A day of window shopping in nearby Ball Ground led me to wander into Frankfurt Döner and Meats. I knew the German butcher shop was in town but had never stepped inside. What a field trip! Owner Detlev Werner and his daughter, Annette, were in the shop, along with his wife, Elke—the chef behind the sausages, salads and soups. Before the afternoon rush, I had the chance to chat with them about the fascinating range of products they offer.
Detlev and Elke immigrated to Texas from Germany 16 years ago. Not long after, they discovered Ball Ground, drawn to its beautiful green surroundings and affordable lifestyle. Detlev, who holds a “Meisterbrief”, or master butcher license, quickly gained a loyal following in the area. Over the years, the business evolved into what it is today.
A refrigerated case of store-made sausages and meats takes center stage. Fresh and cured bratwurst made of pork, beef and chicken are stuffed with cheese, peppers, onions, garlic and herbs. Some, like the German and American Farmer varieties—all developed in-house—are smoked and ready to eat. Others require just 15 minutes on the stove. The Hawaiian Luau variety is made with pork, mozzarella, bacon, pineapple and sun-dried tomato. Smoked pork chops and liverwurst are also available. You’ll also find handmade burgers, steaks, schnitzel, fresh pretzels and cubed meats for charcuterie trays. Each option has its own story—I could have stayed all day just talking about the different ways they’re prepared.
The soup of the day was beer cheese, and I enjoyed a cup while contemplating what to take home for dinner. Elke makes a different soup every day, and I vowed to return soon to try more. Another refrigerated case held drinks; condiments like curry ketchup; potato and pasta salads; and, of course, sauerkraut, red cabbage salad and desserts. A large selection of mustards completed the accompaniments for an authentic German meal.
A döner is a German sandwich made with thick Persian pita bread, filled with meat and topped with cucumber, lettuce, tomato, red cabbage, onions and feta cheese. A homemade yogurt sauce finishes it off. Claimed to be “life changing,” these sandwiches are not to be missed. Beef cooking on a rotisserie is shaved for the sandwiches, though sausages and chicken salad are also great options.
Three potato salads are offered: Southern, Oma’s German potato salad and “Heaven on Earth.” Annette explained the last is made with “potatoes from the earth and apples from heaven.” Naturally, that was my choice for dinner—and it was delicious. Also available is chicken salad with apples, cranberries, pecans and grapes…