We were all up in time for breakfast despite the attempt at late night madness. The Radlers announced that their plans had altered due to a domestic problem, they would be cutting their trip short and would not be stopping off at Koblenz tomorrow. Bidding fond farewells it was decided to restore our trip to Koblenz to today as originally planned.
The train from Traben took us to Bullay where we had no choice but to take an RB down the Mosel to Koblenz. We stopped at every Bahnhof, yawn. At least the return would be an RE and stop only a couple of times.
A Taxi took us out to the Brauerei Königsbacher, well so I thought. The tall tower revealed a re-branding had occurred, the Brewery is now called Koblenzer. Would the Bier be the same?
The Zischke has always been the main attraction. This Unfiltered Helles has a sharp almost Citrus flavour, very sharp indeed. The large Brewery Tap was relatively empty on this Wednesday lunchtime except for the tables overlooking the Rhein. We were still able to watch the traffic on the river and gaze across to the Maximillian Brauhaus at Niederlahnstein. Relaxation.
Doris brought the Menu, what? As well as the Ziske, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier (Munchen, Bayern) was available vom Fass and, wait for it – Andechs Bergbock Hell! Hector cannot remember having had Bergbock on draught before, and if he has the lack of memory would be obvious.
The Zischke had to be sampled first out of respect for where we were, it was everything I remembered. Steve was happy to follow the lead, Anthony and Ian had em, other beverages. A the late night taking its toll?
Soup was ordered, a very impressive, Spicy, Goulash Soup – recommended!
Then it was time for the Andechs, gosh! I could have stayed here all day, Steve may well have warmed to this too, however there was a shifting of feet across the table. No Oktoberfest Bier for Hector.
Doris called us a Taxi – altogether – You’re a Taxi… Hector the Tour Guide suggested we take the Taxi all the way to Deutches Eck, it saved a needless walk across the city.
The Sun was brilliant, it was approaching Warm, what a fine place to be, the confluence of Das Rhein and Das Mosel. A new Cable Car connects the Peninsula to the fortifications across the river. Enough Kultur.
We wandered back up the Mosel and cut up into the Altstadt. The Altes Brauhaus is usually approached from the City, not the river. It took a double back or two in the Altstadt to finally locate the venue. How long is it since I last had a Bier in Koblenz? Maggie would know. Steve had been at the Altes Brauhaus more recently than me. This place had been shut for some time but is now back in full swing. Bei Berndt was our local some ten years ago, this venue must be the best in town presently.
Königsbacher is still very much the Logo that is visible but the Big Six of Munchen were represented by Spaten and of course Paulaner. Bring on the Festbier! Steve partook, the ladies stuck to their tea and coffee.
There was Wi-fi but our new Doris refused to supply the code, eh? The Tip was small. An optimum train took us back up to Bullay for the connection to Traben-Trarbach, time to finally visit the Brückenschenke. Ian and Anthony would now partake.
Franziskaner (Spaten, Munchen, Bayern) was meant to be Hector’s first Bier of this Trip, finally. Once again Steve took the opportunity to enjoy what has become a rare treat in recent times. To think we used to be in Traben-Trarbach on virtually a monthly basis, and for ridiculously small quantities of money. For the record the Others had Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch. For the second time today we did not secure an optimum seat at the window, however, our party was now in full swing, what did we care?
Grapes
We had to eat at the Stadt-Mühle, en route we heard activity of an industrial nature. With the Grape Harvest in, The Chaps were performing the modern version of Trampling The Grapes. A grinding machine, was in top gear, I was permitted to take a few photos of The Chaps in action. So, the starting process of making Wine has finally been witnessed. Nine more months until Wolf.
Stadt-Mühle
Eating at the Goldene Traube was always a pleasure, expectations were high. The Mosel-Menu no longer exists and so a few more Euros would have to be spent. The Rumpsteak mit Krauterbutter is an old favourite, for a start it isn’t Pork!
Getting Steak cooked through – durch – can be difficult, tonight was no exception. It had to be sent back for another blast. I did send a Steak back three times one evening at the Reissdorf Brauhaus (Köln, Nordrhein Westphalen). The Salad Bar is a new development for The Allmachers, once it was refilled it proved to be well worth the wait. Washed down with a Bottle of Franziskaner this meal was a delight. Now to consider how aggressive I can make my campaign to get decent Draught Bier served at these premises.
Ian ordered the Fish. This meant that Richard had to come to the Mill Stream which runs under the restaurant beside us and catch one. Much amusement all round.
Steve and Ian felt like a night off and so the four of us put the World to Rights. Though they had written a Set List by the time we left.
Nightcap
We could not pass Hami’s, the man was there himself. A Swift Half of Altbier saw Ian and Anthony take time to have a game of darts. This was followed by an Old Timer coming over to salute us, for why?
The Brewery, Restaurant and Bars visited today:
Altstadt-Cafe – Mittelstraße 12, 56841, Traben-Trarbach
Brauerei Königsbacher / Koblenzer – An der Königsbach 8, 56075, Koblenz
Altes Brauhaus – Braugasse 4, 56068, Koblenz
Brückenschenke – Brückenstraße 33, 56841 Traben-Trarbach
Historische Stadt-Mühle – Weihertorplatz 1 56841 Traben-Trarbach
Hami’s Pils Stübchen – Weiherstrasse, 56841, Traben-Trarbach