Europe meets the tropics at The German Inn
LOUISE BOLGER | SUN
Frank Int-Veen, Jennifer Taylor and Joerg Int-Veen
in the dining room at The German Inn.
Florida may be a state within the United States, but it feels almost like its own country because of the diversity of its people and geography. This is becoming even more evident along the west coast of Florida with the influx of residents and visitors from other countries advancing the international flavor.
The German Inn in historic downtown Bradenton near the river and charm of Old Main Street is a perfect example of Europe meets the tropics. Joerg and Frank Int-Veen bought the former Londoner Bed and Breakfast in November and have been gradually putting their own personal touch on the 1920s B & B.
Joerg and Frank Int-Veen found their way to Anna Maria Island through their friend from Germany, Sabine Musil-Buehler, frequently staying at Haley's Motel owned by her and her husband. They have many years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant business and still own a large hotel, Hotel Amadeo, in Moenchenglabdach, Germany.
After many visits to Anna Maria they decided to relocate to the United States and began their search for a restaurant to purchase. It took three years, but eventually they found the perfect fit for them on, of all places, Craigslist.
In 2008, Jennifer and John Taylor saved one of Bradenton's vintage homes and lovingly converted it into a six room bed and breakfast and tea room. As soon as the Int-Veens visited The Londoner they knew they had found what they were looking for, a beautiful location where they could entertain visitors who appreciate what a bed and breakfast has to offer as well as establishing a restaurant with good quality authentic German comfort food
They have already expanded their breakfast choices with German coffee as well as meats and cheese giving it the customary European hotel touch. The lunch menu changes daily and centers around homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. But the highlight of the day is surely the Kaffeeklatsch, where they serve homemade German cakes and coffee daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, and for those who enjoyed The Londoner's traditional English Tea, it's still available at The German Inn.
Coming soon The German Inn will also be serving dinner featuring jagerschnitzel, zigeunerschnitzel, Hungarian goulash, potato pancakes and more as well as their German cakes. Beer and wine is also being added to the menu as well as their plan to convert The German Inn's garden into a real German style barbeque.
The guest rooms at The German Inn all have private baths, flat screen cable televisions, wi-fi, robes and 600 thread count linens. Breakfast is included, and there is a lovely wrap around deck and guest sitting room.
The gracious home also has plenty of on-site parking and the new owners welcome private parties like showers, weddings, church groups and of course the Red Hat ladies. Before the end of season they will be hosting an open house for the community, so watch for that date.
Joerg and Frank are especially thankful to Jennifer Taylor, who has made the transition to the United States and to their new business a happy and painless one. They value her friendship, advice and look forward to her "come and play" visits.
The day the Int-Veens were changing the sign from The Londoner to The German Inn, a Segway tour of downtown Bradenton happened to be making its usual stop in front of the charming home, the tour guide quickly changed his description of the property and moved on.
Manatee County is also continually changing and becoming more international, so don't be caught off guard like the Segway tour guide. Visit The German Inn and add to your international experience.
The German Inn Bed and Breakfast and German restaurant
304 15th St. W.
Bradenton
941-748-5658
www.germaninnbradenton.com
Open daily:
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All major credit cards
accepted