Oktoberfest is in full force for the 179th year in a row, and while it may not be feasible to fly to Munich right now, you can still bring a bit of Germany to your dinner plate. As I discovered on my recent trip to Deutschland with the German Wine Institute, the country is full of rich culinary traditions, many of which have made their way to the rest of the world. Take a look at some of Germany's most iconic food and drink specialties.
Love and Hop-piness Abounds at Oktoberfest in Germany
Oktoberfest comes to an end this weekend, and the beer-fueled celebration has been making us want to "hop" on a plane to Munich, Germany! The world's biggest beer festival runs for two weeks, and the revelers appear to be thoroughly enjoying the festivities. We love spotting the ladies at the fest outfitted in traditional Bavarian duds while taking part in the unladylike tradition of chugging their brewskis from oversize mugs. Then there's the lit-up carnival attractions, kissy tipsy couples, extravagant parades, costumed musicians, and enough strudel, schnitzel, and spaetzle to make your stomach growl. Get in the Oktoberfest spirit now with a look at Germany's beer fest so far. Prost!
Halloween Costume Idea: Oktoberfest Girl

The costume: Bavarian Beauty
There's never a better time than the present to channel your inner biergarten babe. Oktoberfest comes to a close in Germany soon, but there's no reason not to celebrate the holiday all month long — especially with Halloween looming around the corner.
Hair and makeup: Give cheeks and lips a fresh-faced (ahem, beer-induced) glow with a multitasking bright pink crème. Weave your strands into a milkmaid braid or part your hair down the middle into pigtail plaits. Top off with ribbons or a colorful bandanna, and add a sweet countryside touch with a floral-decal manicure.
What to wear: While traditional German dirndls, which feature a bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron, are available online, there are plenty of costumes — both conservative and racy — available for your playing dress up pleasure.
Take it to the next level: Grab a stein and a pretzel and prost away.
Say Prost! to Our Oktoberfest Quiz

The 179th annual Oktoberfest kicked off in Munich, Germany, this weekend, bringing out cheery revelers by the tens of thousands to toast with enormous, liter-size steins. Aside from the beer (obviously) and German delicacies, the autumnal event includes cultural entertainment and attractions. What do you know about this gargantuan celebration, which marks the beginning of the Winter brewing season? Take our quiz to find out!
Source: Getty Images
Take the QuizProst! 18 Handsome Reasons to Celebrate Oktoberfest
With Oktoberfest officially under way, it's time to enjoy your favorite German brews — and swoon over some of the hottest German men in the spotlight. From sexy actors and gorgeous models to hot, talented Olympians, we've rounded up the best-looking reasons to celebrate German culture this month. Craving a bit of eye candy? Take a moment to check out these handsome German men — prost (cheers)!
Beer-Soaked Love at Oktoberfest
It might still be September, but Oktoberfest is well underway in Munich, Germany. Whether dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes, or seeking cover from the rain in ponchos, fun-loving couples are now enjoying the 178th annual beer festival. In addition to matching beer steins, some couples are sporting matching gingerbread cookies that read, "I love you" in German. Take a look at some of the love-filled moments from the drunken festivities now.
Love It or Hate It? Oktoberfest Alpine Hat Hair Clip
Oktoberfest is in full swing in Germany right now and that means loads of beer, dirndls galore, and lots of traditional hair accessories to go along with it all. (It's the latter I'm most excited about, of course.)
While you could always just try out some milkmaid braids, for just $3, you can partake in the convivial event — without even trekking out to Munich — by wearing this miniature Alpine hat hair clip. There's a fine line between festively fun and just plain cheesy, but when it comes to this teeny-tiny hair clip, which one is it?
Food Section Sampler — Sept. 29, 2010
- The case for making homemade ricotta.
- The case for making homemade ricotta. — Los Angeles Times
- Del Posto is the first New York Italian restaurant in 36 years to receive a four-star review. — New York Times
- In contrast to the Gulf seafood shortage, 2010's Chesapeake Bay harvest is the best in years. — Baltimore Sun
- Under-the-radar haunts to hit up in New Orleans. — Wall Street Journal
- What to pick (and pick over) at the salad bar. — Chicago Tribune
- Home recipes that celebrate Oktoberfest. — San Francisco Chronicle
- A day in the life of three DC-area food trucks. — Washington Post
Yummy Links: From Sherry to NOMA
- Find out how long Sherry lasts.
- Find out how long Sherry lasts. — Alcademics
- Details from Le Fooding, a culinary battle between chefs from New York City and San Francisco. — Grub Street SF
- Learn how to make gyoza. — Serious Eats
- A sugar crawl through San Francisco with Top Chef: Just Desserts's Tim Nugent. — Endless Simmer
- Thomas Keller on the importance of the Bocuse d'Or. — Feast
- 17 recipes that will help you celebrate Oktoberfest. — Chow
- Q and A with Grant Achatz. — The Epi-Log
- Meet the Vegetable Express, a new way to sell produce. — The Atlantic
- An inside look at René Redzepi's cookbook, NOMA. — Eater
Yummy Links: From Mise en Place to Eco Oven Cleaning
- Does mise en place really save you time?
- Does mise en place really save you time? — The Kitchn
- Bon Appétit is moving to New York, but without editor Barbara Fairchild. — Eater
- Oh no they didn't: cupcake-stuffed cupcakes. — Serious Eats
- Is it wrong to address a waiter as "amigo"? — Chow
- Who knew: Top Chef's Mattin Nobila plans to open a health center. — Inside Scoop
- The Summit, a new restaurant, art gallery, and startup space, hopes to cover all the bases. — Grub Street SF
- Clean your oven the easy and eco way. — CasaSugar
Source: Flickr Users wickenden



