In Burlington, the Germans Are Getting It Right
DESCRIPTION: When I first ate here I was apprehensive. "A restaurant inside a Super 8 Motel? What IS German food, anyway? Meat and potatoes? Bratwurst? Wienerschnitzel?" I found that the answer to these questions was a resounding "Ja ja!" - much to my delight. Let me preface this review by saying that if you are a vegetarian, Old Heidelberg is probably not for you. They serve their green beans wrapped in bacon. Just about every dish name is a long German compound word which means "meat cooked in some sort of sauce". If this does not faze you, then I will go on to tell you how immensely I have enjoyed each and every dining experience that I have had at Old Heidelberg. The ambience is rather bland inside, probably owing to the fact that it is, after all, located inside a Super-8 Motel. Plain blue tablecloths adorn standard square tables in (albeit a very clean and comfortable) plain blue dining area. One delightful item of note is that they often play classical music, as well as a German, polka-like genre that gets you grinning just listening to it. Also, about half of the waitstaff I've had there were actual Germans, which has added to the overall "German-ness" of the experience. Service here is always polite, prompt, diligent, and just generally outstanding, without them making a big deal out of providing it. Of culinary interest, first and foremost is the beer. Here you may buy some expensive imported German brews, the likes of which you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in town. I recommend the Fransizkaner Dunkelweiss, though their Hefe Weizen is first rate as well. A few of these are only available half-liter bottles, so show up thirsty! The food here is spectacularly flavored, and comes in a just-right portion with ample side dish choices. You typically get your meat entree with a vegetable (typically the bacon-wrapped green beans) and a starch (spaetzle or potatoes), plus a salad to begin the meal. I recommend their mashed potatoes, which are flavored quite sublimely with horseradish and freshly ground nutmeg. Economically, this isn't the cheapest place in the world to dine. An entree is typically in the $15 range. However, in my opinion, enough expertise goes into the preparation of the food to justify paying such prices. I've always left here feeling satisfied and full, often having stayed for some coffee and German dessert. (Think: chocolate cake and bavarian cream.) Typically, I am inclined to spend about $40 per person at a meal here, including a huge beer and a dessert. For what is one of the area's finer gastronomic experiences, it is worth treating yourself to a meal at this culturally and deliciously ethnic restaurant. Dining at Old Heidelberg is a treat for any occasion, and you will walk away with a dent in your wallet that you will smile about.
DATE: 2002-10-27
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Wienerschnitzel, J gerschnitzel, Deutsche bratwurst, mashed potatoes, Franziskaner beer