Pork tenderloin filets wrapped in bacon and sage, accompanied by a creamy chanterelle sauce and almond romanesco, at Alte Post in Neckarsulm, Germany, Dec. 20, 2023. Alte Post’s menu blends traditional German cuisine with contemporary flair. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
In the days when horse-drawn carriages were the fastest transportation across the German countryside, it was common on long journeys to stop at postal stations, where both animal and traveler could refresh.
Alte Post restaurant in the quaint town of Neckarsulm, which borders urban Heilbronn and is less than an hour from Stuttgart’s Robinson Barracks, stands as a testament to this history of travel.
The eatery, whose name means old post office, reopened in 2019, seamlessly integrating into the elegant Welcome Hotel Neckarsulm next door.
Looking to avoid lackluster fast-food fare on a recent drive on the A6 highway, my wife suggested that we make a pit stop there.
I was struck by the upscale modern ambiance inside. A glass structure links the new hotel with the historic charm of the Alte Post. White-gloved servers glide between tables, offering service of yesteryear elegance with a welcoming informality.
The menu, meanwhile, is a treasure trove of culinary creativity and variety.
Traditional German dishes receive contemporary twists, like the succulent roast beef in a local wine-based sauce accompanied by savory German ravioli. The signature teriyaki XXL burger is another meaty alternative.
While in the summer the restaurant’s beer garden beckons visitors to the outside seating, coming in from a crisp winter night, I chose to warm up with the pumpkin mango curry soup as an appetizer.
Norwegian smoked salmon atop a hash brown at Alte Post in Neckarsulm, Germany, Dec. 20, 2023, complemented by pumpkin zucchini chutney and an arugula salad. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
A bowl of pumpkin mango curry soup served as an appetizer at Alte Post in Neckarsulm, Germany, Dec. 20, 2023. The dish combines the sweetness of mango with the earthiness of pumpkin and is topped with roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
The modern interior of Alte Post Restaurant leaves little to remind the visitor that the hall once house a community postal office.The dining venue now offers a unique culinary experience in the heart of Neckarsulm. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
Once a vital waystation near the city's train station, the renovated interior of the Alte Post Restaurant leaves few hints of the daily postal business that once filled its rooms in Neckarsulm, Germany. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
The rich, creamy blend, decorated with roasted pumpkin seeds and pumpkin chips, hit the spot.
My wife opted for the smoked salmon, which was touted as being sourced straight “from Norwegian fjords.” The fresh slice of fish came dapperly draped atop hash browns with a pumpkin zucchini chutney and arugula salad.
Despite the upscale surroundings, I didn’t shy away from sampling a favorite comfort food and chose the signature veggie burger.
Far from the usual fast-food imitation, Alte Post’s upgraded version featured a marinated, grilled cheese patty nestled in a rye bun, accompanied by a cognac cocktail sauce and a mix of grilled vegetables, avocado and arugula. The accompanying battered sweet potato fries were a crispy delight.
My wife’s choice, the pork tenderloin filets wrapped in bacon and sage and served with a creamy chanterelle sauce and almond romanesco, was equally a win, she told me.
Romanesco broccoli, for those who have not tried it, has a bright-green flower bud reminiscent of fractal geometry but is in fact a form of cauliflower.
The chanterelle sauce, with its earthy and subtle peppery notes, complemented the tender, juicy pork tenderloin, leaving my wife singing its praises.
Although more than satisfied with our meal, we could not conclude our visit without trying the pumpkin creme brulee, accompanied by homemade Hokkaido pumpkin ice cream.
The Alte Post's signature veggie burger, featuring a grilled cheese patty in a rye bun, Dec. 20, 2023, in Neckarsulm, Germany. It's served with cognac cocktail sauce, grilled vegetables, avocado, arugula and battered sweet potato fries. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
A serving of pumpkin crème brulee with homemade Hokkaido pumpkin ice cream at Alte Post Restaurant in Neckarsulm, Germany. The perfectly caramelized sugar topping and warm creamy pumpkin custard pairs well with the cool and refreshing pumpkin ice cream. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
The flawlessly crisp sugar crust provided an enjoyable contrast to the rich, pumpkin-infused custard. Paired with the smooth ice cream, it was a winning winter treat that would have any pumpkin spice fan rejoice.
With its historic foundation and innovative cuisine, Alte Post offers more than just a quick stop on the road. Just like the postal stations of yore, it reminded us that a good meal can be a journey in itself and a treat worth writing home about.
I’ll be sure to pencil in another stop next time.
Restaurant Alte Post
Address: Obere Bahnhofstrasse 8, Neckarsulm, Germany
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers start at 7.50 euros for mixed salad. Burgers start at 15.50 euros for the teriyaki burger and top out at 19.50 euros for the XXL burger. A 7-ounce rump steak is 29.50 euros.
Information: Online: tinyurl.com/y2xykxv6
