The 2 Must

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While there were a lot of enticing beer and alcoholic beverage choices, it was 95 degrees today. Water seemed like a better choice so we stuck with that. Instead we used our Bier Fest 5 punch card to try out some of the food options Busch Gardens is offering this month.

There are loads of German classics to try, but there were 2 standouts for me you should keep an eye out if you visit during Bier Fest, going on Fridays through Sundays until Labor Day Weekend.

You can catch live local bands while you sip on beer from local brewers. There’s a Frost Proof Belgian-style White Ale from Cigar City in Tampa, Coppertail’s Sun Runner, Orange Wheat from Leaven Brewing out of Riverview and “You’re My Boy, Blue!” from Florida Avenue Brewing Co. out of Wesley Chapel.

But let’s eat. Here were the 5 things we tried. One item was just “OK”. There were 2 we thought were GOOD. And there were two “Wow, you’ve gotta try this” menu items you really should keep an eye out for.

So Apple Strudel was a no brainer for me. Apple strudel, ice cream ... and it's 95 degrees out. I couldn't order this one fast enough.

This one just didn't do much for me. It was too simple. It was a tasty but tiny apple pastry with some vanilla soft serve on the side. I'd have liked it more maybe if had a caramel drizzle or maybe something just a little more eye popping. German desserts are usually a work of art.

German meatballs sounded good.

German Meatballs with White Wine Caper Sauce... didn't end up trying this one but looked good.

This item is new on the menu this year. Producer Andrew tried it. It's Beer Braised and Slow Cooked Tender Pork Shank glazed in a Stout BBQ. He dug the flavor and liked the portion size.

Didn't try anything from this one but considered the Sauerbraten.

But that Space Grass IPA from Angry Chair in Tampa was tempting.

A seared pork sausage served on an Artisan Pretzel Roll. I liked it, but the color kind of threw me off a little.

Win #1: this is an air conditioned bar. I wish I'd tried the pretzels and beer cheese. It looked good.

But I ended up going with a Bier Fest staple. And no regrets. I don't know if it photographs well, but it was fantastic. Lots of flavor!

That kielbasa was perfectly prepared. So good.

Busch Gardens cupcakes are always phenomenal. They have 4 great choices right now.

I like gingerbread anything. So this was a no-brainer choice for me. But the Caramel Popcorn Cupcake was tempting.

That frosting is really light and the gingerbread has that kick I love.

I've been to Germany 2 or 3 times. Busch Gardens definitely creates the vibe with the live music and German cuisine.