Kurt’s Euro Bistro is the type of hidden gem that only insiders know about, but once you find it you will be delighted by every aspect of your dining experience. True to its name, Euro Bistro has all of the ambience you might find in Europe, specifically in Germany, with traditional dishes like a classic Wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten or “Kurt’s Favorite”, beef goulash over house-made spätzle.
Sit at the bar and enjoy the quick wit and attention to detail from the bartending staff. Enjoy a private booth in the main dining room for a more intimate experience, or dine al fresco at a true cafe table on the patio - the biergarten! I sat down with Alexander.
Nancy Flaherty: How are plans coming for Oktoberfest, September 24-25 and October 1-2? With a three-course Bavarian-inspired menu and live music, it looks wonderful!
We have always planned an Oktoberfest, each year adapting to our surroundings and public interests. Starting last year during COVID, we switched gears and made our Oktoberfest less about jamming people together to celebrate, and more about the experience, creating an event where everyone can feel safe and still have a good time. This is why we made it a ticketed event - to limit the number of guests and assure that they have the best experience possible, which this year includes our Oktoberfest menu, live music, and a selection of German biers and wines. All the menu items are our favorites, otherwise they wouldn't be featured. We will also have a nightly Oktoberfest-themed menu supplement available starting October 1 in the bar and on the patio.
NF: And, if people can't venture out to join the party, you're doing catering and at-home dining options. Great idea!
Curbside and catering are also an option, although the catering aspect of our operation is limited this year due to the limited amount of employees that we may have. Pick-up catering is the best option. Guests can create their own Oktoberfest environment at their home or business with authentic food that they can pick up and serve. We can accommodate small orders and up to larger ones for 200-300 guests. Each menu is customized to fit each individual's requests and budget. Most of the Oktoberfest catering items travel well and can be eaten directly or are easily warmed up following the event.
NF: We love that your restaurant is a true family affair. Your parents are German immigrants, Kurt and Vreny Eisele. What role do they play and tell us about your chef background.
My parents have always been the heart of the operation. In 2020, they were put on what I refer to as "COVID retirement" since we didn't feel comfortable having them exposed to a lot of people. It took them a little while to relinquish their prominent roles in the operation, but with time, my sister Silvia and I were able to take on the responsibilities and create our own roles to make the restaurant function as it needed to during difficult times. Kurt has since ventured back into the spotlight and is often seen at the restaurant overseeing his namesake and making sure we continue his legacy.
NF: Your curbside service during the COVID restrictions was so successful.
Curbside and delivery are here to stay and we continue to promote specials and curbside pickup on a regular basis. Curbside allowed us to keep the doors open and a good majority of our key employees employed. We will continue curbside as long as the demand is still there.