From schnitzel to spaetzle

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This article was published 17/07/2020 (1890 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canadian cuisine meets German-Austrian flavours at Sams Restaurant and More Canada, which is set to open Monday at the corner of Ferry Road and Ness Avenue.

Formerly Robin’s Donuts, the family restaurant has been renovated, refreshed and is ready to feed a hungry crowd.

Inside the space, the walls are painted bright-red and retro metal signs hang from the wall, including one over the kitchen that reads “this kitchen is seasoned with love.”

From schnitzel to spaetzle, the menu is inspired by owner Gabriel Rosenfeld’s Austrian and German heritage, but also features some North American favourites like mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, and burgers.

While Rosenfeld will be managing the front of house, his wife, Naomi will be in the back of house cooking up cherished family recipes with love and fresh ingredients.

“We make everything ourselves,” said Rosenfeld.

“Our own sauces, our own recipes, our own spaetzle recipes… it’s Austrian style and the people will love it.”

Rosenfeld said he hopes his 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry in Germany will help make it a success in Canada.

“I do my job with all my heart,” said Rosenfeld.

“It’s not only a job for me, it’s my inspiration. And I think that’s very important, if you do something, you have to do it properly.”

Approximately two years ago, Rosenfeld decided to move his family to Canada from Germany to open the restaurant. After many months of studying English, he submitted his application as a business immigrant and arrived in December 2019.

Shortly after his arrival, Rosenfeld acquired the St. James property and said the location felt like a natural fit.

“It was not too big, not too small, and it was where the traffic was because we need the population,” he said.

The restaurant can serve up to 50 diners, however under current circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosenfeld said he will be operating at half capacity.

To ensure customer safety, guests are asked to wait to be seated by a hostess, sanitize their hands upon entry, and are also seated two metres away from other parties.

“It’s a problem but it’s unprecedented times, so we have to,” said Rosenfeld, adding the drive-thru will also be operating.

With opening day around the corner, plans for expansion are already underway. Not only does Rosenfeld hope to add more vegan and vegetarian options to the menu, he also is considering building a patio and expanding the restaurant into a chain.

“My goal is to start with this restaurant and for the future, I will offer more restaurants,” said Rosenfeld, adding that for now, he is focused on a soft opening to ensure he can train staff properly.

“The first impression is the most important impression.”

Sams Restaurant and More will be open from Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

nadya.pankiw@freepress.mb.ca