Monday, September 21, 2009

Oktoberfest: Bring on the Vegan Brats!


It's September...so why are we celebrating Oktoberfest? Because wouldn't the world's largest fair be more enjoyable with warm weather? Exactly. Why all the beer and brats? The first Oktoberfest was held in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Learn more. That's worth raising a beer glass to!

Some six million visitors are expected at Oktoberfest, which kicked off in Munich this past Saturday. Oktoberfest menus here are popping up everywhere. Want a cruelty-free Oktoberfest? Me too. Thankfully, our friends at PETA's VegCooking site always come through with festive and easy-to-make menus.

What's on their Oktoberfest menu? Doesn't this sound mouthwatering?
Beer-Basted Tofurky Beer Brats with Caramelized Onions and Hot Mustard
Sautéed Green Apples and Leeks
German Potato Salad
German Chocolate Cake

Check out other German fare, including potato pancakes and seitan stroganoff over eggless noodles.

What to wash it all down with? If you imbibe, beer. Is your favorite beer vegan-friendly? Barnivore tells you. I'm not much of a beer drinker, and only drink occasionally. My favorite beer alternative is hard cider, and Magner Irish Cider, and Woodpecker and Woodchuck are vegan. Cheers to that.

If you don't drink, sparkling ciders, like the pomegranate, apple or cranberry varieties at Trader Joe's, are refreshing too. Don't forget to pick up their German apple strudel, which is completely vegan.

Two years ago, I visited the real Oktoberfest in Munich for a day. Some glimpses into the festival.

It's not just about drinking. There are plenty of rides and fun for kids young and old.






2 comments:

AJ said...

do you know of this site?
don't look if yr hungry! lol

http://foodgawker.com/post/category/vegan/

Catherine said...

Great site! I'm always dreaming about my next meal!

So exciting to see Peacefood Café, a vegan restaurant, in today's New York Times dining section:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/dining/23vegan.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

http://peacefoodcafe.com/