Amana IA: Ronnenburg Restaurant

The Amana Colonies were founded in the 1800's by German members of a religious commune. Industrious people, they went into a number of businesses over the years to supplement their farm income: refrigerators (yes, that Amana refrigerator), woodworking tools, tourism. Ronnenburg has become my favorite restaurant in Amana, although I must admit that I have several more to try.

My meal started with a selection of side dishes. All of them were superb: the cottage cheese was wonderfully doctored; the cole slaw was superb; the beets were mouth-poppingly good; the bread was, of course, wonderful.

My main dish was this outstanding sauerbraten. The hint of sourness really perks up the dish and complements the wine and beef very well. Good sauerbraten isn't easy to find in this country and this is an excellent example.

I of course had to order dessert. My rhubarb pie was perfect in both crust and filling.

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