Ten Days of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest can be a dubious event around the Twin Cities. Sometimes bars with little or no Germanic ties will basically rechristen their happy hour in order to draw in binge-drinkers. Last year I recall being tricked into attending an Oktoberfest that was advertised as large and authentic, yet upon arrival I was dismayed to find only a brat stand, $5 Summit beer, an $8 per transaction ATM, and a meek oompah band. Fortunately, based on their upcoming schedule, Black Forest Inn doesn't mess around with Oktoberfest. An Eat Street destination before there was an Eat Street, Black Forest Inn has been serving German food, beer, and wine for around 42 years now. Its Oktoberfest celebration will span the course of 10 days, and includes an itinerary that ranges from informational, tasty, spectacular, and ridiculous. Things kick off Friday, September 28, with live music featuring alphorns—those giant horns that people play atop mountains of snow. Other events include a fake German accent night (Sep. 29), polka night (Sep. 30), and waltz night (Oct. 7). Monday, October 1, features mustard-making demonstrations, recipes, and tastings. The presumably spectacular David Hasselhoff night rolls in Friday, October 5, and probably doesn't need any more explanation than that (shudder). Looking for something more whimsical? Saturday, October 6, features a Brothers Grimm Night, complete with costumed staffers and lots of dry ice to create a forest effect. For a complete schedule visit www.blackforestinnmpls.com or call for reservations.
Sept. 28-Oct. 7, 6 p.m., 2007