The Flammkuchen Hütte: A little of Germany, a little of France

The Salad version of Flammkuchen

In Germany it’s called Flammkucken, or flame cake.  In France, Tarte Flambée, or pie baked in the flames.  Then there’s the Alsatian name, Flammekueche.  

The origins of this regional dish are lost in somebody’s nameless kitchen, in an area that’s bounced between Germany and France more times than a Chinese ping-pong ball.  If you can’t even decide what to call it, how can you tell where it came from?  But ours is not to worry our pretty little heads, but to find a good restaurant and stuff our bulging bellies.  Found just the place.  Flammkuchen Hütte, or Flame Cake Hut, in Mehlingen, Germany.  http://www.flammkuchen-huette.de

Easy to find.  Relaxed atmosphere.  Excellent food.  Gorgeous waitresses.  Wine, beer.  Good prices.   You need something more?  Are you out of your so-called mind?  Rather have milk and cookies before you say nighty-night? I thought not.

When you say Flammkucken, it’s almost like saying pie. Wild varieties, ranging from pizza-like toppings to fruit.  The big differences I’ve found between pizza and flammkuchen are the dough and the cheese.  The former has a relatively thick, yeasty dough and traditionally a very melty cheese, such as mozzarella.  Flammkuchen, on the other hand, has a paper thin, almost cracker-like crust, topped with a fresh, spreadable cheese, traditionally crème fraîche.

  

Which brings up the question:  What is crème fraîche ?  It’s a soured cream, but not as sour as the American version and with a thicker consistency.  Think of a white, spreadable, sour cream butter and you’ll almost have it.

I haven’t left you helplessly pondering.  In a former article, I even told you how to make your own flammkuchen:

http://stroudallover.blogspot.de/2013/10/enjoy-slice-of-germany-flammkuchen.html

One Friday evening, after a short drive, we joined some friends for a group gorge.  Great fun.  Hey, this is Germany, with beer and wine in great abundance.

Several other things about the Flammkuchen Hütte stand out.  The casually rustic décor and the varieties of the eponymous dishes.  I ordered the more traditional version, with chunks of bacon and a bit of onion.  My companions opt for everything from salmon to chili flecks, to salad, to current jelly.

Salmon

The salads alone are worth the trip!

Traditional bacon and onion.

Chili flecks

With red current jelly.

The service is impeccable. Waitresses are full of smiles and flourishes that make you feel as if you’ve been here a dozen times.  Always nice to feel wanted.

The pies arrive on wooden platters, adding to the hunter’s cabin-like atmosphere.  This is definitely a place to drink beer or wine with a raucous crowd, intent on inebriation and gluttony.   In other words:  my usual friends.

But, the atmosphere, service, and company would all be superfluous if the food didn’t measure up.  No worries!  This is Flammkuchen as it should be:  Thin and crispy, bubbling toppings, straight from the flames.  You can cut it, or just break off bits and pieces.

I noticed, once the pies arrived, the conversation dwindled, as emphasis shifted to the time honored ritual of hand to mouth.  You’d think from the size of the pies, one order would feed two people.  Not so.  Not here.  Not ever.

Bookmark the Flamkuchen Hütte!  For an impromptu gathering with a group of friends, this one should be at the top of your list.