Au Train German deli doesn't disappoint

Editor's Note: This was originally posted on the blog Small Town Girl, Foodie World, which is written locally and offers up reviews on places to eat both here in the U.P. and farther afield.

A new German restaurant has opened up in Au Train that I have no doubt will be putting its mark on the U.P. Wagener's Delicatessen and Cafe is open from Tuesday through Saturday, and each week they have a weekly special that is featured. Although the menu is on the smaller side, everything that is offered looks amazing and from what my husband and I ordered, was cooked to perfection.

The restaurant is tiny, but inside are two large picnic tables to eat at. We went through at a pretty odd time of day so there weren't many people, but it is a great way to meet new people and have a dining experience that you normally wouldn't elsewhere. The tables are lined with ice water and various condiments. They also have different German deli items for sale, and have maps of the area for out-of-towners.

For lunch we both ordered the pork schnitzel. I've noticed that in German restaurants around the area I always end up ordering pork schnitzel, so by now I should be an expert at it. The pork on the inside of the breading was juicy and tender. I had to slather the bun with mustard because between the breaded pork and bun, it was a slightly dry sandwich. The potato salad was delicious and flavorful between the herbs and what looked like small bits of ham or some form of deli meat. The only thing I would change about this is that it came with more toppings, or if they served the schnitzel on top of some cooked cabbage just to add some moisture. Otherwise, it was good.

We ordered a slice of salted caramel chocolate cake to share. I believe, if I heard one of the owners correctly, that the pies and bars, etc are all homemade, and even some types of cake like carrot cake, but that they sometimes get different cakes from Huron Mountain Bakery in Marquette. I believe our cake slice was from Huron judging by the flavors but either way it was chocolaty and filled with caramel making it unbelievably moist.

This restaurant has amazing potential. I heard one of the owners saying that when they close down for the middle of March through the middle of April that they will be adding outdoor seating to maximize space and let people take in the view of Lake Superior off in the distance. If I lived in the Munising/Christmas area or Alger County in general, I wouldn't even eat in town that often and would rather drive the distance to eat here in Au Train, than at any closer mediocre-at-best restaurant that so far are offered in the area.
 
This is a must-stop. They are also open for breakfast, which I've heard is also amazing, so next time we head through the area, it will be a goal to stop here again.