My husband and I visited Hays recently and had planned to eat at Das Essen Hütte, as I couldn’t wait to taste food I’d stood in long lines for in my college days, many Octoberfests past.

Wow! It was even better than we’d expected!

I asked about and complimented the amazing, early photos depicting the Catharine farms and families of the owners, while we waited a short time for our sampler platters of 4 choices each. We were blown away by the delicious (and creeeamy!) entrees. I’d expected them to be somewhat identical, but they were, in fact, quite individual.

Why has it taken until recent years to have an authentic Volga German cuisine restaurant in its Motherland of Ellis County, Kansas? After being told of slow nights, we suggested delivering bierochs to FHSU campus and building a following with the nearby, but seemingly oblivious, students. Otherwise, I believe the locals will definitely come in time. It’s that good! Hays, please keep this Ellis County original by talking them up!

Heather and Dave Faulkner
Chipita Park, Colo.