Our friend Pablo Valqui is repeating a fun German Karneval (mardi gras) tradition from the Cologne area, which he introduced last year, with a Karnevalsdinner at Charivari Restaurant on February 7, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.
With music from the most prominent Cologne bands, everybody started Schunkeln (rhythmical movements typical of Karneval and other parties in Germany) last year, imbibed some wonderful Houston-made Koelsch beer, and enjoyed delicious dishes reflecting Rhenish cuisine prepared by Chef Schuster. There were even some jecke Wiever (“crazy” women, giving the name to the day of the dinner, Weiberfastnacht or in koelsch Wieverfastelovend) who got away with cutting off some gents’ neck ties and shoelaces, and rewarding the aforesaid gents with sweet buetze (kisses) in recompense for their material loss. In short, it is a traditional celebration of women, freed from their daily back-breaking labors for one day in the year; no washing, no cleaning house, no cooking, no tending to children, no serving difficult husbands, etc. etc. etc.
The menu this year will feature some typical, traditional dishes and some new culinary productions by Chef Schuster. Chef Schuster is currently designing the menu; the price will be again in the $40 range.
To register for the dinner, it would be easiest to call the restaurant at 713 521-7231 or by sending an email to charivari@charivarirest.com and sending a copy to Pablo Valqui at pvalqui@gmail.com .
Please forward this information to others interested in German food and culture.