The famous pork knuckle of Knuckles Restaurant. Photo: Ben Appleton, Photox.
Ten years ago the Harmonie German Club was in a dilemma: their catering manager had walked out.
They’d tried running the restaurant themselves before but it hadn’t been commercially viable. And then they interviewed Paul Bergen for the role of general manager. And it just so happened that he also ran a catering business. The rest, as they say, is history – 10 years of it to be exact!
Paul – who is now CEO of the club – knew that the menu needed to be authentic, so he went to see a friend he’d worked with previously at the Labor Club. Oliver Buecher self-identified as “the friendly German” and he came on board to get things started.
“He helped me to develop the menu and he helped my team with things like how to make the spaetzle [a type of German pasta] and prepare the pork knuckle the correct way,” Paul told Region.
“The menu is rock solid and even after 10 years, around 90 per cent of the German items on the menu are those original dishes. They’re hugely popular: people are coming here for the schnitzels, knuckles and sausage plates.”
Recent changes to the restaurant include a renovation with new carpet, furniture and layout.
Paul says the club is also looking to renovate the Kellar Bar to increase seating and refresh the space.
Of course German beer is a must when enjoying German food and the Harmonie Club has five German beers on tap. Paul says that this point of difference is a big part of why people come to the club.
“If you want a schnitzel with a Great Northern then you can get that at any pub or club. But people are coming here for the experience,” he said.
“Our success is based on good value and good food. We’ve been getting stronger every year and growing. Menu items are cheaper than many other pubs and clubs. It’s good wholesome food with generous serves.”
The club also offers weekly dining specials, like its popular $12 schnitzels on Tuesdays and Thursday’s Knuckle Madness which includes a free beer. Paul describes it as “fantastic value for families”.
The German Platter is one of the popular traditional dishes on the menu at Knuckles. Photo: Ben Appleton, Photox.
As for the next 10 years, Paul is looking forward to serving more great German food.
He says their Oktoberfest celebrations are becoming more and more popular every year with outdoor food stalls, family activities and live entertainment. And head chef Sujan Pudasaini is experimenting with adding new dishes on the menu: a recent Valentine’s day lobster special sold more than 40 serves in two hours.
There’s plenty of pork knuckles and German bier ahead for this much loved community institution. Prost!
The Harmonie German Club is at 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Knuckles Restaurant is open from 5:30 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
