-By Jessica Schultz-
October is a time of Fall celebration. Harvest festivals, Halloween parties and sweet apple treats galore. But for some, October means a totally different type of delicious. Chautauqua Institution will host their Oktoberfest Feast at the Athenaeum Hotel on October 14th at 5pm; there is still time to reserve your spot. The Villager spoke with Executive Chef Travis Bensink and Senior Director of Marketing Vanessa Weinart about the event and what it had to offer those who attend.
The Villager (V): Oktoberfest arrives at the Athenaeum; how much does the event cost and where can tickets be purchased?
Vanessa Weinart (VW): “Tickets are $37 plus tax and can be purchased by visiting chq.ticketleap.com.”
V: What is the menu for the dining event?
Travis (T): “After a fun and busy summer, I’m excited to be able dive into German cuisine for Oktoberfest at the Athenaeum Hotel. I’m going to prepare traditional German dishes that guests will enjoy. You’ll have to try my Sauerbraten (marinated beef with a sweet and sour gravy). We will also serve Jägerschnitzel (fried breaded pork cutlet with creamy mushroom sauce), Wurstplatte (frankfurter, pork and chicken sausages with sauerkraut), along with creamy potato and sausage soup, soft pretzels with beer cheese and traditional desserts like Black Forest Cake and apple strudel. And so much more… It’s an amazing menu.”
V: There will be typical German style drink offerings, what types of options will be available?
T: “We will have German brews and select traditional wines to go with our amazing menu. It is a cash bar for this portion and will be staying open until 11pm.”
V: There is live entertainment, could you let us know who is playing, what they play and the time?
VW: “Live music will be played by the Frankfurters out of Buffalo, NY. Their show features thrilling demonstrations of the Swiss Alphorns, Bavarian Cowbells, the “Singing Saw” and Yodeling tunes as well as great dance and party music. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds have enjoyed their music for 40 years!”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
VW: “The event starts at 5pm but guests can arrive anytime between 5–8:30pm for dinner seating. I’d recommend getting there by 6pm so you don’t miss the start of The Frankfurters. You can reserve your spot online. Make it an extra special evening with an overnight stay at the Athenaeum Hotel. Rates starting at $209 for two people and that includes your room and dinner. We held a similar Oktoberfest dinner in 2019 and it was so much fun and the food was amazing.”
Thank you, Vanessa and Travis, for taking the time to share such great details about your upcoming event. The Oktoberfest at the Athenaeum Dinner seating is from 5–8:30pm, the band plays from 6–9pm, and the cash bar with many German beer options stays open until 11pm. Visit the website to reserve your space today!!!