Dunedin Landmark Bon Appetit Brings Taste Of Rhineland To Dunedin Throughout October

DUNEDIN, FL — For the 44th consecutive year, Oktoberfest has returned to Bon Appétit, bringing a taste of the Rhineland to Dunedin.

Through Oct. 31, Bon Appétit, 148 Marina Plaza, is offering a specialty menu consisting of traditional German delicacies and imported beer and wine.

Last year’s most popular Oktoberfest item is back: the Bavarian “Brotzeit” — a giant Oktoberfest pretzel adorned with layers of smoked ham, salami, and Swiss cheese, served with sweet mustard, pickles, radishes and house-made liverwurst spread.

Guests who have yet to indulge in the pungent flavors of German cuisine can prepare the palate with the Oktoberfest Platter, a dish consisting of roast pork, smoked ham and sausages on sauerkraut with a parsley bread dumpling.

Other German specialties include smoke rainbow trout with crispy potato pancakes, apple-celery salad and horseradish cream; liverwurst spread with croutons and a garlic dill pickle; grilled bratwurst on sauerkraut with mashed potatoes and homemade sweet mustard; "Eggs Garni" on potato salad topped with ham, smoked salmon and salami; roast pork with Bavarian sauerkraut and parsley bread dumpling; and roasted half duckling with brushed rosemary honey served with apple red cabbage and butter spazle.

For dessert, the warm apple strudel makes its triumphant return to Bon Appétit’s Oktoberfest menu, accompanied by a pool of vanilla bean sauce and whipped cream.

No Oktoberfest would be complete without authentic German beer, brewed with a high level of Wort extract for a crisp and refreshing sip. Bon Appétit is offering both Weizen (wheat) and Märzen (lager) beer imported from Nümberg and Munich, respectively. These lighter beers are an authentic element of the Oktoberfest tradition.

While Bon Appétit has built a reputation for offering innovative, international cuisine, the Oktoberfest celebration is rife with meaning for the staff. Chef Karl Riedl, co-owner of Bon Appétit, is a German expatriate, as are manager Sabine and hostess Shaira.

With travel restrictions preventing a return home for the second straight year, the restaurant’s Oktoberfest celebration holds a special meaning to these team members and their families.

In addition to Oktoberfest, the Dunedin landmark celebrated its 45th anniversary Sunday.

The award-winning restaurant next to the Yacht Harbor Inn and Suites across from Dunedin Marina opened in 1976.

With its seasonal menu items and its sweeping views of St. Joseph Sound and Honeymoon and Caledesi islands, Bon Appétit was an instant hit.

Peter Kreuziger and Karl Riedl have owned and operated the restaurant for 45 years and look forward to many years to come.

The restaurant offers dining alfresco at the terrace Marina Cafe while watching the dolphins swim as well as casual waterfront dining in a sophisticated setting, with crisp linen tablecloths and sparkling place settings, serenaded by a pianist in the lounge Wednesday through Sunday.

Bon Appétit's à la carte Sunday brunch outdoors has become a Dunedin tradition as has its special holiday buffets in the Crystal Ball Room and Sunset Room.

For reservations, click here.