Bites Nearby: 'Schmeckt's gut' at Alpenland

Sometimes when the weather isn't cooperating (not uncommon in these parts) Islanders reach for the comfort food. And without a doubt, one of the most popular, homey bites on Mercer Island is found at . 

Opened in 1974 by Swiss-German immigrants Günter and Katrin Bonnofsky, this slice of Switzerland is a delicatessen of Germanic goodies—from sausages and hot and cold sandwiches stuffed with cured meats and cheeses, to shelves stocked with hard-to-find sundries straight from Germany. But the deli is perhaps best known for its buttered prezel rolls—made fresh locally every Thursday, Friday and Saturday—and served with a homemade mustard vinaigrette dipping sauce.

The cafe area is improbably decorated as a beer garden with a pastoral scene painted on one wall and a traditional music record collection on the other. Now owned by Toni and Linda Gadola, Günter and Katrin stayed on as host and hostess and help provide the warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

In addition to the deli sandwiches, some other favorites include homemade quiche, smoked pork chops, and juicy knackwurst with sauerkraut. German beers, including Spaten and Paulaner, are a perfect accompaniment. And of course, a warming bowl of soup to go with the soft, doughy prezel rolls.

Until recently, the deli often had lines of  students out the door for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays—owing to their popular buttered prezel rolls. Enterprising DECA Club members soon figured out they could cut a wholesale deal with the restaurant and now sell them up at the high school.