Hello readers,
It’s that time of year again—time for Oktoberfest! But, no need to go to Germany to give your group an authentic experience. Hofbräuhaus Chicago, the microbrewery, beer hall and restaurant that’s part of Rosemont’s MB Financial Park, is a direct affiliate of the original location in Munich and will be hosting an extensive celebration of all things Bavarian from now through Oct. 23.
The Oktoberfest tradition began in the southern region of Germany more than 200 years ago to mark the occasion of a royal wedding and, today, it carries on with a multi-day fete of native cuisine, culture, and of course beer.
Hofbräuhaus Chicago is the closest you can get to the center of the activity with nightly live entertainment from a 40-piece German Bugle band and “oompah” acts flown in from Germany, a menu of traditional Bavarian cuisine served by waitresses dressed in traditional Dirndls and servings of “Oktoberfestbier,” which is brewed on-site using the same 400-year-old techniques from Europe.
Food specials include traditional cinnamon sugar roasted nuts served Thursday through Sunday evenings and these daily entrees:
Monday—Paprika Geschnetzeltes: Sautéed sliced pork loin tossed in a spicy paprika sauce and served with house-made spätzle, crispy onion straws and broccoli
Tuesday—HB Bier Gulasch:Tender braised pork roast smothered in HB bier-onion gravy, served with mashed potatoes, root vegetables and crispy onion straws
Wednesday—KrautWickerl: Bacon-wrapped cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef and pork sausage with rice, served with mashed potatoes, root vegetables, HB bier gravy and sour cream
Thursday—HB Smokehouse Platter: Roasted smoked pork belly and grilled smoked Kassler pork chop served with bacon sauerkraut, “Bratkartoffeln” German pan-fried potatoes with bacon and onions and HB bier gravy
Friday—HB Rinder Rouladen: Braised beef roulade stuffed with bacon, pickle, onions and mustard served with house- made spätzle, red cabbage and savory gravy
Saturday—Chef’s Weekly Special
Sunday—Entenbraten: Classic half roasted duck served with potato dumplings, red cabbage, root vegetables and rosemary duck sauce
Friday and Saturday nights offer the chance to compete in the famous Masskrugstemmen, or stein holding, contest and celebrity keg tapping.
Groups can enjoy a few options at Hofbräuhaus Chicago, including The Beer Hall or “Schwemme” that seats more than 500 guests, the King Ludwig Room that can accommodate up to 180 people or a massive Biergarten for more casual occasions. Valet parking is available.
Happy Planning!
Selena Fragassi
Editor
Illinois Meetings + Events
