What happens when a traditional Frankfurt tavern with deep apple wine roots reaches for the stars? You get an evening full of surprises, incredible flavors, and plenty of “Stöffche” (apple wine), but in a way you’ve never experienced before.
Normally, you drink your apple wine from a classic ribbed glass with a side of rustic hospitality. But on June 11th, a new breeze blew through the district of Sachsenhausen. Under the motto “Cider goes Michelin at Daheim bei den Drei Steubern,” the team proved that Hessen’s cult drink can easily compete with the finest wines. This exclusive evening was part of the “Sterne über Frankfurt” (Stars over Frankfurt) event series. The goal? To marry regional tradition with the sophistication of Michelin-star-level dining. Spoiler alert: It worked perfectly!
THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE “DAHEIM” WORLD
Host Frank Winkler is a true icon of the Frankfurt gastro scene. He is a visionary when it comes to modernizing traditional home-style cooking. With a lot of heart and a deep love for the region, he runs four “Daheim” locations, each a beacon of authentic taste:
- Daheim im Lorsbacher Thal: The mecca for cider lovers with one of the world’s largest selections.
- Daheim in der Affentorschänke: Where cozy vibes meet living tradition.
- Daheim in der Kleinmarkthalle: The culinary meeting point in the heart of the city.
- Daheim bei den Drei Steubern: Our venue in Sachsenhausen, where tradition meets gourmet standards.
HONEST CRAFT – THE SOUL OF THE “DREI STEUBERN”
The real magic happens behind the kitchen doors. I learned that the head chef has a radical love for high-quality products. Chemicals? No way! He completely avoids flavor enhancers, industrial mixes, or pre-packaged ingredients. Instead, he serves “honest food” sourced directly from the Frankfurt region and the state of Hessen.
This grounded approach is a breath of fresh air. The natural taste of the ingredients takes center stage without any unnecessary “bells and whistles.” In a world of high-tech food, this feels like true luxury. You don’t just know what’s on your plate; you know the faces behind the ingredients. It feels like eating with good friends who would stake their reputation on quality.
THE PERFECT LOCATION IN THE HEART OF SACHSENHAUSEN
You’ll find Daheim bei den Drei Steubern right in the heart of Sachsenhausen (Dreieichstraße 28). If you know Frankfurt, you know this is where the pulse of apple wine culture beats strongest. While many tourists flock to the big halls, this spot preserves the authentic, neighborhood atmosphere.
Fun Fact: Frankfurt’s apple wine culture has been an official UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2022. At places like “Daheim,” this heritage is not just preserved—it’s creatively evolved.
THE MENU – HANDKÄS, HOPS & HAUTE CUISINE
The night started perfectly: with a glass of apple wine. But not just any kind—this one had a hint of hops (“De Gehoppde”). It set the stage for a finely composed menu where every course was paired with a specific cider. Michael Stöckl, a renowned apple wine sommelier and the organizer of Cider World Frankfurt, led us through the diverse aromas with great charm. He also shared a pro tip: in the world of cider, the makers are called “Kelterer” (pressers), not “Winzer” (winemakers). Knowing the difference is the first step to becoming a true local expert!
- The Starter: A silky “Handkäs” cheese cream (from Käserei Birkenstock) with pear and “Frankfurter Musik” foam. It was paired with a Cidre Moulin Rouge Rosé from Kelterei Roter Adam. No joke: the rosé sparkling cider gets its stunning color naturally from red-fleshed apples with no artificial dyes or tricks involved.
- The Soup: A wild garlic soup with duck breast, served with a “show effect” as the hot broth was poured tableside from a hammered metal pitcher. The pairing? A crisp, award-winning 2023 Boskoop apple wine.
- The Main: Gourmet “Fish Sticks” made of fresh Nutaaq cod followed by butter-tender veal in a seasonal vegetable broth. These were paired with elite ciders like the 2023 Pilot from Kelterei Nöll and a wild Speierling from Weidmann & Groh.
THE SWEET FINALE – GREEN SAUCE ICE CREAM?
Yes, you read that right! Dessert was a wild berry tartlet served with Green Sauce Ice Cream (made from Frankfurt’s famous seven herbs). It sounds crazy, but it tasted sensational! It was fresh, aromatic, and creamy, and a true surprise on the spoon. The pairing was a rich 2024 Goldparmäne from Obsthof am Steinberg, made from ancient apple trees.
STARS WITHIN REACH
This event was part of the exclusive “Sterne über Frankfurt” (Stars over Frankfurt) series. It’s a unique journey where gastro-pros, foodies, and curious newcomers explore the city’s best flavors together.
The journey stretches from the cozy taverns of Sachsenhausen all the way to the 2-star Michelin restaurant Lafleur, where the series officially kicked off. If you want to know more about that high-end experience, check out my detailed blog post about the Lafleur highlights. There, you’ll find practical tips on how to grab tickets, what to expect on the menu, and why you should definitely show up hungry!
MY CONCLUSIONS
An evening like this changes your perspective on what Hessian cuisine can be. When pros like Frank Winkler and sommelier Michael Stöckl (organizer of Cider World Frankfurt) collaborate, apple wine becomes an elegant companion for fine dining.
Pro-Tip for Foodies: If you want to join a “Sterne über Frankfurt” event next year, act fast! Tickets are rare and sell out quickly. Whether it’s at a cozy tavern or a 2-star spot like Lafleur, come hungry and be ready to be surprised.
A heartfelt thank you to Gourmet Connection and DEHOGA Hessen for the fantastic organization of this special evening. I also want to express my gratitude to the entire team at Daheim bei den Drei Steubern for their passionate hospitality and incredible craftsmanship!
Want more culinary secrets from Hessen? Stay tuned and browse my latest adventure, there is plenty of inspiration here!
Have you ever been to Daheim bei den Drei Steubern?
If you tag your picture on Instagram with @labsalliebe and use the hashtag#labsalliebe, I won’t miss a post and will be happy to leave you a comment as well. Can’t wait to see your creations.
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