The two establishments are joining forces again this year to bring what they call “the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration” in Manila.

THE German Club offers free-flowing beer on select days at Solaire.

Dubbed as the world’s largest beer festival and traveling funfair that originated in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is also now being celebrated in many parts of the world.

But short of booking a flight to Munich, what would come close to the most authentic celebration of Oktoberfest here in the Philippines? German Club Manila and Solaire Resort & Casino may have a pretty clear idea.

The two establishments are joining forces again this year to bring what they call “the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration” in Manila that will take place from 17 to 19 October at The Tent in Solaire.

In a recent press conference to promote the upcoming event, Solaire’s vice president of Culinary Michael Dinges and Solaire VP of Food & Beverage Knut Becker are one in defining an authentic Oktoberfest as a celebration highlighted by “Weihenstephan beer, entertainment by the Bavarian Sound Express, to the homemade German sausages and delicacies from family recipes (that) all have their roots from Germany.”

Located in Bavaria, Germany, the Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan or simply Weihenstephan is acknowledged as the “world’s oldest brewery.” Established in 1906, German Club Manila has been at the forefront of Octoberfest celebrations in the Philippines.

INDULGE in homemade sausages at Solaire’s version of Oktoberfest.

For the last eight decades, the German Club Manila has been at the forefront of Oktoberfest celebrations in the Philippines. In addition to free-flowing beer, classic Bavarian favorites such as weisswurst to bratwurst, potato salad, pretzels, cold cuts and spätzle are also a big part of the feast.

German Club Manila president Tobias Rast said that they’re very pleased with their partnership with Solaire. “Last year, we broke our own records so we now look forward to a more dynamic and vibrant celebration of the German culture through the Oktoberfest celebration,” Rast revealed.

A glimpse of what to expect starting 17 October was demonstrated during the press conference. Decked in true Oktoberfest fashion, Solaire’s The Forum was transformed to vividly resemble the look and feel of Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich.

Lederhosen-clad gents and dirndl-wearing ladies emerged with Bavarian delicacies. A variety of sausages like the Weisswurst, and an assortment of meats such as pork schnitzel, Swabian red bratwurst, Kaesekrainer and veal sausages, were presented in mouthwatering platters and samplers. Classic desserts like the apple and walnut strudel with vanilla sauce and ice cream, and Kaiserschmarn, a dish made of shredded rum raisin pancakes with berry compote and vanilla sauce, were the perfect balancer after a hearty dose of German meats.

Guests were then invited to a beer-drinking game and a food relay to test the competitiveness of each player. The gentlemen were given two 500mL steins filled with beer that they must race to finish in record-breaking time. The same mechanics applied to ladies, but with only one 500mL stein of beer. Groups got a kick out of the food relay game as each team raced to finish more pretzels and sausages following a heavy serving of German fare.

As in previous years, German Club Manila’s Michael Scheile is again the designated emcee with Eiffelene Salvador as his co-host. Summing up what will happen during the actual Octoberfest event, Dingles assured each guest “will receive an overflowing selection of Germany’s best tastes and flavors, surrounded by the finest Filipino hospitality.”