Food at the Blechhammer in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is a mix of Palatinate and Italian Mediterranean specialties, ranging from the simple, like this basic dish of pork medallions with potato croquettes and vegetables, to the snazzier, such as homemade ravioli with white truffle sauce. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)
Food at the Blechhammer in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is a mix of Palatinate and Italian Mediterranean specialties, ranging from the simple, like this basic dish of pork medallions with potato croquettes and vegetables, to the snazzier, such as homemade ravioli with white truffle sauce. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)
The Blechhammer Hotel and Restaurant in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is nestled next to several lakes in the Palatine forest. It's a convenient getaway for those who want to get into the woods without going far away. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)
With its leafy setting in the heart of Kaiserslautern, Germany, the Blechhammer Hotel and Restaurant is a convenient getaway for those looking to get into the woods without going too far to find it. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)
The terrace at the Blechhammer Hotel and Restaurant overlooks a natural setting, giving it that country-inn-by-the-lake feel. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)
The best reason to visit the Blechhammer is its leafy setting.
The hotel and restaurant in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is nestled in the Palatine forest next to several lakes. The city feels far away, yet the Blechhammer is within walking distance of Kaiserslautern’s busy commercial district.
We ate downstairs, in a spacious yet cozy dining room with white tablecloths that reminded me of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house in rural Pennsylvania years ago.
On the table back then were simple, spice-free meat and potatoes with — if we were lucky — fresh lima beans. (Yes, I’m one of the few in the world who actually like those mushy green legumes.)
Blechhammer’s menu is a bit more extensive, a mix of Palatinate and Italian Mediterranean specialties, from homemade ravioli with white truffle sauce to Pfalzer rumpsteak with fried onions and potatoes.
I had penne pasta with turkey and vegetables. It was a generous heaping, but the veggies were too subtle: finely chopped pieces of eggplant and zucchini that added some flavor but no texture.
The cheese sauce was unusual. With a hint of wheat, one of my colleagues speculated that it was made with beer.
That was one of the few surprises. Other colleagues opted for the salad with chicken strips, with one noting that it was presented nicely but lacked zing and that mystery ingredient that keeps you guessing at every bite.
My dining partners mostly agreed the food was average for the price, which for lunch ranged from about 9 to 17 euros. But the Blechhammer has its fans, with several in the group repeat customers. I had the feeling that on this particular afternoon, we may not have sampled the true Blechhammer, as our large party was given a set lunch menu to order from; the typical menu was much more varied and enticing.
The wine selections were many, with red and white Pfalz and Italian vino. I was intrigued by the dessert menu, especially the enormous Blechhammer beecher, an assortment of seven ice cream flavors with whipped cream, fruit, sprinkles and liqueur. And it also serves up a late-night menu of small meals and snacks, such as caprese salad and Hawaiian toast.
I would go again — this relaxing country-inn-by-the lake deserves another chance.
Address: Am Hammerweiher 1, Kaiserslautern 67659
Directions: From Autobahn 6, take the Kaiserslautern West exit toward Gewerbegebiet West. At the Opel circle, head toward Gewerbegebiet/TUV and then downtown on Merkurstrasse. After a little more than a mile — by the Fitness Company on the right side — take Danziger street on the left. After one-half mile or so, turn left on Hammerweg and follow this to the hotel.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Warm baked goods served daily 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Food: A mix of Palatinate and Italian Mediterranean specialities. An evening snack and light-meal menu is also available, as are daily specials. Children’s selections and extensive ice cream and wine menus also available.
Prices: Daily specials go for a set price of 8.50 euros. Main courses start at about 8.50 euros and go up to 27.50 euros. Evening snack/light meals range from 4.50 to 11.80 euros.
English menu: No
Clientele: German and American
Dress: Come as you are
Phone: 0631-3725-0; reservations not required.
Website: www.blechhammer.de has an English-language version.
