When Richard and I visited the rather lovely German town of Friedrichshafen a few weeks ago it was evident that he really fancied another McDonald’s, but I insisted we had something slightly more authentic. I had visited the town a few years ago, although I appear to have forgotten nearly everything about it other than it had a lake, something which felt sub-optimal. We walked to this restaurant from the hotel which was a good 40 minute stroll, so I pre-alerted the local ambulance that Richard might need some medical assistance on his arrival.
Anyway, back to this restaurant, which I feared might be quite busy and it did have that appearance from the exterior. We were greeted promptly and offered a seat outside, which I helpfully rejected as I didn’t need to look at some lake whilst being bombarded with insects. The waiter looked somewhat surprised that people wanted to sit inside, but Richard comes across as very English (I try to be seen as a bit Polish to give me that mystique of being vaguely European) and so I suspect that they weren’t surprised as he looked a bit new money.
There was some hammering in the background from what I assume was the kitchen and that was the authentic sound of schnitzel preparation, so that was me won over. Richard debated what wine he would get, as he’s getting good with knowing his grapes now, whilst I went for a reliable wheat beer.
Our mains came with salad, which was brought over first in what Richard suggested was the standard European way. I wasn’t convinced and so I left my salad until the main event arrived, I didn’t want to fill up on leaves.
Firstly, the drink, which was the wheat beer from the Meckatzer Löwenbräu brewery and this was very acceptable with a depth of flavour and the expected banana notes. This is one of the beer styles that the Germans seem quite competent at in my humble opinion.
Next, the leaves. They were fine as they had some dressing, but I won’t dwell on such matters. And, so, finally, the turkey schnitzel and I went for the large option as I’m really quite greedy. This was rather lovely, the meat was tender, the outside was crunchy and the whole arrangement had a depth of flavour. The chips were firm on the exterior and fluffy on the interior, with the lemon being the icing on the cake. Well, the fruit on the schnitzel I suppose.
The service was friendly and engaging, with the environment being calm and free from flies. The rhythmic banging in the kitchen added to the atmosphere and Richard was in agreeable form. He went for croquettes as he likes the ones in Asda alongside a Wiener Schnitzel as he likes veal, he was very pleased at the kitchen’s culinary prowess (although he thought the croquettes needed to be more like the ones in Asda).
This was a really delightful restaurant, the prices were reasonable, the service was efficient, the food was decent and I was satisfied with the beer selection. NB, Richard now gets these blog posts emailed to him and he has insisted I feature him more in them, hence the extended mentions of him.