Parra Leagues launched an Oktoberfest menu and activation in Jacks Bar and Grill in mid-September, which will run until late October.
Looking for something new to draw in diners, executive chef Helmut Gundendorfer and the Parra Leagues team decided to recreate the famed German festival from Friday to Sunday within the club.
“We thought we would do something different. And Oktoberfest is on in Germany starting in the middle of September and runs through October. And so we thought we’ll give it a go and see what the response is.”
The Oktoberfest menu is being served up in Jacks Bar and Grill within the club, with the exec chef saying that the venue’s brewery-like fit-out made it a natural fit for the the Oktoberfest activation.
“It really fits in with the German scene with the house furniture. The whole lot goes well together.”
The Oktoberfest menu has been kept small, with pretzels and langosh bread as starters, three mains and a feast platter for two, as well as apple strudel for dessert.
“That’s a deliberate choice [to keep it small], because we’re running the normal Jacks menu as well. So that’s just an extra offer for our customers,” clarifies Gundendorfer.
So far the menu has only been running for two weekends, but the langosh with garlic butter, pork knuckle and German feast platter for two have been the most popular dishes.
With Gundendorfer and executive sous chef Sarah Hanslow prepping for the menu mid-week, there has been no change to kitchen staffing on weekends during the activation.
To get into the Oktoberfest spirit, a German Oida lager is also on offer, as well as a variety of Schnapps and Jagermeister. The lager can be purchased in a 1L stein, and the schnapps and Jagermeister can also be purchased in a paddle, which a waiter brings to your table and rings a cowbell to get into the festive atmosphere.
While its early days, Gudendorfer says the response has been good, and could be activated again next year.
“If the promotion keeps going how it is we’ll do the same next year or maybe even bigger and better.”
The Oktoberfest menu at Parra Leagues will be available every Friday to Sunday at Jack Bars and Grill until 29 October.
Very HAPPY to see PORK on the menue