We had the pleasure of attending a traditional Tirolian wedding a few weeks ago. After the church service everyone gathered at the Walchseer Hof for the reception, a dinner, and a party that extended into the wee hours of the morning.
I should probably mention that I am a pastor who has officiated 119 weddings during my career. Add to that all the weddings where I was one of the guests -- and it is safe to say that I've eaten as much, or more, crappy banquet hall food than a politician on the campaign trail. Only a handful of these wedding reception experiences were good and just a few were excellent. And one of those few excellent experiences was the reception we attended at the Walchseer Hof!
When the guests gathered outside the reception hall, the bride and groom arrived and were greeted by a traditional Tirolian dance ensemble. A host of servers provided all the guest with goblets of ice cold sekt to toast the couple. When the official welcome and dancing concluded everyone proceeded to the patio where the servers made sure everyone had more sekt, wine, beer or soft drinks while they socialized.
Eventually it was time for dinner. The dinning room was spacious and comfortable with plenty of seats for all. Guests were able to choose between a mixed grill or roasted venison. Because there were also several vegans in attendance the kitchen (alerted in advance) was able to provide suitable fare for their diet. I opted for the venison and found it to be tender and well seasoned with tasty braised vegetables and potatoes on the side -- one of my top five or six wedding reception meals -- ever.
After dinner the band began to play and the crowd began to dance. The bride was taken away by the young men and the groom was taken by the young women for festivities at other locations while we senior citizens continued to socialize, dance and enjoy some more beverages. After the bride and groom returned there were some more traditional activities and lots of dancing. At midnight a light lunch (pasta salad with tuna and veggies) was served to all who wanted something. I enjoyed one last glass of schnapps and made my way back to our guest house by 1:00am. (I hear that the "youngsters" partied until 4:00am! Fortunately they didn't wake me up when they got home!!)
There are other aspects to the Walchseer Hof -- hotel rooms, restaurant, and bar that I cannot comment on -- but for this wedding reception they provided an enjoyable and tasty experience for all of us guests -- one of the best I've ever experienced! And one the bride and groom will remember forever!! read more