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Jammin’ in Jettingen…

Last night, Bill and I went to Tommi’s Bistro for dinner and music.  They were doing their monthly jam session.  Earlier this year, I joined them on stage a couple of times.  Last night, I decided to just listen.  It wasn’t as busy last night as it was in the summer, but there was still a good crowd.  The band leader and guitarist, had a few students up there with him.  A couple of them appeared to be young teenagers.  In fact, one of them, in a few years, will probably be very good.

I decided to try the filet last night, since I usually get the entrecote (rib eye).  I also had the Wildekartofflen (kind of like homefries).  Bill had the usual rib eye and fries.  We also had lots of wine and water.  The filet was good, but more expensive than the rib eye… and I kind of prefer the rib eye cut.  Still, I wanted to try something different, especially since we are going to Christophorus tonight.  I have heard Christophorus is the best steak place in the area.  Tonight, I’m going to find out for myself.  Then, I’m going to go back to fish for awhile.  It’s been a very beef heavy week for me.

My filet.  It was the 200 gram version.  The beef was very tender and lean.

And the aforementioned Wildekartoffelen… I liked these more than the pommes.  From now on, I’m sticking with these!  

The band started setting up at about 7:30 or so…

Warming up…

I wondered if the band leader dude would remember me.  Sure enough, he did.  My hair is so bright blonde now, you could probably pick me out in a crowd.  That, and I am giggly and silly and ridiculously American in a room full of Europeans.

A trio of students got up and sang a very entertaining rendition of “Feliz Navidad”.  Interesting to hear that in Germany.  They also sang “Last Christmas” by Wham!

Bill quaffs sparkling water as he’s photobombed by Markus, the awesome keyboard player.  I had to tell him how much I enjoyed watching him play, though he doesn’t speak English and my German sucks.  He really gets into the music, which makes his playing all the more enjoyable.  

 

I don’t know who the sax player was.  He’s not normally in the band, but he showed up last night and played very well.  I did notice him flinching, though.  I think the loudness of the music might have been hurting his ears.

At one point, a slim young woman, who appeared to have rock star visions dancing in her head, took the stage.  She sang a somewhat decent cover of “One of Us” by Joan Osbourne.  But then, she took on “Stairway to Heaven”.  I will admit to being a little put off by that, since she obviously didn’t know the words and wasn’t even faking it.  I told Bill I was going to go home and learn the song by heart.  It’s one that needs to be done well.

After she left, one of the teens took the stage again and sang a song I couldn’t identify, though I have heard it before.  I was impressed by the teenager.  She clearly liked the song and had sung it a lot.  She had a good voice.  What was missing was experience and maturity, which will come in time.  I think eventually, she will be very accomplished.

It was getting late and Bill had to do one last middle of the night conference call for his grad school class.  On the way out, I chatted with the band guy, who said he was sorry I didn’t get to sing “Little Wing” with the band.  I told him it was okay, since I don’t really know that song, anyway.  I probably won’t get to do the jam session next month, because I am having dental implant surgery around the time they usually do it.  But maybe in February, I’ll come back and sing “Stairway to Heaven” right.

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Dine in the country for 1/3 the price…

Last weekend, we went to [M]eatery for lunch.  Last night, we went to Tommi’s Bistro.

At [M]eatery, we had steaks, two soups, sides of mashed potatoes, spinach, and frites,  a bottle of wine, sparkling water, and I had a brandy.  Total bill, with tip, was about 185 euros (we ended up tipping two people).  We fought horrendous traffic and a full parking garage.

At Tommi’s last night, we had two rib eye steaks, sparkling water, two bottles of wine, and two orders of frites.  Total bill, with tip, about 70 euros.  We walked there, so there was no traffic or parking trauma.  The steaks were better than what we had at [M]eatery.  We had a little more food at [M]eatery and [M]eatery offers different foods than Tommi’s does.  For instance, Tommi’s doesn’t offer burgers or surf and turf.  But if I just want a good steak for a fair price, Tommi’s wins easily.

Yep.  I like Stuttgart and will eat there again, but I think dining in the country is much more economical and just as good.

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Rocktoberfest…

The leaves are turning in Jettingen…  I took the boys for their walk yesterday and we enjoyed perfect weather.

Bill came home with a mas krug of Paulaner, perfect for Reunification Day…

Last night, Bill and I decided to go to Tommi’s Bistro for dinner.  As usual, it was a pretty quiet Friday for them, although today they will be busy.  The waitress was telling us that she’s going to have to be there until the wee hours of tomorrow morning, breaking down after their Rocktoberfest show going on tomorrow night.

Tonight, there will be live music starting at 9:00pm.  There is a fifteen euro cover charge and the event will include most of the same guys who play for their jam session.  Or, at least that’s what our favorite Tommi’s waitress told us.  The music will be 70s and 80s era rock, which I love.

As for last night, we basically had our usual except Bill had a filet instead of the entrecôte.

My filet…

 

Fries… we really should have just ordered one of these.  

Bill’s filet…

Lots of water, wine, and sherry to wash all of this down…  As usual, it was delicious!  We spent about two hours at Tommi’s chatting.  We may go back tonight, because I’m pretty sure the music will be very good.  I wish it started a little earlier than 9:00, though.  We’ll see how we feel as the day wears on.  Bill came down with a bug this week and I’m hoping he doesn’t pass it to me.  If we go tonight and eat, I may try something besides beef.  Don’t want to eat steak two nights in a row.

On Thursday of this week, Tommi’s will have their monthly jam session, which is where a band plays and others are welcome to join them.  I have done it a couple of times and it’s always a blast!  The jam session doesn’t require a cover charge, but tips are appreciated.

I also learned that from October 16th through the 18th, Tommi’s will have pulled pork available.  It will be served with “American” style cole slaw.  I am not a fan of slaw, but I know some like it on their pork.  We may have to try that, too.

Aside from stuff going on at Tommi’s, I have kind of a big week ahead of me.  Monday, I go back to the dentist to get a cleaning and make some impressions for my implant.  I guess we’ll also plan the next part of the process, which will likely be sinus lift surgery.  I am dreading that.

Then on Wednesday, we plan to go to Stuttgart to see Diana Krall.  This was sort of a last minute thing.  A local friend of mine has tickets and is unable to go to the show.  It’s time for him to pack his house and leave Germany after many assignments here.  So we’re going to take the tickets off his hands and check out Diana Krall.  I actually like her music very much.  I especially enjoy singing it.  We should have a good time.

Maybe later today, we’ll do something fun and I can update again.  For now, enjoy the holiday!

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Bill is home!

He arrived yesterday morning, missing his bright purple Red Oxx garment bag.  Much to the credit of the staff at Frankfurt Airport, the bag was returned yesterday afternoon.  My neighbors collected it because we went to the Real for provisions.  While we were at the Real, I spotted this in the condiment aisle.

I didn’t buy any so I don’t know what it is…  some say it’s Thousand Island dressing.

It looks pretty gross and caused quite the commentary on Facebook.  Maybe they were going for McDonald’s “special sauce”?  I have seen McDonald’s brand ketchup being sold here too, though it seems to me they used Heinz.

We decided to go to Tommi’s Bistro last night for dinner.  It had been closed since late July, so I was glad to see it open again.  We had steak, fries, and wine, lots of good conversation, and some disco music.  And we were waited on by Danni, our favorite Tommi’s waitress!

Bill tells me about Africa while we wait for dinner…

Never disappoints!

I learned that Tommi’s next jam session is on September 11th.  Unfortunately, we will be going to Austria that day.  Well, actually, it’s not unfortunate, since I have been looking forward to this trip for awhile now.  But I am sorry to miss the live music.  Maybe we’ll get back there for October’s jam session, which is on the 8th.

It’s great to have Bill home again.  I always miss him when he’s gone.  I’m not sure what we’ll do today.

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Oops, I did it again…

Yesterday, I decided to get crazy and invite a new friend and her husband to my little town of Unterjettingen.  It was Thursday night and I had a feeling Tommi’s Bistro would be having a jam session.  Also, for several reasons, we were both in need of a really good steak and Tommi’s has some of the best I’ve ever had in Germany.

Bill made reservations for 7:00, but had to work late.  My friend Becky and her husband Richard met me at my house, where they parked.  We walked to the restaurant after I calmed Zane and Arran down; they weren’t too happy about not getting to meet our guests, but I wanted to make sure we got a decent table.  I needn’t have worried, since it turned out Bill got to the restaurant before we did, still dressed in his suit.

We all sat down and enjoyed delicious steaks and frites… well, except for my friend’s husband, who had a salad instead.  The musicians were a little late getting the show started.  They were supposed to begin at 8:15, but the music didn’t get going until 9:00.  The first song was a super long rendition of “Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus (Chaka Khan sings, of course).

This is Rufus, but the guys last night did a great job covering this song… and a lady got up to sing with them.

 

I was thinking maybe last night I’d stay in my seat, since we had company.  And it was getting late and both my husband and my friend’s husband had to get up for work today…  But then my new friend Gunter the harmonica player showed up… and he made a beeline for our table…

The guy with the ripped jeans was very good… reminded me a little of George Michael in looks, but certainly not in musical style…  He had an impressive bluesy thing going on.

I had to get a couple of photos because he was just awesome… Gunter is the guy in the hat with the plaid shirt.  I think he should be an agent.  But he also plays a MEAN harmonica on several very classic rock songs.

The keyboard player is also fantastic… he was regaling us with dramatic flourishes and improvisations.  In fact, I think I was most impressed by his skills.  He plays like someone whose livelihood depends on how well he plays.

 

The girl on stage also played the last time we visited Tommi’s.  She goes to a music school and plays an impressive cover of “Dust In The Wind”.  Last night, she played “Heart of Gold” and another song I can’t remember right now.  

So… I got up to visit the loo and the guitar player and Gunter stopped me and asked if I’d sing “Little Wing” with the band again.  Now, I still don’t know the words to that song very well, even though I’ve practiced it a few times.  It’s not a very long song and the words aren’t that complicated.  I just never had the chance to learn them.  But anyway, I was game because they were actually encouraging me to make up lyrics like I did last time.  Anyone who knows me loves I enjoy acting a fool in public.  Gunter even said, “It was so charming the way you did it last time…  And be sure to shake your hips again.”  No one has EVER said that to me.  Not even Bill!

I warned them that we had to go soon because Bill was about to turn into a pumpkin.  They said fine… so before I knew it, I was on stage with them doing my own very odd version of “Little Wing”…

Jimi Hendrix does “Little Wing”…

I brought my phone on stage to remind me of the right words… did the first run through properly, then let ‘er rip with some truly silly improvisations.  It was such a blast!  Bill says I kind of come alive on a stage.  I wouldn’t know because I make a point of not watching videos of myself.  But I have to admit, I get a huge rush from a live performance, especially with a band.

We had a great time!  What a joy it is to live in a town that not only has fantastic steaks, but also offers me a chance to be obnoxious in front of other people… and score applause for it to boot!  So glad Becky and Richard joined us for musical fun…  I hope I can entice a few other folks to come out to Unterjettingen for meat and music.  And if you sing or play yourself, you might want to visit on a Thursday night.  That’s when they usually do their “jam sessions”.

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A live jam session at Tommi’s Bistro!

Yesterday, after several days of eating Hello Fresh meals, I was craving a good steak in the worst way.  We happen to live within walking distance of Tommi’s Bistro, an excellent steak restaurant.  Although Bill had been planning to cook this week’s chicken dish from Hello Fresh, I was all about going out.  It wasn’t too hard to convince Bill to change his plans since he’d been sitting in 90 minutes of traffic and was in no mood to cook anyway.

Obligatory shot of Bill…

Last night was Thursday, so I had a feeling there could be live music at Tommi’s, though nothing was posted on their Web site.  We usually go there on Fridays, when nothing is going on.  Since I am also a music lover, I was pretty curious about how good the music is at Tommi’s.

When we arrived at about 7:00, most of the tables were reserved.  There were two very large tables that weren’t spoken for, so Bill and I took spots by the window.  I looked up at a sign and saw that yes, there would be live music later.  Knowing that Bill had to go to work today, I figured we’d just eat and stick around to hear a couple of songs.  Sometimes, I’m so dumb.

We ordered a bottle of wine and two dry aged Argentinian rib-eyes with baked potatoes, which came with house shots of sherry.  I will reiterate that despite being in little Unterjettingen, Tommi’s offers excellent steaks.  In fact, I think they are among the best I’ve had in Germany.

  

Early numbers.

As the hour got closer to 8:00, people started showing up to claim their reserved spots.  Musicians started setting up.  It looked like a very casual set up.  The band members appeared to be laid back older guys with day jobs.  No one wore sequins or leather pants.

We finished our dinner just before the music started.  A young girl of about fifteen or sixteen with an acoustic guitar, apparently a student at a nearby music school, joined the band and played a very impressive version of “Dust In The Wind” by Kansas.  Then they played “Tears in Heaven”.

I noticed a couple of other folks showing up who appeared to be musicians.  One was a young guy with a Lynyrd Skynyrd t-shirt and an electric guitar.  Another guy had a harmonica.  And there was a young woman wearing a hat and I could tell she was the resident singer.  One of the waitresses on a previous visit had mentioned her.

Bill and I were eventually joined at our large table by a couple of older German guys and the wife or girlfriend of one of them.  I noticed she kept sneaking looks at us.  I couldn’t tell if she was curious or annoyed, since we obviously weren’t part of what is a local and very enthusiastic crowd.

The Lynyrd Skynyrd guy got up and played “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama” with the band.  They did a damn good job with the music, though I noticed that none of them really knew the words to the songs.  “Sweet Home Alabama” was a little truer to form, though of course they really shined on the jamming part of “Free Bird”.  Then they played a ZZ Top song that I didn’t recognize.

Watching the band play suddenly reminded me of the last time we went to a fest and the band kept playing “So Lonely” by The Police and no one knew the words.  They kept sing the chorus over and over again.  Most everyone was either high on life or beer, so it was very much a happy celebration of music.  That, along with the sight of 19 year old drunk guys with bras on their heads is an enduring memory from the Canstatter Fest of 2007.  After that, my brain was riddled with two mas krugs of fine German suds and things get a little fuzzy.

Lynyrd Skynyrd guy was tearing it up!

On the way back from the bathroom, I stopped to tell the young girl with the guitar how much I had enjoyed her playing.  I had to do it in English, though I did add a couple of German words to emphasize my point.  She totally beamed at me.  It was really adorable.  I have a feeling pretty soon she’ll be getting a lot more kudos from strange people like me.  She was very good.

As it got closer to 10:00, Bill and I decided we needed to get going.  After we paid the check, we  made another pit stop.  The acoustic guitar girl was getting ready to leave and we said “Tschuss”.

Then I saw the guy with the harmonica standing in the foyer with all the smokers.  He was also very skilled, so I complimented him on his playing.  We struck up a conversation and I told him that I like singing.  He suddenly got very excited and asked me what songs I know.  I mentioned a couple that he didn’t seem familiar with.  Next thing I knew, he was working very hard to get me on the stage.  I gave thought to making a run for it, but then the resident singer got up and sang blistering renditions of “I Put A Spell On You” by CCR and “Long Train Runnin'” by the Doobie Brothers.  She was very impressive!

The time inched closer to 11:00 and I thought maybe we’d have to come back again sometime.  I was telling harmonica guy that we also needed to go after he told us that the bass player was going to have to go home because he had to work today.  “So does Bill!” I called after him after he ran off to see if he could squeeze me in somehow.  I was amazed by how eager this guy was to get me in front of the people.

Then the band broke into “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix (though their version sounded more like Sting’s, luckily for me).  I sort of know that song from listening to Sting’s version for years.  I was also a little drunk and certainly not prepared to join the band.  Nevertheless, harmonica guy, name of Gunter, hustled me toward the stage– I mean, he literally pushed me up there.  So I gave “Little Wing” the old college try… and I remembered maybe half the words.  Finally, during the last verse, I ad-libbed new lyrics, which turned out surprisingly well…

They went something like this, though my memory is a little hazy:

I’ve forgotten half this song…
I’ve been drinking so much, I need to go home.
It’s alright, it’s alright, I know.  You’re all good sports.
All I need to do tonight is refresh my memory.

I’m an American in Germany!
I’m so glad I’m here
Cuz’ I do love your beer!
It’s alright, it’s alright I say… 
All I need to do is learn some songs.

I got quite the warm reception and the new lyrics totally worked.  Most everyone seemed to understand that I was pulling the words out of my ass.  To be quite honest, I get a huge rush when I get to sing with live musicians!  I shook hands with the band and wished everyone a good night (in German, no less), then after I congratulated the resident singer with the powerhouse pipes (and she returned the sentiment), we hit the road.  Music is definitely an international language, though everything they did at Tommi’s last night was in English, anyway!

Needless to say, Bill and I had a great time.  I can’t believe the luck we have, living in a town within walking distance that offers open mic nights.  We’ll definitely be back, if only just to watch and listen!  On Saturday nights, they have live bands that come in.

Damn, Germany is fun!

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Visit number two to Tommi’s Bistro in Unterjettingen…

Since Bill has to go away next week, we decided to have dinner at Tommi’s Bistro again.  The weather was very agreeable.  I didn’t even need a jacket, though I brought one just in case.  Our first stop was at the bank for some euros.  There is a Sparkasse right across the street from Tommi’s.  It even has a handy air pump for those who ride bikes.

Clever ad campaign.

We crossed the street and entered the restaurant where the same bartender/waitress who was working three weeks ago was behind the bar.  She immediately recognized us and gave us a smile as we took a seat.  Not many people were at Tommi’s last night, so the mood was rather relaxed.  I immediately recognized Lou Gramm’s vocals.  It was apparently Foreigner night at Tommi’s, because that was what played on the sound system the entire time we were there.  Given that we’re Americans and everybody else in the restaurant was German, I guess it was appropriate.

Bill ordered a nice bottle of Argentinian wine and some fizzy water.

 

Naturally, we also ordered steaks.  I decided to go with the three hundred gram dry aged rib-eye from Argentina.  Bill had the three hundred gram rib-eye from Ireland.  We wanted to compare them.  At 21.50 euros, it was a pretty fair deal.  I had pommes (fries) as a side and Bill had the oven baked potato with sour cream.

Before our steaks arrived, we enjoyed a complimentary house shot of sherry.

I mentioned in my last review of Tommi’s that it’s also a music venue.  Next Saturday, a CCR cover band is playing.  I might want to see that, though Saturday is the day Bill returns from his trip.  He might be too tired.

I hear these guys can jam!

If you like pulled pork, you might want to visit Tommi’s April 24-26.  We will be in Vienna during those dates.

My steak from Argentina.  I didn’t bother photographing the fries.  You’ve seen one plate of fries, you’ve seen them all.

Bill’s steak and baked potato.  I did try the baked potato, though I’m not really a sour cream fan.  I like my potatoes plain with butter and salt.  I will admit the baked potato was very good, even with the sour cream.  I might have it next time.

 

I preferred the Argentinian steak to the Irish one, though both were good.  To me, the Argentinian steak had a different flavor and texture.  It was more tender and had a more appealing flavor.  Unfortunately, I can’t really describe it in words.  Bill agreed, though he enjoyed the Irish beef and would have no issues ordering it again.  I also discovered that the 300 gram size is more than I can handle.  Next time, I’m downsizing.

Dinner was very leisurely.  We finished after a couple of hours and Bill decided to order us a round of Williams pear schnapps.  He has a funny story about pear schnapps that involved underage drinking and a sleazy bartender back in the mid 80s.  Fortunately, last night’s round was more mundane.

 

The chef came out and greeted everyone.  I don’t think he spoke English, but we were able to thank him and tell him the meal was excellent.  For those who like karaoke, there is a “live karaoke” night on Thursday of this week.  It basically involves singing with a live band, which I would love to do.  I wish Bill would be in town this week, though, because I don’t want to go by myself.  In fact, as I was explaining this to the waitress, I taught her the English slang term “chicken”.  That’s what I am.  Perhaps I’ll get another chance sometime soon. 

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Germany, restaurant reviews

Calling all meat lovers…

Okay…  well, if you don’t like meat, don’t bother with this post.  If you like a good steak, please read on…

When we first took our house in Unterjettingen, the previous tenants mentioned that there is a fantastic steak house here.  We kinda figured they were talking about Tommi’s Bistro, which is a bar sort of on the main drag.  We didn’t know for certain, though, and we still don’t.  What I do know that is that it’s unlikely there is a better steak joint in this area; and, frankly, we hit the beef jackpot.  Tommi’s is also well known for being a great place for live music.

I am ashamed to admit that we’ve been here since September 2014 and tonight was our first visit to Tommi’s…  Sure, we had eyed the place.  We wanted to visit a couple of months ago.  Shit, we live within walking distance of Tommi’s!  But tonight was the first time we ever visited.  We walked there from our house; it took maybe ten minutes.  We were rewarded with the very best steaks either of us have ever had in Germany.  Given that my husband has been here three times and I have been here twice, not including visits on vacation, that is really saying something.

 

Tommi’s menu… very unassuming… They have a variety of dry aged steaks from Argentina, in a variety of sizes…  

 Bill checks the menu…

 

I decided on the 200 gram entrecôte (rib eye).  Bill had a 200 gram rinderfilet (filet mignon).  We both ordered pommes on the side.  Our steaks came with an aperitif of sherry.  There were plenty of other sides to choose from, but we decided to go basic.

It was quite a nice sherry, too…  No extra charge.

 

My rib-eye was PERFECT.  It was cooked to medium, tender and juicy, just the way I like it; and it was just plain fabulous…

 

And so was Bill’s filet, though he paid an extra six euros for filet mignon.  He says it was worth every euro penny!

We both had pommes… they were excellent.  Other, healthier sides were available.

Yes, that is a stage.  Tommi’s hosts a lot of live entertainment, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights!  It was pretty quiet tonight, though.

 

A shot of the bar, right after another couple had left.  When we arrived, one couple was at the bar, one was at a table with their kids, and there were two guys by the window.  We were the last to leave.  It’s a crying shame!

Bill checks out the menu again…

And decides to join me with a glass of wine.  He had filet mignon and fries, plus a beer and a glass of wine.  I had a ribeye and two glasses of wine.  Total bill before tip = 52.80 euros.

We found the service to be as good as the food was.  The bartender/waitress was very kind and pleasant and spoke excellent English.  She was happy to tell us about the music offered at Tommi’s, as well as the good food.  I left the restaurant feeling sad that we’d only just discovered it.  Moreover, the whole time we were there, they were playing songs that were popular when I was a kid.  “Ev’ry Rose Has Its Thorn”, check!  “Purple Rain”, check!  “How Long” by Ace, check!  I was especially excited when they played “The Last Unicorn” by America…  I happen to own the very expensive German import CD soundtrack from that 1982 film (I was ten when it came out)…

Not a good shot of their sign, but…

If you ever find yourself in Unterjettingen, I highly recommend Tommi’s Bistro.  Hell, even if you just really like an excellent steak from Argentina, you should get your ass to this town.  I was very impressed, and I am a woman who knows about meat.  If you are a music fan, you may also want to know about Tommi’s.  And yes, they do have some things on the menu other than meat… but meat is where they really shine.  I was happy to thank the chef on my way out.

Parking may be a challenge.  We did notice what looked like parking near a biergarten, but the one other time we meant to visit, we were skittish about parking…  Fortunately, we live so close that walking is no problem.

We will definitely be back to Tommi’s soon.  If you like beef and want a great steak in Germany, we highly suggest you follow our lead!

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