A Taste of Germany In D.C. at Old Europe

On Saturday night, I visited Old Europe off of Wisconsin Ave. in D.C. after reading reviews and getting a recommendation from a friend (who said he can still taste the meat from eating there a few months ago), I just had to try it for myself (redundant, I know). After getting a sweet parking spot (thanks to my family's genes for great parking), we arrived right on time and were not disappointed. Though many seats were empty when we sat around 6:30, the impressively-decorated restaurant filled quickly and the service didn't miss a step.

Though our main waiter wasn't the expected German, he was prompt and let us know when the meals were on their way out - I figured it was my complicated grill platter that probably caused the delay. It was nice having the owner help wait the table as well and he was quick to please, especially because of the birthday in our party (though "Happy Birthday" was sang in English and not German). A blind woman played a few German songs on the piano while singing (and no, that's not the start of some tasteless joke), but the majority were Broadway standards - all of which sounded really well. However, if we were sitting next to the piano, conversation would have been difficult, so if you go, ask for a seat away from the piano.

Old Europe rotates a seasonal menu, in addition to their main selection, which of course means you have to visit every few months to try something new. We caught the end of the Summer Grill Feast so I ordered the Grill Platter (Meat sampler of brat- and bauernwurst, petit pork steak, frikadelle, chicken breast, served with grilled vegetables and home fried potatoes), while the rest of the party (all of one person) ordered the Ungarisches Gulasch mit Spatzle (Hungarian style beef stew served with homemade German noodles). We started things off with some Kartoffelpuffer mit Apfelmus (Homemade potato pancakes sauteed to a golden brown, served with applesauce). I have never really had "true" German food so our selections would really show if I liked the popular dishes.

The potato pancakes were very good and tasted swell (does anyone say "swell" anymore?) with the natural applesauce. Having had many a potato pancake in my day, I still enjoy the homemade version with its imperfections and family recipe, but these didn't disappoint. After eating the plate clean (the dishwasher must have been relieved) it was time for the platter. The wursts had a good taste to them, but it's hard to say how they rate since I've never had one, but I've been told they're very good. However, I can tell you the pork steak and chicken breast were great. The additional mushrooms, onions, green beans in bacon, and tomato with some sort of cheese really complimented the other meat well. I really loved the Hungarian style beef stew with noodles. Made along the tasteful lines of corned beef, the beef stew was really great and absolutely melted in mouth...I can still taste it and wouldn't mind some right now.

To finish the night, we had the Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (world famous Black Forest Cake Layered chocolate cake flavored with Kirschwasser, freshly whipped cream, sour cherries and chocolate shavings) and a hazelnut cake which had some whipped cream and a raspberry and chocolate sauce (the closer slice in the picture). I don't mind black forest cake, but I'm not a fan of the sour cherries so I'm only good for a bite or two. Both cakes were great and I'm sure you can't go wrong with the other cakes available. Old Europe is a great restaurant whether or not you've ever ate German food. From its large, but not overwhelming portions, to great taste and environment, you can't go wrong.