September 29, 2016 – TALES OF A CONFECTIONIST

I was starting to sense a little self sabotage. Why is it after a day of feasting that I chose to eat German cuisine, which have such meaty substantial portions. I didn’t think that I was that full after our late lunch reservation at Dinner By Heston Blumenthal but after ordering all the bread/crumbed starters that I wanted to try at Hofbräuhaus, I was starting to test the limits of my stomach trying to fit in my main.

Like all good things in Melbourne, Hofbräuhaus is tucked down a little laneway near China town.Inside the Hofbrahaus is warm and inviting. Lots of large tables celebrating occasions or just indulging in the enormous sizes of beer that they serve, while a live band plays in the background which adds to the European tavern feel.

My friend ordered one litre of beer, that is possibly why he struggled to finish his main.Langosch Haus-made freshly baked and fried garlic bread, sprinkled with sea salt ($9.50). I would have loved some cheese sprinkled on top but they were still very moreish and were quickly devoured.Gebackener camembert crumbed baked Camembert cheese served with lingonberry compote ($14.50). You have to enjoy this while it is hot.Bretzel freshly baked Bavarian pretzel served with butter ($5.50).Kasekrainer traditional kranksy filled with cheese ($25.50). I love cheese kranksy and this was a good one! Even though I was very full, it didn’t stop me from finishing it with the help of TimmyC.Rindergoulasch traditional Hungarian-style beef stew on haus-made German egg noodles served in an iron pan ($29.50). My friend really enjoyed this, I think if you want a hearty meal without the huge chunks of meat, this is the meal for you.Knuspriger schweinbauch oven roasted crispy pork belly on braised red cabbage, served with bread dumpling, bier jus and apple compote ($39.50).Schweinshax’n huge Bavarian pickled roasted pork knuckle on a bed of sauerkraut and mashed potatoes with haus-made pork jus and German mustard ($43.50). A gigantic pork knuckle with all the trimmings. My friend didn’t finish this but he made a large dent.Bratwurst the classic world famous German pork sausage ($25.50).I really enjoyed the casual warm atmosphere of Hofbräuhaus and it was conveniently located in the city. There are a lot of places in eat in Melbourne but if you feel like German food, I would recommend coming here.