Oktober-feasting at Brotzeit resto

MANILA, Philippines - Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant has taken the ordinary, grassroots Oktoberfest celebration Filipinos have been accustomed to and turned it into a rousing good time complete with dancing, fun games, a raffle, authentic German cuisine and 100-percent German beer for their guests.

Considering that the distance between Germany and the Philippines is approximately 10,329.12 kilometers, one is transported from the Philippines to Germany in the blink of an eye at Brotzeit.

“Brotzeit” is a Bavarian expression — “Brot” which is German for bread and “zeit” for time — referring to the traditional Bavarian small meal or snack that is always accompanied by fresh, pure beer.

This is Brotzeit’s first Philippine branch and its 10th in the world. Brotzeit’s Oktoberfest recent kickoff began when members of the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club (MDMC) roared into Shangri-La mall on their Harley-Davidson big bikes. The first beer stein for the day was sent out to the MDMC members while passers-by admired their parked bikes. Guests arrived one after the other and the restaurant as well as the big tent set up outside, was soon filled with people. Resident Australian DJ Brockstar, entertained the crowd while they ate, drank and waited for the program to begin.

A wave of excitement ran through the crowd as Boom Gonzalez and his co-host, the beautiful German-speaking, Carla Dunareanu, both from Magic 89.9’s On Demand, officially welcomed Oktoberfest to Brotzeit with a loud toast, “Prost!”

Among the highlights of the program was The Guzzler game wherein teams of three joined a beer-drinking relay, with the fastest team to gulp down their beers declared as winners. Last year’s Guzzler champs also challenged this year’s winners to a showdown. The Server game, on the other hand, was where contestants had to hold beer steins in both hands with their arms outstretched straight. The last one who managed to keep the beer steins up won.

In between the excitement, the Mix Identity band belted out ’80s music that sent members of the audience to the dancefloor. Pretty Jagarettes decked out in their dirndls made the rounds, treating guests to a taste of Jagermeister as well as helping other guests “get framed.”

Uber, a company that uses its own mobile app to connect passengers with drivers of vehicles for hire, was Brotzeit’s official transportation for the evening, offering up to P400 off on rides from the guests’ point of origin and vice-versa. That night no one had to worry about driving home tipsy, tired or sleepy.

 Finally, the grand raffle prizes were given away — portable Wifi-capable BOSE speakers worth over P20,000 plus two BOSE earphones sets. Aside from these prizes, the raffle also gave out GCs from Brotzeit, Jagermeister, and Twinings tea premium items, among many others.

After the games and raffle, DJ Broackstar spun his tunes until the last person went home.

For the entire month celebrating Oktoberfest, guests heading to Brotzeit can expect the following perks: From Sept. 22 to Oct. 22, the Brotzeit Oktoberfest Platter will be served. The overflowing platter consists of Schweinhaxn (roasted pork knuckle), Ripperl (smoked pork ribs), Knoblauchwurst (garlic sausages), Speck (smoked bacon), Huhnerbrust (crisp chicken fingers) and Backfisch (crisp fish fingers).

Oktoberfestbier, the “official” German beer of the season, will be served until supplies last.

From Oct. 1 to 31, the first 200 guests to present accumulated Brotzeit receipts worth P8,000 will get a Limited Edition Brotzeit Oktoberfest T-shirt and an Original Paulaner Beer Stein.

Every Saturday of the month until the 25th, games such as The Guzzler and The Server will be played at Brotzeit while DJ Brockstar will mix the music until the wee hours.

Come and visit Brotzeit today for some Oktober-feasting.

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant is located at 112 Streetscape, Shangri-La Mall Edsa, Mandaluyong City.