On a cool afternoon mid-workweek, Tremont Tavern smells like yeast and early autumn. On my recent visit, sun fell through the front windows in long dusty beams. A dozen or so folks sat at the bar finishing late lunches or sipping mugs of cold brew.
It was a serene portrait – so smooth and steady one might never guess that big things are in the works at Tremont… But that’s something General Manager George Lewallen isn’t ready to talk about. “Let’s talk about our new burger and sandwich of the month instead,” he said, smiling mischievously.
Tremont’s latest monthly specials pay tribute to Oktoberfest. The famed burger locale’s new burger of the month is made with a house-ground turkey and bacon patty, hot German mustard, beer-braised fennel and cabbage, and smoked Gouda. It has a bit of a kick to it.
“There’s lots of turkey in Germany. And Gouda. … Well, it sounds the part, at least. I think I’m going to call the burger ‘Bird is the Word,'” said George. October’s sandwich of the month is also inspired by the West. But in fact, it’s not a sandwich at all.
“It’s a schnitzel taco,” said George. Schnitzel is traditional German cuisine made by pounding, breading and frying pork medallions. The sandwich – or taco, rather – is topped with pickled cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes and house-made dill-lemon- pepper mayo.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Oktoberfest tribute without beer specials. Tremont will be rotating different Oktoberfest brews throughout the month. “If I see an Oktoberfest, it’s likely we’ll have that on tap sometime in October,” George said. I wondered aloud what makes an Oktoberfest beer an Oktoberfest beer. “It’s close to a Marzan style,” George explained. “You want to learn something?” he asked, arching his eyebrows. I did.
Marzan style, I learned, is named for the month in which it is brewed: March. The brew is then aged all summer and is served in autumn. “Hence Oktoberfest,” George concluded. Although the traditional Oktoberfest celebration wraps up in early October, Tremont will be serving up its cultural flavors all month. Free of charge, it will also be serving up early autumn appeal and tavern-like charm. After all, it is the height of the season for simple pleasures. That being said, be sure to stay tuned to Tremont…