We’re off to Oktoberfest this weekend with some friends. Word has it that the first Oktoberfest was a multi-week wedding celebration for some Bavarian royal or other which turned into an annual event. At some point the celebration was apparently moved forward a bit because, well, October in Munich is a bit chilly for an outdoor party. And while I may be a little rusty on the history, I’m well versed on the current state of affairs.
First, Oktoberfest proper takes place in Munich. In fact, it is a very 
specific fair grounds in Munich which is decked out with carnival rides and tents which are set up by local breweries and restaurants. The locals (and these days quite a few tourists) dress up in beautifully made traditional garb: leather pants (lederhosen) for men and a dirndl (no idea what that would be in english) for the ladies. Some hate Oktoberfest because of all the drunken tourists. I usually enjoy myself and find that the hard-core party crowd tends to congregate in specific tents and leave everyone else alone, but admittedly, it’s not for everyone.
After Oktoberfest we’re driving east for two weeks vacation in Slovakia and southern Poland. I’m so ready. Today is my last day of work and I have the feeling that my brain has already left the building. But before I go, a word about this week’s French Fridays with Dorie recipe, Tuna and Mango Ceviche, errr, I mean, Warm Seared Shrimp, Mango, and Avocado Salad.
As you can see, not everything went to plan here. I was actually quite keen to make a proper ceviche since I had never done so before. But I got to the fish place a bit late in the day and they had sold out of sushi-grade fish of any sort. Luckily I had noted Dorie’s Bonne Idee to do this with seared shrimp instead, and so that’s what I did, the whole while a bit disappointed that I wasn’t getting to try a real ceviche.
Well, any disappointment vanished as soon as I tried the seared shrimp version of the dish. Oh, so, good! We really loved this and will absolutely make it again.
See you again in a few weeks!
one expat's life 
Curious to try this version now – sounds wonderful!
I’d love this recipe with shrimp, too!
Enjoy your vacation! The shrimp version looks delish.
Okay, I think the shrimp version sounds delicious and I just may have to try that version when I make this tomorrow. Delicious!
Oktoberfest sounds kind of fun & enjoy your vacation! That sounds like a wonderful trip. (I am sure my head would have left the office some time on Thursday!)
Now that is a lovely option! Looks FAB! Have a great holiday ahead!
I wish I made the recipe with shrimp. I think it sounds better than tuna. I can’t image what an event Octoberfest must be in Munich. I’ve only been to a beer garden there and was quite impressed by the drinking and singing that is a result of much beer. I also remember the beer being not in kegs but what looked like oil truck too me… wow, enjoy yourself.
I remember Jim and I walking into a beer garden for a simple lunch and being over whelmed.
A lovely couple took us under their wing and made us feel so at home. Such fun. The restaurant
even had horses in the kitchen. Amazing. Can’t remember the restaurant, but great fun. Enjoy it all, life is short. I made the ceviche with the shrimp also, it was delicious.
Thank you, thank you, for making the shrimp version. I also couldn’t find sushi-grade fish this week so did a make-up instead. But this shrimp version appeals to me and I will try it soon. My husband and I enjoyed Octoberfest in Munich when we were first married. At that time, I was not very well-traveled and I was dazzled by it all. Plus, I love beer. Just enjoy it all. I was in Slovakia a few years ago. You are in for a treat.
Rose, lovely version of this week´s recipe – enjoy your vacation to the fullest – I am sure you will have a wonderful time!
So fun to hear about Octoberfest – and loved the adorable photo you shared of you and hubby. I am often told that I don’t have enough taken with both my hubby and I in the photo (I am the official photojournalist of homes, kids, pets and food in our house ….plus I don’t like to have my picture taken 🙂 but your shot made me smile and rethink how precious these are. Now that ceviche. Wow what a surprise. I absolutely went with the shrimp and we could not believe how great the whole thing was. Frankly it also had me wondering why I don’t buy mangoes more often but that’s another story. Enjoy Slovakia. –Tricia
Your version looks (and sounds) great. I liked the mango/avocado flavors, so I might try this again with seared shrimp as you did. I made it with thawed tuna and was nervous. Have a great time on your vacation. I hope you get to eat good food.
Loved Munich when we went some 15 years ago. Have fun on your vacation. I skipped this recipe but should have read the alternative of shrimp, I would have liked shrimp.
Enjoy your vacation, Rose! And the Octoberfest…it sounds like great fun! I also made the Seared Shrimp version, but not for the same reason…I just don’t do raw fish! Your shrimp salad looks wonderful!
The seared shrimp version looks fantastic! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!
I hope you are enjoying your holiday! Sounds like a great time.