What: The Alps Wienerschnitzel Sandwich
Where: Alps Village, 77734 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert
How much: $13
Contact: 760-200-5400
Why: I keep thinking of the sandwich, days after eating it.
Alps Village opened around the start of 2016, a fact that somehow did not make it onto my radar screen. A friend mentioned the place in passing, and since I love German food—when it’s done right, that is—I decided to check it out. I am happy I did—but disappointed that I missed out on this lovely little spot for the better part of a year.
There were only a couple of other tables occupied on my recent weekday lunch visit. The menu includes German and Mediterranean fare—including Italian-style pastas, pizzas and various salads—but I focused in on the Germanic fare. I seriously debated trying the goulash or the stuffed cabbage rolls, but instead decided on the Alps pork wienerschnitzel sandwich. (Chicken is also available, as is veal for an extra $2.)
After devouring my appetizer, a soft pretzel with a simply amazing kajmak spread—a homemade cheese spread with a stronger flavor and the consistency of whipped cream cheese—my sandwich arrived. It was not on my plate for long—as it was swiftly devoured.
The breaded pork cutlet was delicious and moist. The “Alpskraut” added tartness and a lot of flavor without overwhelming the pork. The pink-orange “house sauce” provided a nice hint of sweetness. All of it together on the rye bread was near perfection: Had there been any more sauerkraut or sauce, the flavors would have been thrown off balance; any less, and the sandwich would have been too dry.
As of this writing, it’s been several days since I had the sandwich, and I keep thinking about it. It was that good.