***** For many years, when one was seeking wonderful German dining, they would go downtown to The Berghoff. At one time, Hans Bavarian Lodge in Wheeling was the place that we went to, but it turns out that for many years, there was indeed a hidden gem just a few blocks west of the Harlem Irving Plaza ( also known as HIP) called Edelweiss.
The charming building located on Irving Park Road has been there for decades and some of the servers and other employees have been there for years as well. Tonight, Jane , Frank, Cary and I went to this charming spot, and being that we are still in Oktoberfest, the “joint was jumping”. We were seated in the busy dining room and our server, Josephine, came by to take our drink order and speak with us about the menu. Being Oktoberfest, there are some specials, but since we were there to talk about the overall experience, we asked to dine on the basic items that Edelweiss is known for.
We opted for a few appetizers: The sausage sampler: bratwurst, thuringer and cheese Knackwurst sausages served over saurkraut with German mustard, horseradish and pickled red cabbage. YUM . Of course we had to do the Oktoberfest Pretzel ( served with a beer cheese dip and sweet and spicy honey mustard. It was delicious and the sauces were perfect. We also tried two soups: the goulash soup was amazing. I did not do the other soup- mushroom ( but Frank and Cary truly enjoyed that one).
For our entrees, Josephine selected platters that they are known for and that they serve all year. I would never want to do foods that are not available all year, so that you know should you go for your personal experience, you will be able to enjoy and try the same items that we did.
Our platters were far more than we could ever eat, so once again, Frank took home some wonderful meals for his brother ( and perhaps a few items for Angel). The Edelweiss Platter is the perfect sampler including sauerbraten, chicken schnitzel, bratwurst and roast pork loin served with German fries, red cabbage sauerkraut and spatzle ( an egg noodle originating from Swabia served as a side dish instead of potatoes or as an added item. It is like the German mac n’ cheese.). quite yummy
We also enjoyed the schnitzel sampler: Schnitzel heaven! weiner pork and chicken schnitzels served with several sauces designed to add something very special. Since the menu includes a number of items called schnitzel, I thought perhaps a definition might come in handy. Schnitzel is a thin slice of “meat” that has been pounded with a tenderizer. It is then breaded before frying. I am pretty sure the word “schnitzel” means “slice”.
While we were all “belly full” with lots of left overs, there was no way that we could resist dessert. Josephine brought us two amazing items with our decaf. Black Forest Cake ( a special item in a German eatery) and of course some apple strudel. Of course, dividing into 4 pieces to share made it possible to taste without adding more calories to our day ( ha Ha).The menu has many more items that we will come back for. They have some exciting Oktoberfest Specials as well including a cheesy Spatzle and a fantastic looking Oktoburger and a Currywurst. If you have never visited this marvelous ethnic restaurant, put them on your list. Check out thier site www.edekweissdining.com
Edelweiss German American Cuisine
7650 W Irving Park Rd.
Norridge, IL 60706
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