May is just about to start at Brotzeit Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Authentic German sausages, grilled meat, Schwenkbraten skewers, drinking games, dancing around the maypole and glorious, world-famous beer!

There were cheering and applause and laughter at Brotzeit Philippines in Shangri-la Plaza Mall when the cozy restaurant transported guests to Bavaria to open Maifest last week. 

Maifest is a traditional Bavarian celebration ushering the start of spring after a long, chilly winter. At Brotzeit, Filipinos and foreigners alike enjoyed feasting on juicy, beautiful Bavarian food served on a wooden board.

Make sure to share the platter with friends though, because no matter how much you want to enjoy the sausages, skewers and big portions of grilled pork, you will get eventually stuffed.

Actual Brotzeit Maifest platter of grilled pork chops, Schwenkbraten or schnitzel skewers, spicy chicken sausages, grilled pork sausages, pork cheese sausage, garlic sausage and veal sausage

Maypole dance by Brotzeit staff as taught by Goethe Institut. 

Sided with potato salad and mixed vegetables (so you can pretend to be healthy), the Maifest platter is also perfectly paired with Paulaner Original Münchner Märzen lager, which is only brewed and served at the start of the much-awaited season.

"Brewed in strict accordance to Germany's Purity Law of 1516," the description of the Märzen goes. It was named after the month of March, the last month of the year that was historically considered safe for brewing lager beer before the heat of summer.

Beer lovers would find the Maifest beer, Märzen, alone so inviting. Made from dark roasted malt, the Marzen's smooth, strong flavor with some sweetness is an experience worthy to drop by Brotzeit for.

Chef Ivan Maminta, whose creations are influenced by Bavarian cuisine as well as German recipes spanning generations, also prepared  asparagus dishes to bring the traditional German experience to guests.

The "Aspagragus" specials, available for a limited time, include a wisely plated Meeresfruchtes or seared seafood patty cakes with peppered asparagus and Lungerbraten or beef tenderloin with steamed parsley, potatoes and white asparagus.

End the delightful platter with Chef Ivan's warm chocolate cake with Stracciatella ice cream or Apple Strudel with vanilla ice cream. - Photos by the author

Brotzeit Philippines is part of the European Union Culinary Season 2014 line-up of restaurants showcasing cuisines from different EU regions. The Maifest platter, beer, and Aspagragus dishes are available until June 30.