Litchfield Park channels Germany for Oktoberfest

You can get your fill of dark beer and polkas at every Oktoberfest in the Valley, but Litchfield Park also is giving you a gourmet meal.

On Saturday, the Southwest Valley burg is partnering with the Wigwam Resort for a party that mixes lederhosen and fine dining.

"At most Oktoberfest celebrations, you can get brats and beer, and that's about it," said Sonny Culbreth, director of parks and recreation for Litchfield Park. "We have bratwurst, but we will also be serving a full menu featuring a variety of German foods created by Swiss executive chef Kurt Zuger from the Wigwam."

For $10, visitors can enjoy music and dancing courtesy of Lynn Taraski and Expression. Beer and dinner are not included with the admission price.

Here is the menu that Zuger has prepared for Oktoberfest dinner:

• Warm kartoffelsalat - German potato salad. $4.

• Bratwurst or grilled knackwurst with sauerkraut - Traditional German sausage served with pickled cabbage. $6.

• Wienerschnitzel - Breaded and fried veal cutlet. $8.

• Beef goulash and spaetzle - Hungarian beef and vegetable stew served with thick egg noodles. $8.

• Sauerbraten and braised red cabbage - Roast beef marinated in a sweet and sour sauce. $8.

• Linzer torte - Fruit-filled pastry made with ground almonds. $4.

• Apfelstrudel - Layered pastry filled with apples. $4.

• German chocolate cake - OK, this one isn't really traditional German fare, but who can resist chocolate cake topped with caramel icing filled with pecans and coconut? $4.

Reno Segundo Jr, (left to right), Samuel Russell and Wigwam Executive Chef Kurt Zuger cook brats during Oktoberfest at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park in October 2007.