from October 2007 issue of MetroFamily

Let’s Eat: Ingrid’s Kitchen

It’s time for Oktoberfest, cold beer, and brats. Don’t feel the need to dust off your lederhosen—just walk through the door of Ingrid’s Kitchen for a taste of Germany. The décor is sparse but that just makes the view of the pastries and cakes all the better.

I ventured in one day to get take out for my husband, Joe, and me. Ingrid’s accommodates quite a lunch crowd, and it has the feel of a neighborhood hot spot with lots of regular customers.

Ingrid’s is open for breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and Sunday brunch. Breakfast is served until 11am five days a week. Everything has an international flair.

As I made my way to the order counter I had to stop and view some yummy-looking pastries like apricot Danishes and cheese pockets, fresh breads such as roggeli, soya, millet, Black Forest, and sundried tomato. I also admired the cakes and tarts.

If there happens to be a finicky eater in your group, never fear as there are choices for all. There are simple deli sandwiches like roast beef or ham and cheese, German lunchmeat sandwiches like Schinkenwurst (German bologna and ham), Fleischkase (baked German bologna), Gelbwurst (veal loaf), and blood and tongue (I’ll have to pass on that one!). They offer a variety of grilled sandwiches, bratwurst, and specialty plates. The bratwurst varieties include mixtures of ground pork and veal, ground veal, pork and beef, German-style frankfurters, and smoked pork and beef. Ingrid’s is kind enough to have numbered menu items so you don’t have to try to pronounce the names. Proudly step up and order the #13 sandwich, Schinkenwurst.

Joe decided on the #51—a bratwurst specialty plate ($8.75). From the six sausages offered he chose the Grobe and the smoked bratwurst. Grobe is a coarsely-ground mixture of pork and veal and the sausage was a mild, lightly-smoked pork and beef. The plate came with a side of sauerkraut, red cabbage, and German potato salad, all served warm with fresh baked bread and a container of German mustard. This is definitely a man-sized plate of food. Joe thought he would eat only half of each sausage, but before he knew it they were both gone, along with the warm German potato salad. He tried the sauerkraut and the red cabbage and decided they must be an acquired taste.

Ingrid’s offers several chicken and turkey sandwiches, but I chose a #29—a weiner schnitzel grilled sandwich ($6.50) with a side of homemade potato salad ($1.50). The weiner schnitzel consisted of a large, thin piece of tender, breaded pork loin cutlet which is grilled and served on a fresh bun with German mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a pickle spear. Every bite called for another.

For dessert I ordered a piece of Nuessecken ($2.50), a shortbread crust covered with nuts, coconut, and chocolate, along with a streusel square ($2.50), fruit filled with cream cheese, coconut, and streusel topping. I was so excited to try these desserts after enjoying our lunch. But when I got home and unloaded my sack, the desserts were absent. I was disappointed since they looked so tempting. I learned no matter how busy, it’s best to check your sack before leaving so your experience will be a pleasant and tasty one.

We will happily visit again because Ingrid’s wants their customers to be satisfied with their food and service. Maggie, the manager, puts things right.

Annie’s Restaurant Rating
4 of 4 forks
Ingrid’s Kitchen
3701 N Youngs, Oklahoma City, OK
405-946-8444

Hours: Monday–Friday 7am–6:30pm;Saturday 7am–5pm; (live music Saturday 12pm–2pm); Sunday 10am–2pm
Prices: Breakfast: $1.95-$7.50; Brunch $13.95; Lunch and Dinner: $1.99-$9.99; Children’s menu: $4.99 or $3.95-$6.95 for brunch