Staff Writer
If you are expecting company this summer and don’t feel like dragging out and dusting off the good china, give yourself a break and dine at Karl’s German Cuisine.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Located in Grand Falls, N. B., on Perry Lake, the Lakeside Lodge and Resort features a picture-perfect setting for a get-away, business meeting, reception or quiet dining at Karl’s German Cuisine Restaurant.
Part of the Lakeside Lodge and Resort, located in Grand Falls, N.B., Karl and Theresa Birkhof, owners, will allow you to enjoy your company (and yourself) while dining in a quiet setting, submerged in the woods off the Gillespie Road, only 15 miles from Caribou. The food will satisfy and the picture-perfect view from the deck overlooking Perry Lake will ensure a satisfying evening.
Celebrating their 10-year anniversary this season, the Birkhofs, both natives of Germany – he, a professional mechanical engineer by trade, and spouse, Theresa, originally a government social worker, purchased the lodge facility in 1997, and were open for business in 1998.
Birkhof stated that his business continues to be very good, with many repeat customers. “We have many guests who don’t live in this area, but when they know they will be planning to be here, they call or just show up.” He did note that the gas prices obviously affect everyone, he feels that the necessity of providing personal identification papers at the border is another deterrent that may discourage people to frequent his lodge or dine at the restaurant.
“It’s in my blood,” said Berkhof, in respond to a question as to what his cooking background was. “My mother was a chef in a first-class restaurant in Germany. I love to cook and everything I make is fresh, everything is made from scratch, there are no canned items in my creations,” he added. Birkhof does all the cooking at the dining facility.
An attribute to the quality and atmosphere of this tucked away dining experience comes from Karl’s Cuisine being recommended for the past seven years in the highly valued, “Where to Eat in Canada,” publication.
The German restaurant features, lighter menu, which offer an entrée for those who don’t wish for anything other than their main course, and a dinner menu, where soup or salad is also included. Menu items include, Jaeger Schnitzel (pork loin with mushroom sauce) or Zigeuner Schnitzel (pork loin with spicy red and green pepper cream sauce), Garden Schnitzel, breaded pork loin, topped with sautéed vegetables to mention just a few of the native German dishes. Always a favorite it Karl’s Home Smoked Juniper ham.
All of the soups are homemade as are the German spaetzsle (homemade noodles). Appetizers include, mini potato, dumplings, oven baked with cheese. Karl’s Cuisine also features chicken and fish (a choice of salmon or haddock) , beef rib-eye, and vegetable plates.
I always agree with the motto, “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.” When it comes time to order dessert, whether or not you eat it before your entrée or later, be prepared to have everyone order a different selection so you can have the wonderful experience of sampling the entire list.
Theresa Birkhof, makes every one of the desserts herself, again totally from scratch. The dessert menu includes an original black forest torte, Bavarian cheese cream torte with hot raspberry sauce and a chocolate cream torte. Also on the dessert menu is vanilla ice cream with hot raspberry sauce or a fruit cup with vanilla ice cream.
The Lakeside Lodge, offers overnight or extended stay accommodations in any of the six cabins, each featuring two rooms and a loft, allowing for the capacity to sleep eight people. Other accommodation are available within the lodge itself where there are 6 large, tastefully decorated rooms and also two luxury rooms.
The Lakeside Lodge also has comfortable wedding and conference facilities, is a perfect spot for a weekend company retreat or just a private, quiet weekend get-a-way. There is a walking trail around the entire lake providing for fresh air exercise while enjoying wildlife sightings.
Aside from creating a calming background and perfect setting for the lodge and restaurant facility, “There are some nice fish in this lake,” noted Birkhof. “Just recently a guest pulled in a 16-inch brook trout.” Canoe rentals are available on site for those wishing to tour the lake or to do some angling.
The Lakeside Lodge and Karl’s German Cuisine Restaurant is open during the months of April through December. Operation hours from April through the end of June are Fridays and Saturday from 4-8 p.m. (U.S. time) and Sundays 4-7 p.m., (U.S. time).
Beginning July 1, restaurant hours will be: Tues – Sat. 4- 8 p.m. (U.S. time) and Sunday, 4-7 p.m. (U.S. time).
Reservations are encouraged but not necessary. “If someone comes here to eat, as long as they don’t mind waiting a bit and if I don’t have a large reception going on, I’m not going to turn anyone away, “said Birkhof.
Not only is the dining experience worth traveling the short distance to get there, meeting the Birkhofs is another pleasure. It’s like finding a jewel in the woods and making new friends in one easy step.
For reservation diners may call: (506) 473-6252. More information on Karl’s German Cuisine and the Lakeside Lodge & Resort visit: www.lakeside-lodge.com.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
This mural of the Castle Meersburg – Bodensee, built in Germany in the year 792, accents the wall in the dining room of Karl’s German Cuisine Restaurant at the Lakeside Lodge, located in Grand Falls, N.B.
