On New Year’s Eve, Mel and I once again found ourselves alone, but together, since Amanda and Andy weren’t able to make it to Chicago to ring in the New Year as we had planned. But, as 2009 has shown us more than once (even on its last day), plans have a funny way of not working out. So with that, Mel and I decided to try The Bavarian Lodge – a place Mel found online in our never ending search for awesome pubs. And this place was indeed AWESOME! The food was fantastic German fare, the atmosphere was rustic and homey, and they even had a list of house rules on their website! What more could you ask for? So below are some pictures of what we had to eat (and drink) that night. Excuse the quality of the photos as they were taken with a cell phone. And if you are ever in the Downer’s Grove, Illinois area, I suggest you give the lodge a try!
Mel Checking out part of the Extensive Beer List - and I mean EXTENSIVE! I of course went with my usual Cider.
After the beverage decision, we made an appetizer decision- German Potato Pancakes!
Four (2 already eaten) savory pancakes with garlic and onion, served with sour cream and apple sauce.
Then it was time to make an entree decision - by far the hardest decision of the evening. We both decided to make our own combo meals in order to get a variety of more foods...... Each combo meal came with soup or salad. I got the soup -Cream of Broccoli - and it was fantastic and Mel got the salad with Parmesan Peppercorn dressing and homemade croutons!
Then the rest of the food came out: I (foreground food) had Homemade Meatloaf and Chicken Schnitzel with a side of mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables. Mel, (background food) had Wiener Schnitzel and Kassler Rippchen (a sort of pork chop) with a side of gravy, red cabbage and bread dumplings. It was all amazing food.
After all that food, we were stuffed, but we still wanted dessert. Doing the sensible thing though, we got two desserts to go! I got the Triple Chocolate Brulee which was good, but very rich and had a strong orange flavor. Mel got the Apricot Kolachky which I didn't try, but looked really tasty!
On the way back to the car in the frigid cold, I decided to snap a picture of the outside of the restaurant. It was so warm and inviting inside it was hard to go back outside.
Check out the real ice sickles! They have been known to kill you know!
And so even though it isn't what we originally planned, it was a fantastic New Year's Eve and I hope to take Amanda and Andy to The Bavarian Lodge soon! Until then, here is to a happy, safe, and prosperous 2010!
