Description: We didn’t want much, just to dine in an authentic German restaurant with good food, pleasant surroundings, lots of choices
and reasonable prices! AND, we wanted this within easy driving distance of the city of Monterey! We would be dining with our good friend Hildegard (a native of Bamberg, in Germany’s Northern Bavaria region) who currently lives in Monterey. We found all of these elements at the charmingly unpretentious German restaurant -
Stammtisch - in the nearby city of Seaside.
When visiting in Germany, you frequently notice a dining table bearing a small card with the word "Stammtisch". Although not easily translated, the word vaguely indicates that this table is reserved for the favored locals who frequent the establishment. The best table-in-the house, reserved for the establishment’s faithful customers.
Reminiscent of shuttered farmhouses, which dot the hillsides along the Rhine, Stammtisch offers genuine home-style German food in an unpretentious atmosphere. While German food can frequently be somewhat heavy, we found that here with a degree of Austrian influence, a dash of German creativity, and a new-generation chef, Stammtisch offers hearty foods which can be enjoyed by even the most diet conscious diner.
Schwelnebraten, old fashioned roast pork served with potato dumpling and red cabbage ($11.50) provides a hearty helping of traditional German favorites. My husband selected the Schweizer Sahnesteak, a tender pork steak topped with asparagus and cheese combined with a refreshing herb sauce ($15.95). The Hausschnitzel ($14.95) a breaded snitzel, topped with mushrooms, onions and cheese and served with spaetzle and mushroom sauce is so huge it almost overflows the plate. If you are unable to decide, I recommend the Hausplatte ($14.95) which contains small portions of various German favorites: Pork, Wiener Schnitzel, spaetzel, sauerkarut and red cabbage.
The intimate and well appointed dining room contains simply set tables with red linen cloths and lighting from Bavarian style chandeliers. Accents of copper, pewter, and greenery flowing from free-standing flowerboxes all enhance the warm and inviting ambiance. Inconspicuous background music, accented by the pure guttural tones of the German language, recalls many glorious vacations in Germany!
Round out your meal with a choice from the huge assortment of imported German beers or a delightful German wine from the Rhine, Mosel or Rheingau area (sold by the bottle or by the glass). We selected a 1993 Alsheim from the Rheinhessen area and found it a delightful addition.
Stammtisch - Germany without the Jet Lag !
Open Tuesday - Saturday 11:30am to 2:00pm - and - 5:00pm to 9:00 pm
Sunday 4:00pm to 8:30pm
Heustadel music and Dancing - one Saturday per month (call for specific date)
Faushing celebration and other festivals, with dancing and music are provided periodically (call for specific dates)
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