Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
The autumn leaves are starting to peek through, da Bears are losing football games, and Oktoberfest is in full swing. Because of this, Jim and I decided to travel to Lake Zurich to feast at Fritzl’s European Restaurant.
Who is Fritz? I’m glad you asked. He was a Master Meat Cutter from the “old country”, and he and his son Bob decided to emigrate to the U.S. from Austria in 1951. Soon after that, they opened up a butcher shop, followed by a restaurant. Finally, in 1985, Bob and his sons opened Fritzl’s in his fathers honor.
Fritzl’s European Restaurant
377 N. Rand Road
Lake Zurich 60047
(847)540-8844
www.fritzl.com
Directions: Take 90 East to Rte. 59 North to Rte. 22 East to Rte. 12 North to restaurant
Travel Time: 42 minutes
The décor of this restaurant reminds us of an old school supper club. For example, they actually use white linen tablecloths and napkins. Weather permitting, there is an available outdoor patio.
We’ve been going to Frtizl’s for years, and we couldn’t pass up our favorite appetizer, namely, the Smoked Garlic Sausage Wrapped in Puff Pastry ($7.95). It is served in one piece, but sliced partially through with a pickle slice between each portion and served with a spicy mustard. We are lobbying for this to become an entree, it’s that good.
Jim and I both had ravenous appetites this evening, so before our entree we ordered some soup to ward off the damp fall air. Jim had a cup of Hungarian Goulash Soup ($4.95), and I had the Baked French Onion Soup ($5.95). We both love these soups and we can’t dine here without having them. Unfortunately for me, I always burn the roof of my mouth with the melted cheese. You’d think I’d learn by now…
For Nancy’s entree she went with the Sauerbraten ($18.95). In case you are unfamiliar with this, it’s slices of lean, marinated beef served with a delicious gravy. She had a choice of two sides and she chose spaetzle and a potato pancake. There’s nothing better than low calorie German cuisine!
Jim wanted to embrace Oktoberfest and decided to have their Special Oktoberfest Platter ($21.95). This consisted of (2) Nurnberger Sausages (similar to a long, skinny bratwurst), (2) slices of Smoked Pork Loin, and a Chicken Schnitzel served with sauerkraut and German potato salad. This could also be called the “Sgt. Schultz Special”. We see why he looked the way he did…
Because we ate lite tonight, we had to have dessert. Our decision was a “no brainer” – we chose the Homemade Warm Apple Strudel (7.95) served with cinnamon ice cream and topped with whipped cream. It had a flaky crust filled with fresh apples and the ice cream made it wunderbar!!!
Nancy’s quest for the Holy Grail of potato pancakes is now over. When she tasted her pancake, the heavens opened up, a ray of light shined down on her plate, and a choir sang hallelujah. It was crispy around the edges, thin like she likes them to be, and with a flavorful seasoning that made it the hit of the night.
If you love German food you must make the trip to Fritzl’s in Lake Zurich. Everything on the menu is authentic and reasonably priced. Jim and I both took a Dachshund bag home for leftover night.
The cost for our Oktoberfest meal was $81.54, Ach du Liebe!!!
Jim’s take: The Goulash Soup was rich, thick, and delicious. My platter was a German feast and the strudel with the ice cream was a perfect ending.
Nancy’s take: This is the only place I order Sauerbraten since the vinegar taste is not overwhelming. I found my perfect potato pancake and now I wish they offered it as an entree.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
