The Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille welcomes visitors seeking live acoustic music and Cordon Bleu dining in an historic Main Street setting. Photo by Phil Houseal
Details:
The Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille is located at 310 E. Main. They offer lunch and dinner, a full bar, and live music six days a week through the summer (closed Tuesday). Local musicians host an open mic on Sundays beginning around 5 p.m. Phone is 830-990-4949.
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Silver Creek: Texclectic
by Phil Houseal
July 19, 2006
When Robert G. Striegler built his two-story rock home on Fredericksburg's Main Street, I doubt he could have imagined that one day, legions of visitors would listen to live music on the front porch while dining on Grilled Salmon Filet.
But that describes a typical afternoon at Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille, located at 310 East Main.
Rick and Chris Zielinski are the most recent owners of this historic property. The Zielinskis describe their offerings as authentic German and "Texclectic."
"Lots of luck defining that style," the brothers said.
But Texclectic is handsomely described by the food, the music, and the atmosphere visitors find at Silver Creek.
It begins with the building.
"We were blown away by this place," Chris said of the Striegler house. The high ceilings, tall windows, and L-shaped front porches give an unusually airy and open feel to the massive limestone structure. "This is one of the most photographed buildings in the area."
Folks who venture beyond the front patio, shaded by the branches of a bois d'arc, ("the only naturally shaded patio in town"), will discover a full bar inside and a beer garden in back.
Texclectic continues with the menu, created by Rick's wife, Kristin Panzica, a Cordon Bleu trained chef who has worked with Julia Child. They unabashedly claim the title of "best restaurant and bar in town," and back it up with appetizers such as Scotch Smoked Salmon and Baked Brie-n-Pastry, and entrees of Maple-Pecan Chicken and Grilled Texas Quail.
"We take cuisine from all parts of the world and try to infuse a bit of Texas in it," Rick said. "In place of pine nuts, for example, we might use locally grown pecans. We use local foods whenever possible, especially fruits and vegetables that are in season."
Silver Creek offers live music pretty much every day for the lunch crowd, and during the evening on weekends. The Zielinskis describe the music as "Texas Americana," featuring artists such as Big John Mills, Doug Fesler, and Mike Blakely.
"We like to promote musicians who play for the love of music, not just for the money," Chris said. "We are trying to build relationship s with local and Hill Country talent. Plus we want to give the public the chance to enjoy a variety of music, focusing on solo acts."
On Sunday nights, Jay Sims and Graham Warwick host an open mic around 5 p.m., with drink specials for everyone.
"We call it our 'industry night' because that is when lots of waiters and staff from other clubs like to come in and hang out," Rick said.
But Silver Creek welcomes all.
"If you care about what you eat, and you care about what you listen to, we are the place for you," Rick said.
Rick was echoed by his brother. "When you start with the best food and the best quality, it is hard to mess up," Chris added. "We really care about what we do here."
I imagine even Robert Striegler would approve.
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