Petra’s Deli: European Charm and Flavor
Tara A. Spears
It’s hard to imagine but Petra’s Bavarian Garden Deli in La Penita de Jaltemba Nayarit continues to improve their menu. Since the charming street café opened in 2009, the charismatic owner/chef Petra Huerta has perfected her culinary interpretation of German home style cooking. Her entrées are melt-in-your mouth delicious and her artesian breads outstanding! In addition to the dine-in breakfast or lunch between 8 am to 4 Pm, Monday through Friday, you can call for takeout of anything on the menu. 322 240 5006. Petra’s Bavarian Garden is on the street south of the La Penita avenida, Calle Alfredo V. Bonfil #9. The restaurant offers an expansive deli section with European side dishes, fresh sausages, quality cheeses and meats besides homemade German breads and homemade German apple strudel. Having friends over after going to the beach? Let Petra create a party platter so you can relax.
Besides the hardy breakfast choices, daily fresh soups and salads, five types of deli sandwiches are regularly available. In addition, the great news for the many aficionados of Petra’s European sausages (Argentine, Bratwurst, Italian, Polish) is that you may purchase the frozen sausages in pack of six or enjoy one served hot with Petra’s magic touch at the café.
There is a daily special meal, soup and dessert that vary according to the season: “I like to get the freshest produce and quality meats,” said Petra. “My specialty breads- German, garlic, cinnamon raisin, cranberry pecan, banana nut, or Italian tomato- sell out quickly so it’s a good idea to pre-order.” Her apple strudel is five star delicious plain or with ice cream.
The outstanding food attracts customers but what keeps people returning is the friendly atmosphere and vibrant personalities of the owners. Kristie Roberts Hutsonpillar and wife Petra truly care about people: “People come as strangers but they leave as friends, explained Petra. “Our guests are not just customers, they are our family,” added Kris. “We care about them.” The couple met online and married in 2018. When not at the restaurant or baking in advance, Petra loves to sing karaoke- and she’s quite talented. Kris enjoys quieter activities but likes to applaud Petra when she entertains. “With Petra’s encouragement, I’ve discovered a new interest-baking!” Kristie’s New York cheese cake is fabulous. Both ladies are a delight to relax and talk to. Petra has been a pillar of the non-profit groups by continually supporting all of the volunteer groups over the years; these are caring ladies!
Most people think the unique dishes on the Bavarian Garden menu to be comfort food. Some of the soup of the day include: creamy avocado zucchini; veggie beef or chicken soup; Hungarian goulash. If you like salads, you must try the Bavarian Garden’s Munich Schnitzel salad or the Greek farmers salad with German house bread besides the traditional spinach or chef’s salad.
If you enjoy a good start to the day, Petra’s fabulous breakfasts are perfect. Hands down, the Alpine breakfast is spectacular! I’m usually too full to have dessert with a meal but I do like to bring some home for later. Bavaria is noted for its exceptional chocolate treats and Petra takes it up a notch with her version of homemade chocolate pecan brownies or pineapple almond coconut bread pudding.
Besides the menu items that include several of Petra’s trademark dishes such as bratwurst with German potato salad and rouladen with mashed potatoes, gravy, and red cabbage, the daily specials are sure to please with its tasty variety. Some examples of the specials include: homemade roast beef (which is also available prepared and frozen for you to cook at home); pork cordon Bleu with fried potatoes and red cabbage; homemade marinated salmon with cream cheese on house bread; American style shrimp cocktail or shrimp in creamy tomato sweet yellow pepper sauce over pasta. Simplier fare includes: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, and red cabbage; cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes, gravy or homemade French Dip Sandwich with German potato salad or fried potatoes; Dorado filet with rice and salad or stuffed sweet red bell peppers over rice with homemade gravy.
Lastly, custom party trays for any occasion can be ordered with two day advance notice. Petra can provide cold cut trays, fruit trays, or veggie trays. Feel free to order mixed trays- any combination can be arrange! “Some people want the Bavarian specialties without coming into the restaurant,” explains Petra. “I do the preparations, deliver, and can serve at your event.”
Petra’s Bavarian Garden Deli is a terrific change of pace for casual dining and excellent home cooked meals party platters and yummy artesian breads. Once you try their food you’ll see why so many rave about it! To order: 322-240-5006
