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If you've ever been to a proper German Biergarten, Oktoberfest, or a classic Gasthaus, you may have seen it: a group of friends circled around a massive wooden stump, hammers swinging, nails flying, and plenty of laughter (and maybe a round or two of drinks on the line). That game is Nagelstock — also known as Nagelbalken, Nagelspiel, Hammerschlagen, or simply “Stump” in the States. It's one of those gloriously simple, slightly dangerous-feeling bar games that Germans perfec

Hey friends, Franzel here — your neighborhood spot for hearty German comfort food right in Goshen, New York. Some weekends I decide it’s time to go full old-school. No shortcuts, no pre-made shortcuts. Just pure, from-scratch cooking the way our grandparents did it back in the old country. This past weekend that craving hit me hard with Maultaschen — those generous, pillow-like Swabian “mouth pockets” that are Germany’s heartier, more soulful take on stuffed pasta. I grew

Dear friends, This week at Fränzel, we’re serving up a true slice of German nostalgia with a Fränzel twist: Kalter Hund (literally “Cold Dog”), a chocolate biscuit cake and this week’s dessert special. Kalter Hund has been a German household favorite since the 1920s, when a biscuit maker first published the recipe as a clever way to use their Butterkekse. Some folks still call it “Kalte Schnauze” (cold snout) because of the way little beads of condensation form on the chilled

You walk into Fränzel in Goshen expecting schnitzel, bratwurst, and maybe a cold beer. Then you see “Smash Burger” on the menu and think… wait, what? Fair question. But here’s the twist that makes it all click: the hamburger actually originated in Germany. The name comes straight from Hamburg, where sailors and immigrants enjoyed seasoned ground-beef patties centuries before it ever became an American icon. So ordering a smash burger at a German restaurant isn’t “crossing o

At Fränzel, we celebrate the best of German tradition with a modern, feel-good twist — and nothing captures that spirit better than our Bunter Salad. “Bunter” means colorful in German, and this vibrant bowl has been a staple on German tables for generations. It’s the perfect marriage of fresh, nutrient-packed vegetables and authentic German flavors that prove healthy eating can be downright crave-worthy. A Rainbow of Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Ingredients Our Bunter Salad starts w

If you’ve ever taken one bite of perfectly marinated, slow-braised beef smothered in a rich, sweet-and-sour gravy and wondered, “Why isn't everyone obsessed with this?”—you’re not alone. Sauerbraten isn’t just a dish; it’s a phenomenon. In Germany it’s practically a national treasure. Here in the Hudson Valley, it’s developed something of a cult following. And at Franzel Restaurant in Goshen, NY, our version has people driving from, all over the Hudson Valley and beyond just

Hello, friends and fellow food lovers! Franz here from Fränzel in Goshen. If you're looking for hearty, authentic comfort food with a beautiful balance of flavors, our Alsässer Schnitzel  is calling your name. This limited-time special brings the best of Alsatian-German cuisine right to your table — crispy, flavorful, and made with the care and premium ingredients we’re known for. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Alsace, this dish starts with a perfectly prepared p

Hey friends! If you’ve ever cracked open a soda and thought, “This just doesn’t hit the same,” you’re not imagining things. Here at Franzel (your go-to spot for modern German cuisine and an incredible German Market at 47 West Main Street in Goshen, NY), we’re all about bringing you the real deal from across the pond. Today we’re breaking down the big differences between classic German sodas and their American cousins—and spotlighting four fan-favorite imports you can grab ri

At Fränzel in Goshen, we love bringing a little piece of the old country to your table every week with our rotating Tagessuppe (Soup of the Day). This week we’re proud to feature one of the most beloved classics from the Baden region: Badische Hochzeitssuppe – the traditional Baden Wedding Soup. Even if you’re not attending a wedding this weekend, one spoonful will make you feel like you’re at the head table. This is no ordinary soup. It’s an elegant, crystal-clear Consommé

Hello, everyone! I'm Franz Brendle, owner and chef at Fränzel Restaurant in Goshen, NY. As someone rooted in German culinary traditions, I love sharing hidden gems of German cuisine. Today, let's talk about quark—a staple in German kitchens that's often overlooked here in the US. At Fränzel, we use quark in everything from creamy dips to decadent desserts, and since it's hard to find authentic versions stateside, I make it fresh in-house. Join me as I dive into what quark is

Hello, food lovers! I'm Franz Brendle, owner and chef at Fränzel in Goshen, NY. Since we opened our doors in late October 2025, we've been thrilled to see our cozy spot on West Main Street transform into a buzzing hub for authentic German cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Fränzel is drawing in diners from across the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania tri-state area—and for good reason. If you're craving hearty, flavorful dishes that transport you straight to

Guten Tag from Fränzel in Goshen! A cozy spot dedicated to authentic German cuisine and culture, I'm Franz Brendle, in this post I'd like to share a bit of German heritage that brightens our space every day. If you've visited us at 47 West Main Street, you've likely noticed the colorful play of light dancing through our storefront windows. That's thanks to our collection of German stained glass suncatchers, hanging there like little jewels from the Old World. These pieces are

Hello, beer aficionados! This is Franz Brendle, owner of Fränzel in Goshen, New York. If you've visited our welcoming spot in the heart of the Hudson Valley, you know we're passionate about serving authentic German brews that transport you straight to the Old World. Today, I want to shine the spotlight on our star on tap: Rothaus Tannenzäpfle. This crisp Pilsner isn't just a menu item—it's my personal favorite, and for good reason. Let me share why it's a must-try at Franzel,

At Fränzel in Goshen, NY, we draw endless inspiration from the heart of German culinary traditions. We blend hearty flavors with fresh, seasonal twists. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Germany, Markgräflerland—often called the "Tuscany of Germany"—embodies this spirit perfectly. This picturesque region in Baden-Württemberg stretches from Freiburg to the Swiss border, offering rolling vineyards, historic towns, and a mild climate that nurtures exceptional wines and cuisi

Hello, fellow spirits enthusiasts! Welcome to the Franzel blog, your go-to source for all things authentic and imported German right here in Goshen, New York. I'm Franz Brendle, owner of Fränzel, and today we're diving into one of my favorite topics: Schnapps. Or should I say, Schnaps, with a single 'p'—the true German way. If you've ever sipped a neon-colored peach schnapps at a party and thought, "This is what the Germans drink? YUK" you're not alone. But oh, how wrong tha

In recent years, German cuisine has been quietly staging a comeback across the United States, evolving from its beer hall stereotypes into a celebrated blend of hearty comfort and modern innovation. Once overshadowed by trendier global flavors, dishes like sauerkraut, sausages, and spaetzle are now appearing on more menus nationwide. According to foodservice research, sauerkraut graces over 10% of American menus, while spaetzle has seen a nearly 30% increase in popularity sin

Imagine stepping off a creaky ship onto the misty shores of the Hudson River, your boots sinking into fertile soil that whispers promises of a new life. That's how it began for thousands of Germans who traded the turmoil of Europe for the untamed beauty of New York's Hudson Valley centuries ago. Here at Franzel, our cozy modern German bistro in the charming town of Goshen, we don't just serve up steaming plates of goulash and frothy steins of imported beer—we're a living brid

Hello, food lovers! If you're craving the true taste of Germany right here in the heart of the Hudson Valley and New York, look no further than Franzel Restaurant. Nestled in Goshen, New York, we're more than just a dining spot—we're a gateway to the rich culinary traditions of Deutschland. What sets us apart? It's our unwavering commitment to authenticity, achieved through meticulous sourcing of ingredients that transport you straight to the Bavarian countryside. While we pr

Kraut Worthy Hello from Franzel in Goshen, New York! If you've dined with us, you know we're passionate about authentic German cuisine, made with love and the freshest ingredients. One of our standout stars? Our homemade sauerkraut. Unlike the stuff you grab off the shelf, ours is crafted in-house from fresh cabbage, bursting with flavor and goodness. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on how we make it, why it's leagues ahead of commercial versions, and the impressive hea

Nestled in the heart of Goshen, New York, Fränzel Restaurant brings a slice of authentic German heritage to the Hudson Valley. In a state as diverse as New York, where culinary options range from the bustling streets of NYC to the serene landscapes of upstate, finding truly exceptional German wursts can be a challenge. But at Fränzel, we've made it our mission to deliver the finest, most flavorful sausages that capture the essence of traditional German craftsmanship. Whether