Heart Warming Comfort Food -- Richters German Chalet

A few years ago I was traveling back to the states from Kosovo and ended up with a nights lay over in Frankfurt, Germany.  Frankfurt is really not a city that I found all that interesting.  It is a very modern city, but like many of the large cities in this area World War II destroyed much of the architecture in the area.  One area in particular is called Romerberg.  In March of 1944 a long night of bombing destroyed nearly all of the buildings in the area.  However this area of Frankfurt was rebuilt to replicate the original architecture. 

We spent an afternoon touring some of the city of Frankfurt and ended up at Romerberg. Really this area is quite spectacular.  Large multistory wood framed buildings are colorfully painted and really look ornate, but are very simple.  This area really is a wonderful place to visit and experience.  We have a little touch of that German architecture and history right here in Metro Detroit with Richter's Chalet.  Richter's looks traditionally German inside and out. When you step inside the doors you will be transported from Metro Detroit to the German countryside just by entering the main dinning room.  It  feels like a traditional German chalet with its creamy white walls and heavy beamed finish work.  Pictures of the German country side decorate the dinning hall along with other natively German items.



I met one of the owners quite by accident when we went in for lunch one day.  I asked the lady who seated us about a special lunch sandwich that I had eaten there once before.  She said that they had never served a sandwich like I was describing and I assured her that I had eaten it here.  It was not an argument, but she was firm and the said she would go ask the chef.  When she returned she said, "we did have a sandwich on special like you described a couple years ago, but what do I know I just own the place".   We both laughed and I ordered one of there lunch specials.

Richter's is one of those go to places for good, warm, hardy meals that include all sorts of German treats.  They serve up daily specials that don't change much.  These are filled with all your favorites.  Stroganoff, goulash, fresh perch, and even a wonderful wellington on Wednesdays.(say that 3 times fast)  These are served with a variety of accompaniments.  German potato salad, red cabbage-sauerkraut, potato dumplings, spaetzele, and a wonderful little loaf of warm fresh bread are all a part of the meal.  Daily lunch specials also include a slice of pie.

If you go there for dinner, the menu includes a wide variety of both German and American favorites.  Steaks, chicken, sausage, and of course schnitzel.  The severs will greet you in their white shirts with bow tie and will make sure that you are taken care of.  Richters over all is a good experience that you will enjoy especially on a cold winter evening.  So next time you want some comfort food on a snowy day, step in to a little piece of Germany right here in Metro Detroit.