Stroll around the little European grocery shop inside Das Alpenhaus and you will see a treasure trove of treats and eats from the Old Country.
You have plenty of time to gawp and shop after you put in your sandwich order, too, because everything there is deliciously made to order. By that I mean it's not a fast food joint — they make every sandwich after you order so you have some time to peruse. Last time I went, my eyes landed on a display of Underberg Bitters up by the front counter.
What is this? I asked. Liz, the manager, told me they are digestive bitters and very popular in Europe and with many customers. According to the website, company founder Hubert Underberg launched the unique product in 1846(!). It's a secret recipe with herbs from 43 countries.
With a distinctive licorice-type flavor, it's supposed to calm the stomach "after a good meal." I watched a very entertaining rap video about the product, also on the website and on YouTube that said, among other things, that "the little brown bottle with the tiny green cap" breaks down fatty food "so you can down a couple brats and keep a proper attitude."Â
You can drink it by itself — it sort of dribbles out of the bottle onto the tongue — but some people prefer to mix it with cocktails. It does contain alcohol but it is classified as a "tincture based medication," in a similar class as NyQuil. In any case, you have to be 18+ to purchase it.
Liz told me folks regularly gather at Das Alpenhaus and have Underberg-centric parties — there are even fancy little glasses you can buy to drink from, kind of like tiny, elegant champagne glasses.
Try Underberg Bitters at Das Alpenhaus, 1340 S. Vista Ave. $3.49 for a 0.67-fluid-ounce bottle. underbergamerica.com
