Zum Treffpunkt
More than Great Food
Treffpunkt, (Treff-Punkt) means The Gathering Place in German. Zum Treffunkt (At the Treffpunkt) is a very special place in the Arizona German community. With over 20,000 German speaking residences in the State directly from or with descendants from German speaking countries Treffpunkt has become the gathering place for this community.
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The restaurant Zum Treffpunkt has been the epicenter of this community and is now open to the public to experience an authentic atmosphere of the German community cuisine.
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Zum Treffpunkt offers both the traditional German dishes such as Bratwurst and Leberkaese as well as a taste of Germanic foods that are also the heart and sole of this European region. This includes the famous Swiss Cordon Blue, the Schnitzel Wiener style and regional appetizers and deserts.
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The Treffpunkt non profit organization, offers support, outreach and most of all a place where people of common interest can come together as well as a language school.
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On any given night at Zum Treffpunkt you may find a gathering of people at a table speaking German and enjoying each other’s company. In Germany this is called a Stammtisch, translated it means regular table. Anybody it welcome to join alone or with friends.
German Speaking Countries and their Cuisines
The German-speaking countries, which include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, share many similarities in their cuisine. These countries have a tradition of hearty and flavorful dishes, often featuring meat, potatoes, and bread. These countries also share a love of sausages and cured meats, which are popular in various forms throughout the region. In addition, all have a strong tradition of baking, with a range of breads, pastries, and desserts. Moreover, many traditional dishes have spread throughout the region, such as Wiener Schnitzel, which is prevalent in all German-speaking countries. Finally, beer is an integral part of the culture in these countries, with many famous breweries and a wide variety of beers available.
While each country has unique regional specialties, the German-speaking countries share many commonalities in their cuisine.
Germany
The country's cuisine is known for its meat dishes, such as sausages, schnitzel, and roasted pork, often served with potatoes and sauerkraut. Bread is also a staple of German cuisine, with many different varieties available, including the famous pretzels. Beer is a big part of German culture, with many famous breweries producing a wide range of brews. In addition, German cuisine features a range of sweet treats, including Black Forest cake, apple strudel, and marzipan.
Austria
The country's cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Goulash, which are often accompanied by traditional sides like dumplings and potatoes. Austrian cuisine also features a range of sweet treats, including Sachertorte, Strudel, and Kaiserschmarrn, which are popular desserts and snacks
Switzerland
Famous Swiss dishes include fondue and raclette, which are often enjoyed with crusty bread and pickles. Switzerland is also known for its delicious cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyere, and Appenzeller, which are used in a variety of dishes, including the famous cheese fondue. Swiss chocolate is another world-renowned delicacy, and the country boasts many renowned chocolate makers.
Lichtenstein
Liechtenstein's cuisine is influenced by the surrounding countries of Switzerland and Austria, and as a result, the cuisine is very similar to the regional specialties found in those countries. Liechtenstein is known for its hearty dishes, such as Käsknöpfle, a traditional cheesy pasta dish, and Rindsuppe, a beef soup served with noodles or dumplings. Meat, particularly beef, is a popular ingredient in many of Liechtenstein's traditional dishes.
