Hagerstown, Maryland has been an important transportation hub for centuries. With its North-South and East-West artery routes to Baltimore, DC and points westward, as well as location on the historic “Wagon Road”, it’s not surprising that there’s a restaurant in the Blue Ridge Mountains that can hold its own in any city. Bavarian restaurant Schmankerl Stube is doing very special German home-cooking.
As a lawyer, I was in town stopping by an important Circuit Court case — practically steps away. So, I was pretty much taking depositions of some of Washington County’s most prominent attorneys and businessmen — “Have you been to Schmankerl Stube? Why haven’t you? You need to go!” The restaurant conveniently opens for lunch at 11 am, giving plenty of time before the afternoon docket.
I’ve been to Germany to sample its cuisine and adult beverages — this restaurant can absolutely hold its own. Current proprietor and Executive Chef Dieter Blosel started culinary training in Germany at the age of 14! Making everything on site, including a house dressing, mustard sauces and even desserts makes a tremendous difference.
When things are freshly made, they don’t need big salts and sugars to mask natural flavors. Every touch is on point, including thinly sliced seeded rye bread and the perfect glasses for the individual beers — a point of pride in Germany.
Speaking of beer, they have a nice selection of them from Germany and other MittlelEuropa countries.
Lunch specials are affordably priced. Are you with a group? The Wurst Sampler has a selection of beef, pork and veal sausages, served with house made honey-mustard sauce with jalapenos, a sharper mustard and Germany’s beloved curry ketchup.
I wanted to give something new a chance for lunch: Hühnerbrust with Vermouth Cream. I’m so glad I did! The sauce includes onions and mushrooms, as well. They give the option for adding jalapenos. I wondered what that would be like, would that work? My server assured me that the jalapenos were very thinly sliced, so I gave it a go. It totally works and just adds a little subtle snap. The chicken breast pieces were so tender and juicy.
Spaetzle may be the ultimate comfort food: they are like egg noodles crossed with dumplings, good for gravy and easy to eat. Crisply cooked carrots also complimented.
The presented dessert tray had all kind of tempting options, including and fruit-flavored cheese cake made with cottage cheese, as well as Germany’s answer to Vienna’s Sacher Torte — chocolate with apricot glaze. But, I had to go for my favorite cake of all time: Black Forest cake! You should save room for it, too. Because every layer is house-made, it’s not too sweet and definitely light, not gummy. The chocolate/cherries in brandy/freshly whipped cream is a winning combination.
Published by tamarmarcopolostyle — View all posts by tamarmarcopolostyle HERE
