Leave your winter woes behind and transport yourself to an alpine ski lodge experience where you can enjoy Austrian dishes and spiced wine. Speaking for ourselves, this is the type of food that touches our Slavic soul. The Old-school and award-winning German market & butcher shop, Schaller and Weber, started expanding their offerings last year with a summer bar and lounge Blume, and in the winter restaurant Hütte (German for cabin).
Photo above by Christian Anwander
Enter the hidden outdoor restaurant through their sausage bar and find yourself going downstairs in what used to be a storage space. The idea came from third-generation owner of Schaller and Weber, Jeremy Schaller, who wanted to make use of the storage space and created ingenious outdoor seasonal concepts to be enjoyed by all. Considering the lack of space in the city it is not surprising and this is exactly the kind of innovation New Yorkers are used to. While the space is heated, make sure to dress for the weather.
While the cozy and perfectly decorated restaurant will have you dreaming of a ski lodge of your own, the food is its real star. The inviting winter retreat serves classics like schnitzel with potato salad and lingonberries, venison goulash, and chocolate or cheese fondue. (second photo via Hutte Instagram)
Last year Hutte was open until April—so go ahead and enjoy the homey atmosphere with a date or invite your out-of-town family. For romance, we recommend sharing the dark chocolate fondue for dessert. Pair your food with a choice from their Austrian wine list. We will be back for the Glühwein alone, it is the best in the city.
Blume/Hütte, 1652 2nd Ave (betw 85th/86th St)
