Landbrot WEST VILLAGE 137 7th Ave South New York, NY 10014
I dropped in the new WV location one evening after a long night at work and sat down at the bar. The friendly waitstaff took me on a brief tour through the drink menu, and for me, a beer was in order. “Höss Holzar” was the choice, and I was informed that it is imported to the United States specifically for the owners of Landbrot….and I thought: “ok, thats pretty cool.”
The food menu was chock full o’ soups, brats, sausages, schnitzels, sandwiches, and the German homage to pizza: flammkuchen or “flaming pie” (not a Paul McCartney album). The description for the flaming pie read: “Baked Alsatian Bread Dough served with Creme Fraiche, Bacon & Onion”- and without hesitation, my order was in.
Sipping my Holzar, waiting for the flammkuchen to emerge from the wood-fired oven, I began to survey the bakery counter. Cakes, tarts, and other sweet libations lined the counter, and loaves of about 15 different types of breads and rolls sat in baskets along the back wall. Also on the counter was a coat stand shaped display, from which hung authentic German brezeln (pretzels). Next to the bakery counter is a glass dumbwaiter that brings the baked goods fresh from the ovens downstairs….again I thought “thats pretty cool.”
After 10 or so minutes, the flaming pie came out on a wood block. The wood block held crumbs about 5 minutes later. It was tasty, but not too filling. After my last sips of Holzar #2, I requested a ciabatta roll and a multigrain roll for the road as well as the check. I used the ciabatta to house some grilled chicken, garlic mayo, lettuce and tomato for lunch at work the next day. I had a couple of people asking— where is that sandwich from?
Drop in Landbrot for a beer you probably can’t get anywhere else, a brat, and perhaps a brezeln for the road. Don’t go for a lively atmosphere or an elaborate meal.
