German Pancakes

A new year and a new set of blogs.  My folks came up this weekend to see our Christmas decorations, Jacob’s Lego train, and see Jessica’s swim meet.  I've found one of the best parts of being a parent is in watching and supporting your kids pursue their own passions. And this year much of our lives have centered around Jessica and her swimming. She practices for almost 2 hours 4 times a week, plus she competes in a swim meet (sometimes 2) practically every weekend. So this past weekend Jess was swimming for her team (the Barracudas) at the RPI pool, and my folks came up to root her on.

So Sunday morning I had her over to the pool (after a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts) by 7AM. She did great, taking time off of several of her events and getting closer for qualifying at States in a couple more events. We finished early since they cancelled one of her events, and we were too early to head over to Dinosaur Barbeque. So I improvised, and proposed getting a plate of pancakes for the family, plus some other special choices. Everyone agreed, and instead of the local IHOP I took the family to Wolff’s Biergarten (http://www.wolffsbiergarten.com/).

Wolff's Biergarten is located in an old garage in downtown Albany, and is known for their German bier and food, and for showing European Football matches in the morning. And on the weekend they have pancakes, specialty pancakes, are to die for. Jessica got the Bavarian pancakes, with chocolate and cherry sauce (and lots of whipped cream). I got the Einbecker Winter-Bock, a Dopplebock weighing in at 7.5% ABV and a new beer for me that qualifies Wolff's as a favorite German bier hall for my Roeg's listing. I had the Bavarian Leberkase, a German-style meatloaf grilled and topped with a sunny side up egg on a Kaiser roll, with potato pancakes.

My mom and dad had a great time (or at least they seemed to and said they had a good time), and got on their merry way (and I got the picture to prove it). It was fun getting out and celebrating together, and I can't wait for my next reason (or excuse) to head back to the Biergarten. – 6235/13367

“Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.” - Kaiser Wilhelm