265 Bowery (between East Houston and Stanton Sts.) 212-780-0300 www.paulanernyc.com
German, Austrian, Brewery. Paulaner knows how to show you a good time. Maybe it’s the music. Or the surroundings. Or the brewery vibe. All I know is you’ll be groovin’ to the tunes faster than you can say wiener schnitzel. Which, by the way, they make really deliciously. That traditional fried veal cutlet is accompanied by potato and cucumber salads as well as lingonberry jam. It’s all very good, but the cucumber salad was especially mesmeric. Who knew something so seemingly unassuming could be that spectacular? Also heart emoji worthy, the potato crusted cod (pan seared with sautéed spinach and honey mustard sauce). But I am getting ahead of myself. The meal began with potato pancakes and apple sauce. Billed as a classic favorite, it was generous in both taste and size. I then indulged in the spicy lamb sausages. They are served on a huge helping of red cabbage slaw which was no simple side. Once again, a veggie not known for captivation delivered flavor light years beyond expectation. That is no small trick. So danke, Paulaner. And auf wiedersehen. Until next time.