On my father’s side my roots go back to Germany on his paternal side and Sweden on his maternal side. We also have a deep passion for all things Italian and when my dad did a bit of research on his roots, we found out we had a Guido in our German heritage. This is a distant cousin named Guido, literally, I would not go Jersey Shore on you. I will tell you being 5’2″ I got ripped off in the stereotypical traits of this union although I do have blonde hair and blue eyes. Now, that I have squirreled many times, I will go back and tell you I spent many days going to German festivals and was fortunate to travel over to both Germany experience the beer halls in person. I visited Sweden too, but that is a different post.
I learned early on to sing the Oompa songs and thus when I recently attended the Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek, CO, I sang along to perhaps the most popular Oktoberfest song of all time, “the Hofbräuhaus-Song”. Link attached to pic.
Now, you say but I thought the Duck Dance is the most popular…and that is definitely gaining popularity but not as authentic. What is the Chicken Dance? Surely, you jest…but okay, this will be in your head for a while but you asked for it.The Chicken Dance (or the Duck Dance depending on where you are listening)
Now, if you are thinking that wine isn’t too prevalent at Oktoberfests, you are right. It is also where you will find an abundance of bratwurst, knockwurst, pretzels and even WienerSchnitzel on a stick. But, steins are a lot of fun to drink from and I couldn’t resist a picture of the schnitzel on a stick. Can’t you just hear Jeff Dunham now…on a stick.
This particular Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek, CO is considered one of the top German Beer Festivals in the state. Beautiful scenery, small yet inclusive atmosphere and schnitzel on a stick. So, yes, it was great. They teased us with wine but I also enjoyed a Pimm’s Cup as the wine was not that enticing at the festival. But, they also had non-traditional cuisine such as paella. But, later a great appetizer of raw oysters with the best cocktail dressing ever, a bowl of French Onion Soup and my Kindler, canned beer. Canned beer is supposedly the best way to do beer now according to the microbrews, but I still prefer the bottle. Say what you want, I can taste the difference. But, this locally brewed beer was very good and a great way to cap off the fest. Visit the microbrew with a very good canned beer here, at Bonfire Brewing. The last meal was at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, check it out.
What I love best about these type of festivals is the attitude of the people. People let people be themselves, hangout and have fun. Dance crazy dances and sing off-key to a great copycat band. Yes, they had the Hollywood Stones play and it was really quite an experience listening to a crowd sing Ruby Tuesday without provocation.
However, the night wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t celebrate back in the room a bit. Beaver Creek has a great and passionate wine shop. She tries to stock to educate, entertain and seduce the customer’s palates. So, we tried a South African Sparkling Wine, called Graham Beck. It was a bit chewy, very effervescent but not disappointing for those of us who really love a Brut. It seemed meatier but the taste was nice and after a day of schnitzel on a stick, a Mick Jagger look-a-like, and beer, it was a great end to a great day. Bottom line, as I always say, have fun and drink what you like. Life is too short to do other wise. Chicken Dance. Different video – you are welcome –Bitte schön.
The Blonde Grape 