On the cusp of a big July 4 holiday where almost every American either attends a barbecue, hosts a barbecue or eats barbecue in some form at a restaurant, picnic or beach outing, I’m happy to share our experience of a different kind of barbecue: a German barbecue.
Setting the Stage: We Were in Bavaria Last Week
We had the great fortune to visit my husband’s German cousins last week in their native Bavaria, where they took us to see many wonderful things, including the Nebelhorn Cable Car. This airborne tram took us waaaaay up a mountain and provided a view of 400 other mountains.
Yes, that’s right: 400! Not 200, not 300, not 350, but 400 other actual peaks that can be seen from this mountaintop. Here’s a pic of some of our group with more than a few of those glorious peaks in the background.
And another of us resting with a well-deserved Bavarian brew!
I will certainly do a longer post about this incredible experience and those breathtaking views, but today, it’s all about the barbecue.
“We Want to Show You What German Barbecue is Like”
Our hosts have been to visit us in the the U.S. several times and experienced Texas barbecue, along with other typical American fare, so they wanted to provide us with the German version of a backyard barbecue.
We were all in. I love foodie tourism, and enjoying a summer barbecue in Bavaria sounded fab.
It WAS fab.
I didn’t take many pictures because I was in the moment, laughing and talking with everyone and cherishing that time we had together. But I couldn’t resist snapping a few, and I think there are enough to give you an idea.
An Abundant Meal
In addition to being superbly tasty, abundance was a theme for this feast.
There were four grilled meats! Pork loin steaks, beef filets, turkey breast cutlets and chicken sausage.
Complementing the proteins were FIVE — not three, not four, but FIVE — salads: German potato salad, pasta salad, garden salad, cabbage with bacon (like a slaw) and caprese salad.
WOW.
I snapped a pic of the table while some of the food was still coming out, but only four of the salads were there at that point. You can still get a feel for the abundance, and how bright, fresh and colorful everything was.
Our host grabbed a quick pic as more meat was being brought from the grill.
That’s my plate below. I took a little bit of everything, and I wasn’t sorry! It was delicious, and truly memorable: a celebration on my plate! The grilled meats were done perfectly, the salads provided texture and delightful variety, and the condiments were stellar. The wine flowed and the conversation sparkled.
To drive home the theme of abundance, I’ve labeled everything on my plate. Check it out!
This is more than the typical Southern “meat and three” – it’s a niner! Four meats and five salads, plus condiments and bread. Wow!
The Magic Table
One more thing: check out the napkins.
They say “Tischlein deck dich,” for which the Google translation is “The Magic Table” – and so it was! Also known as “The Wishing Table,” this phrase is from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale in which a magical table instantly serves up a feast whenever the owner says the command, symbolizing endless provision and wish fulfillment.
Yes. That’s what we had: endless provision, abundance, and wish fulfillment.
Bottom line: Bavarian barbecue rocks.
Thank you, German cousins! We loved the magic table.
Bavarian Family Table
This post is part of my Bavarian Family Table series, a collection of stories from our recent visit with the German cousins — full of family ties, warm hospitality, mountain views, memorable meals and, of course, the table that brings everyone together.
©️ 2026, Glover Gardens
In a word – Wunderbar!! Vielen Dank, Andi and Sandra for hosting an amazing evening!
That’s a great way to sum it up! I should have used “wunderbar” in the piece. Thanks for the add!
Gutten Apetit.
Danke, gleichfalls! (I had to look that up.)😊
You being in the moment, enjoying that incredible German barbecue FEAST and feeling the abundance all around you sounds like the perfect day! We’re living vicariously! Cheers ♡
Awww, thank you! Enabling others to live vicariously is definitely one goal for a blogger who shares about food and travel. I appreciate the validation!