By Melissa Wagoner
For those who have missed their favorite Oktoberfest treats during the past 16 months, now is your chance to indulge, as the Benedictine Brewery in Mount Angel hosts a line-up of iconic Oktoberfest food carts this summer.
“Part of our mission is helping the community,” brewery manager Nicole McCall said of the impetus to invite the booths. The majority are run by nonprofits that traditionally rely heavily on the funds raised during the annual festival.
“It’ll help the booths,” McCall confirmed. “And they need the help.”
There are five organizations scheduled to rotate over summer weekends from mid- May through Labor Day. Each offers
its own unique menu – ranging from traditional German brats to corn dogs and hamburgers. Organizers say the booths will add a festive air to the brewery’s extensive outdoor dining space.
“I’m looking forward to working with the booths,” McCall said. She has managed the brewery since the spring of 2020.
“It’s a neat group of people.”
The carts will also complement the brewery’s line of ten authentic German beers, brewed on-site by Father Martin Grassel from hops grown on Abbey land and water from the monks’ well.
“He has such a passion for brewing beer,” McCall said. “This is really his baby.”
For those not fond of beer, the brewery also serves locally sourced Bauman’s Cider and Paradis Vineyards wine.
“We have something for everybody’s pallet,” McCall said.
And now, with the addition of food carts representing nonprofit groups, the brewery has food to fit everyone’s tastes as well.
“With the Benedictine people it’s all about welcoming,” McCall said.
