Tickets to the NYE 2013 Party Selling Faster than Ever!

Even before Thanksgiving anxious party people called the Essen Haus or Come Back In to purchase their tickets for the increasingly popular New Years Eve Party here at the Spass Platz. (trans. "place for good times.)

When we ask how these eager drinkers heard about the party, most of the time the response includes something that goes like this..."Our friends went last year and had an awesome time!  Or "We were there last year and had a blast! This year we have a huge group coming!"

Why are we telling you this?  Well, it's pretty obvious.  We have an awesome party and tickets are selling much faster than last year.  So if you want to make sure you have a ticket, don't wait until the last minute!  To learn more about the party visit http://essen-haus.com/special-events

ALL INCLUSIVE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT ESSEN HAUS/COME BACK IN

Preparations for the Essen Haus/Come Back In 2013 All Inclusive New Years Party have been underway for weeks.  Not only does will this party ring in a new future, but also reminds Essen Haus of our past. This year marks 30 years of Essen Haus gemutlichkeit in Madison!

In celebration of the New Year and years past, this all inclusive party includes all you can drink and all you can eat pre-dinner, dinner, and bier munchies buffets, a champagne toast, party favors, and of course, free downtown parking.

Fueling the festivities with classic rock and blues, Live at Nine will rock the Come Back In. In addition to polka classics, The David Austin Band will get the crowd on the dance floor with Essen Haus favorites such as The Chicken Dance and The Hokey Pokey. 

$60 for tickets purchased before Dec. 25. $65 After.  Purchase your tickets at the Come Back In bar located at 508 E. Wilson St. (Next to the Essen Haus.)
Dec. 31, 6pm. Public Lockout 7pm-12am
GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY! WE SELL OUT EVERY YEAR! 500 AVAILABLE

UNDEAD EXPECTED TO APPEAR AT ZOMBIE DANCE/VIDEO PARTY AT COME BACK IN

Come Back In management anticipates a “Thriller”-like experience at their first Zombie Dance/Video party this Thurs., Oct. 25 starting at 9:30p.m. 

While spinning popular hits, classic throw backs, and spooky scary werewolf remixes, DJ Mr. Dance will add to the eerie undead atmosphere with Halloween videos playing on the many screens throughout the bar.

If you are not undead, you are still welcome to attend the party.  The Come Back In will supply zombie makeup for you. Dance stiff, moan and mumble, and you will fit in.  Also feel free to show up in your Halloween costume.

This party is cover- FREE with happy hour prices all night and fish bowls and beer sample paddles on special.  Next door Essen Haus welcomes the Eugene Smiles Project with boots of bier on special.  Catfish Stephenson plays live blues at the Up North with buckets of beer on special for $5.  Three bars, three bands, no cover.

KNOT WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT...

             Soft? Salty? What are we talking about...something that bier drinking would not be the same without... the soft pretzel.   

            Although the pretzel carries strong associations to Bavaria, the origin of the pretzel possibly goes back to Northern France or Italy. (Say what? Yes, it's true.)

            Around 600AD a monk on baking duty during Lent thought it would be a good idea to use a piece of leftover dough and create a piece of bread that emulated the crossed-arm praying position, popular at the time. (Guess you need to know your Catholic history.) Anyway, the inventive monk named the new creation pretiola, which means “little reward” in Latin. He used the  pretiola  as rewards for children who correctly recited their prayers.

Over time pretiola became a cheap and filling food that  monks handed out to those in need.

            Moving from monastery to monastery across the Alps, the pretiola found its way into Austria and Germany where it was linguistically corrupted to bretzel or pretzel as we know it today.

The pretzel remains a staple at any German restaurant, and certainly during Oktoberfest celebrations.  (A long way from the mouths of well-behaved babes to accomplished boot drinkers.)  In Munich Brotfrauen (bread women) sell pretzels to the bier full partiers. The bread women sell upwards of 400,000 Bretzeln (pretzels auf Deutsch) each year.   And of course, Essen Haus will have many of the bready treats on hand during Oktoberfest for your bier laden bellies.

DANCE OF YOUR DIRNDLS!

For the 29^th year, the Essen Haus hosts Madison’s Oktoberfest on Sat. Sept. 15.  Let the gemutlichkeit roll with bier, brats, polka and more.

If you were not aware Oktoberfest in Munich holds title for the biggest party in the world.   Essen Haus owner Bob Worm said that he began having Oktoberfest, and other traditional German celebrations because he wanted to bring that festive German party culture to Madison.  Worm held the Essen Haus’ first Oktoberfest just three weeks after the restaurant opened in September of 1983.

This year, the party starts with an Essen Haus favorite, The Rowe Brother’s Band.  Be ready to polka at 12pm.  

Also set up at 12 pm, artists from the successful July event, Art on the Side Show, will set up their booths and offer artistic activities for the whole family.  Many artists are adding a special German flair to their sideshow-like booths and games.

Neale Hansen, the General Manager, thought the carnival inspired art booths would be an excellent addition to this year’s Oktobefest.  “They have many more activities other than drinking at the Oktobefest in Munich, a carnival being one of them.  People had a lot of fun at the art show and I think it will add something sort of unique to our Oktoberfest,” explained Hansen.

Another popular event at the Art on the Side Show, will make a varied appearance at Oktoberfest.  Instead of a pie eating contest, we will hold a brat eating contest.  The first person to finish three brats wins.

Next on the agenda, the traditional band Dorf Kapelle, meaning village band, takes the Essen Haus stage at 4pm.  Recently seen at German Fest in Milwaukee, Dorf Kapelle, a veteran band existing for 24 years, is dedicated reproducing European wind music which includes polkas, waltzes and marches.  Their 18 piece band includes flutes, trombones, tubas and more!

The party moves inside the Essen Haus (we don’t want to disturb the neighbors after 8pm with our ruckus gemutlichkeit) with the Brewhaus Polka Kings.  Notorious for their Lawerence Welk bubble machine the band will certainly bring that German fun to the stage.  Be sure you wear your leather party pants and get on board with the biggest party in the world. 

RELEASE THE HOUNDS!

RELEASE THE HOUNDS! And bring them to the Come Back In for the 2^nd annual Dog Days of Summer! 

For the second year the Spass Platz (the 5 businesses on the corner of E. Wilson and Blair St., including the Essen Haus and Come Back In) host Dog Days of Summer, a benefit for Dane County Humane Society that celebrates all shapes and sizes of our best friends.

The free outdoor event boasts live music, games, contests, with participation from some of the best pet supply and care businesses in the Madison area.

Back by popular demand Live at Nine will entertain with their horn filled classic rock and blues. For the first time this year, performers from Teacher’s Pet Training Academy will show off their canine freestyle moves. 

Learn about the Madison Police Department’s  K-9 unit with demonstrations by K-9 Martie and Officer Rose Douglas.

If that’s not enough to get you down here, along with the great beer and excellent brats, the first 100 people and dogs to enter the gates receive free goodie bags.

Sponsors and participants include: Dawg Dayz Day Care, Mat Cat, The City of Madison Police Department, The Dog Den, Animart,  Exceptional Care for Animals, Tabby and Jacks, Talbot Photography, Don Miller, Dog Lovers of Madison, Lucky Dog Day Care, Mounds, Bad Dog Frida, Teacher’s Pet Training Academy, Galley 99.

Bringing Back Essen Haus Dinner Theater!

Dinner Theater Returns to Essen Haus

Once upon a time actors, instead of accordion players, stood on the Essen Haus stage and performed to diners feasting on fine food and drink.  Over the past couple years the Essen Haus began reinstating the dinner theater on Sunday nights.

This summer the Essen Haus welcomes JD Productions to the Essen Haus stage to begin the Summer Dinner Theater Series on Sun.  June 10.  Bringing Mary Miller’s Ferris Wheel, JD Productions is the first company to create a set for this play using an actual Ferris wheel car.  Another interesting aspect to this play is that while performed in theaters throughout the country, health professionals also utilize the play as a means of dealing with fears and phobias.  

The free performance begins at 7:30 and lasts only 10 minutes.   Essen Haus offers a complimentary bottle of wine with two dinner entrees on Sundays.  Reservations suggested.

STEP RIGHT UP TO THE GREATEST ART SIDESHOW KNOWN TO MADISON!

Come one, come all! Step right up to the greatest art sideshow known to the spectacular city of Madison! Live interactive art pieces that recall the aesthetics of old timey sideshows will wow spectators.

 On July 14, 2012 from 1-6pm artists from the Madison Metro area invite you to try your hand at their creative carnival-like activities!    Art on the Side Show will take place at 514 E. Wilson St. at the Essen Haus/Come Back In Lot where the two businesses hold various festival and events.

Located just off the square, marketing and promotions director of the Essen Haus and Come Back In, Mary Jane Connor, hopes the event draws a significant crowd from the Art Fair on the Square. 

“We will certainly not be competing with the Art Fair on the Square, but it is such an exciting time that I hope we can contribute to the festive atmosphere while exposing the edgy side of the Madison art scene,” said Connor.

The idea of having an interactive show came after Connor discussed the possibility of the event with several Madison-based artists.  Jason Erikson suggested 10 minute portrait drawings which instigated the consideration of an entirely interactive exhibition.  Plans were finalized with contributions from Sarah Stolte, PhD candidate in Art History at UW-Madison.

Connor, who has curated and contributed to community art events in Fiji, Milwaukee, Madison, Sauk City, and with the Wormfarm Institute in Reedsburg, WI always looks for new approaches to make art more accessible. 

“I am extremely excited to have such a great venue to promote local artists and bring creativity into the community.  I think the light and fun interactive theme will demonstrate how art is not just about white walled galleries and expensive price tags,” said Connor.

All the activities will cost between $1-10 dollars and go directly back to the artists.  The Essen Haus and Come Back In are not charging the artists to utilize the space. 

Free admission, live music, food, and of course a great selection of import and microbrews, along with fun art-inspired drink specials will be available.

Art on the Side Show is currently accepting proposals until May 9^th.  Visit the Spass Platz side bar on essen-haus.com for details.

EASTER BUNNY ADMITS TO BOOT DRINKING!

In years past, during Essen Haus’ traditional Easter Dinner, the Easter Bunny has made surprise appearances while  greeting diners and offering a sampling of sweet treats to excited children.   Rumor has it, this year the Easter Bunny will make a repeat visit on Sunday, April 8.  “I love polka music and always have a good time at the Essen Haus.  During the off season you may even spot me partaking in a boot,” said the Easter Bunny.

The popular Easter Dinner that attracts families year after year includes ham you carve yourself at the table, and choice of baked chicken, tenderloin tips, BBQ ribs, or vegetarian kase spaetzle.  Diners also enjoy relish and fruit trays, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered baby carrots, bread and butter, assorted desserts, tea, coffee, milk or soda.

Children under 5 eat free, and those of the age 6-10 eat for $6.95.  The dinner costs $16.95 for all other ages.

PARTY ALL DAY! Come Back In starts St. Patrick’s Day at 8a.m

Party all day at the Come Back In and Essen Haus!  Begin your festive St. Pat's day at the Come Back In with O'Connor's Irish Breakfast, a German-sized serving of corned beef, eggs and potatoes, of course!  We will also be serving from our extensive breakfast menu.

Enjoy the always festive atmosphere at the Come Back In with boots and mugs of green bier!  

At 4pm our St. Pat's Day Buffet begins in the Essen Haus with Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Stew, Stuffed Pork Loin with Irish Whiskey, Shepherd's Pie, sides and dessert for only $16!

For your chance to win a boot of green beer fill in your lucky shamrock at the Come Back In.  As always, live music rocks both the Essen Haus and Come Back In all night! 

A WORTHY AND GREAT LOCAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE:

24 AREA BANDS RALLY TOGETHER FOR 3 CHARITIES

On Mar. 10, 24 area bands will rock 3 venues to raise money for 3 charities. That’s right, 3 bars, 3 charities and 24 bands- an all day music extravaganza called the Charity Jamborie.

Taking place at the Essen Haus, Come Back In, and Up North Bar, a $10 donation/cover allows the music-goer to float among the bars from Noon till bar close and soak up Madison’s local music scene while feeling groovy about their donation. 

 

All the bands participating in the event are donating their time and talents for the UW Carbone Cancer Center, the American Diabetes Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

These charities lie close to the hearts of the organizers and musicians.  Teresa Marie, Up North Music Manager and lead singer of the People Brothers Band, organized the event with Steve and Jane Schmeiding and band mate Timothy Lochner with the help of many others.  Steve and Jane Schmeiding began Music Can Beat MS.  Teresa Marie’s parents battle with diabetes, and this past year a person close to the many of the musicians was diagnosed with cancer. 

“We also have musician friends and family who have fought with cancer.  Some of whom will be playing in the benefit, some of whom we’ve lost,” said Teresa Marie.

In addition to presenting a wide collection of musical genres, raffles at each venue showcase a variety of items, from gift certificates to hotel stays. 

“We believe that our love of music can beat anything.  We hope to raise more money for these charities than anyone thought possible,” said Teresa Marie.  

http://peoplebrothers.wordpress.com/charity-jamborie/

http://www.musiccanbeatms.com/

Celebrating Mardi Gras/Fasching- German Style

Everyone has heard of Mardi Gras, but who knows what Fasching is?  The Essen Haus does, that’s who.  For another year the Essen Haus is throwing in a bit of fasching flair into their huge Mardi Gras celebration.

 

Fasching, the German equivalent of Mardi Gras or Carnival, traces back to Medieval times. Although celebrated throughout Europe, Germans claim the prize for most enthusiastic celebrators.  Madison, also known for the festive spirit and the history of German heritage, makes Fasching a must-have in the area.  Where better than Madison’s only German restaurant and drinking hall!

The history of Madison’s German heritage begins in the 1860s when German immigrants began building and starting businesses on East Wilson St.  In 1872 William Schumacher built Germania House, a hotel that catered specifically to German travelers.  Nearly all the innkeepers and merchants in this area were German and it became Madison’s first German neighborhood.

The increasing railroad system brought nine converging tracks in Madison along with a train depot located on the Wilson St.  With the railroad came travelers and wanderers which produced an environment for partying.  This block of downtown has seen its ups and downs, but Schumacher and the original German immigrants would be happy to see that their heritage lives on at the Essen Haus.  Likely, this was the very location that immigrants celebrated Fasching and other traditional holidays over 150 years ago.

While the Essen Haus rocks the Fasching party with Copper Box, the Come Back In will host the New Orleans-style Mardi Gras party with Otis & the Alligators, beads and all.