SARASOTA – The regulars are ready before the beer foam even settles into the stein.
Schnitzel, spaetzle and more, just like grandpa used to make them. In fact, ‘Grandpa’s Schnitzel’ German restaurant in Sarasota boasts just that – authentic German cuisine. The proof is in the pork.
“A little bit onions, and salt and pepper, and a secret inside, and that’s it,” says Chef Maik.
The father and son’s incredible family backstory ties Grandpa and his schnitzel to WWII and the American troops, practically sniffing him out.
“My grandfather had opened the kitchen window, then the Americans come through the window and said this comes from you? Oh yah, I fry the schnitzel for my family and me and they said we can try? And he said, why not?” says Chef Maik.
Grandpa began feeding the troops from his home on a regular basis. Until one day…
“You must go see the US Commander. And he said, what, what did I do? My guys, my soldiers told me that you make the best schnitzel in town. Do you want to cook for the Army? He said, why not?” says Chef Maik.
According to Chef Maik, the Americans would eventually go on to help Grandpa fulfill his dream.
“Later than he opened his own restaurant,” says Chef Maik.
This one, on the wall. Then suddenly, while staring at the mural of the legendary original Schnitzel Haus, this seemingly random choice for a ‘Gas Up & Go’ feature turns extremely personal. I realize this was the schnitzel haus my family would frequent while serving on a military base in Mannheim Germany in the early 90’s. A quick Facetime to my father confirms it. The unbelievable coincidence, and the impact grandpa’s restaurant left on me leaves Chef Maik beaming with pride. He takes getting grandpa’s legacy right very seriously.
“The recipes, original from German. And this is what we want to make for the next years. That we have traditional and authentic German food,” says Chef Maik.
Grandpa’s Schnitzel is also hosting a small-scale Oktoberfest, beginning the third week of this month.