We had a hell of a time getting dinner last night.  Zane and Arran (our beagles) were more wound up than usual and really needed to burn off some steam, owing to the rainy weather yesterday morning.  Consequently, when Bill and I decided we wanted to go out to eat, they pitched a royal fit.  It took about fifteen minutes to get them to quiet down enough for us to walk up the street to a local gasthaus called Krone.

Krone is in the Ostfildern area and is located maybe 200 meters from the apartment we’re temporarily staying in right now.  I was curious about it, since it looked like it had a lot of charm.  Last night, it was bustling with folks, many of whom appeared to be faithful regulars.  The staff was very cheery as people came and went and the place had a very friendly vibe.

Though Bill spoke German to the waiter who greeted us, it was apparently very obvious to him that we are English speakers and he quickly switched to excellent English as he invited us to choose a table.  The menu was only in German and the waiter apologized about this, though Bill and I have gotten relatively good at deciphering menus that aren’t in English.  In a way, I prefer having a German menu because I find that I try more interesting dishes that way.  That’s definitely what happened last night.  Not knowing everything that is in a dish and not wanting to ask makes me a little braver– though I did make sure there were no mushrooms in my selection.

There were a few items on the menu that were not available and at least one of the specials, a wild boar dish, was sold out by the time we were ready to order.  This restaurant features a lot of meat and game dishes and we were told that in some dishes, they use beef that comes from cows that are shot rather than slaughtered.  Shooting the cow is less stressful to them than slaughtering them, which supposedly results in meat that is more tender.

After an amuse of black olive and tuna tapenade, I started with a typical Schwabish soup called fladlesuppe, which consisted of clear beef broth, chives, and little strips of pancakes.  It was very comforting and tasty and didn’t fill me up for the main course.  I paired my meal with a pint of keller beer, which was of excellent quality, even if it wasn’t the most exciting brew I’ve ever had.

It kind of reminded me a little of won ton soup… only with pancakes instead of won tons…

Next came our main courses.  I had “ochsenbrust” and Bill had “rostbraten”.  Bill’s beef was the beef that came from a cow that was shot rather than slaughtered.  As far as I know, my beef came from a regularly slaughtered cow.

Bill’s beef, which came with pfifferlingen mushrooms, gravy, and croquettes…  This dish was 25 euros, which is a lot of money.  However, Bill did enjoy it very much.  I didn’t taste it because I think mushrooms are of the devil…  Apparently mushrooms are a big deal at Krone, particularly the type that Bill enjoyed last night.  I wish I liked them, but I just don’t.  

The ochsenbrust turned out to be a pleasant surprise.  The way the waiter described this dish, I was expecting it to be accompanied by regular radishes.  But actually, the sauce was made of horseradish, which made a very good accompaniment to the super tender beef.  It was accompanied by fried potatoes.  The horseradish sauce wasn’t too strong, though my sinuses did clear a couple of times when I got a stronger than usual dose of the stuff.  I was most impressed by the beef, which I could cut with a fork.  This was a very different meal for me and I enjoyed it very much.  It was priced at about 13 euros.

 

We were pretty full after dinner, but I was still wanting something sweet.  So when the waiter asked us about dessert, I found myself saying yes…

My dessert consisted of little pancakes served with fresh fruit, jam, and a little scoop of lavender ice cream.  It was absolutely delightful!  I was almost swayed by a dish of ice cream, but the waiter reminded me that I could get ice cream anywhere… and of course, he was right!  Despite being full, I managed to eat the whole thing.  Good thing I skipped lunch yesterday.

Bill had maple ice cream served with an egg liqueur.  He had never had egg liqueur and he said he liked it because it was “interesting”.  I have a feeling this liqueur was house made with raw egg yolks and booze, but I don’t know this for sure.  Both desserts were manageable and delicious, though I know I didn’t need the calories!

 

The total bill came to 62 euros, which was probably more than we needed to spend.  But I have to admit, it was a very good meal and I would not hesitate to go back for another meal there.  I especially enjoyed the creative presentation of the food, which took regular German gasthaus fare to a higher level.  I can see why the locals enjoy this place so much.

Krone also rents rooms, so if you’re too full or too drunk to drive home, you can probably arrange to spend the night!