavorful. I had to go back for seconds (maybe thirds...shhh). For those in this area that do not have much exposure to lamb, this smoked version had a similar flavor profile to lean brisket. 

Preparing the lamb pita bites

If you have an event and are in need of a caterer or a personal chef, get in touch with Dustin. You won't regret it.


http://www.culinaryeventscatering.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Culinary-Events-Catering

325-660-2602