By Vern Holmquist
On April 15 and 16 there will be people with heavy hearts as we say farewell to two of our treasured eating establishments.
Koffee Konnection was lost to a fire and the Bavarian Haus has closed to an unexpected real estate purchase.
When I think of the Koffee Konnection, I will think of Prentice Boyd creating his hearty, great-tasting soups with pride and joy. When I think of the Bavarian Haus, I will remember the special Friday meals offered by Chef Eric Rottner.
Eric’s Friday Feast of suckling pig, tender, moist and with a delicate sweet flavor; the Buffalo Prime Rib, so big it covered the dinner plate, and the Frog Legs, and a little surprising Kangaroo. All skillfully prepared by a man who made cooking an art. Where else but at the Bavarian Haus could you order a Manhattan, an Old-Fashioned, a Singapore Sling or a Stinger without waiting for the bartender to look up the ingredients? Who else offered us a Hot Buttered Rum on cold winter days? That art belonged to Ginger. We’ll miss that gal. We’ll miss the entire crew.
Now where will we go for that early morning pick-me-up, a tasty coffee with a sweet roll, or a quick lunch with Lulubelle’s sandwiches and a cup of rich, tasty soup. Lulubelle used to say “you get a bite of meat with every bite of bun.” Prentice, we’ll miss your big, benevolent smile.
Farewell, friends, you have raised the culinary standards in Mount Angel that will be hard to beat. Best wishes for your future endeavors.
