Winzer Stube brings German food to Hudson

By Meg Heaton

Marie Schmidt grew up around good food and wine in Trier, Germany. Her parents ran a hotel and restaurant there. Now she has brought the wine and food served by her family to her new restaurant, Winzer Stube.

Winzer Stube, which means vinter room, is located on the lower level of the Opera House at 516 Second St., in the space formerly occupied by McCarthy's.

Schmidt said the brick walls and wooden rafters of the restaurant reminded her of winemakers rooms she remembers from home and felt this was the spot for her restaurant.

"At first I wasn't up for a restaurant. But I just felt this was the right space for it. There is nothing better than a great glass of German wine with delicious German sauces and food and this was the place for it," said Schmidt.

Schmidt also operates Marie's Bistro in Butler Square in downtown Minneapolis near Target Center. She is known to Hudson diners who remember her from her days managing the St. Croix Grill. She and her husband, Randy, live in Hudson and go between Minneapolis and Hudson managing both restaurants.

Schmidt has taken great care in choosing the wines, beers and food for Winzer Stube. She selected the wines personally on a trip to the Mosel Valley of Germany. She spoke with winemakers and asked their permission to serve their wines by the glass. "They were all very pleased to be asked and very helpful."

Many of the recipes on the menu have been adapted from favorites made by Schmidt's mother, particularly her roulade mit speck und gurke, braised beef rollup with mustard, pickle and bacon. The menu features several veal, pork and chicken dishes as well as spatzle and plenty of red cabbage. There is also a special children's menu that features German food as opposed to chicken fingers or hot dogs.

Schmidt said she is fortunate to have the help of chef Jim Wood in adapting her family recipes for the restaurant. Wood has extensive experience and has had restaurants of his own in both New York and Chicago.

Along with the extensive wine list, most available by the glass, there are also several beers on tap and bottled.

The restaurant will hold its grand opening this week. It is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. For more information call 381-5092.