Domovina uredništvo
I recently sat down with Oscar, owner and restaurateur of Jagerstube Sydney, and had a chat about his heritage, connection to food, and the Jagerstube restaurant.
Oscar, what is your connection to Croatia?
My grandfather was born in Slavonia and remained loyal to his Croatian heritage throughout his lifetime passing down culture, food, traditions and language to his son; and that passionate connection to Croatia was then instilled in me. I now hold the same values and pride and teach these things to my sons. At the age of 10, my grandfather Oskar migrated to Austria and lived his life on the Austrian-Croatian border. He would eventually raise a family on Croatian borderlands naming his first son, who is my father, Oskar. My father migrated to Australia where I was born and he in turn named his first-born son, which is me, Oscar. I now have my own beautiful family and am raising four boys with my wife – and yes – I continued with the family tradition and called my first-born son Oscar. I don’t know how far back the ‘first born son name of Oskar-Oscar’ goes, but I know we have at least four generations.
Where did your love of being a restaurateur come from?
Food has always been a ‘big deal’ in my family. Our celebrations centre around a very busy and overflowing table. Professionally, my grandmother Caroline was a chef by trade working in 5-star hotels across Switzerland. To this day, we use some of her recipes at Jagerstube.
Your restaurant is named Jagerstube. What does the name Jagerstube mean?
Jagerstube literally means “Hunters lodge” which translates in Croatian to “Lovački Dom”. Jager means Hunter; and Stube means Lodge. The restaurant name is a nod and acknowledgment to my family’s ancestral heritage living on the Slavonian / Austrian border; and it hints at the European experience diners will enjoy.
How long has the Jagerstube restaurant been serving diners in Sydney?
We started in 2008 launching our restaurant at the Hubertus Country Club in Luddenham. In 2016 we moved into our own premises in Darling Harbour. After a decade of late nights, we enjoyed a year break before re-opening in 2019 at the German club in Cabramatta. In 2020 we moved into our present location in the Braća Radic Croatian club in Schofields and there we have enjoyed the support of a strong Croatian community; local Hills community; and my loyal diners who have followed the Jagerstube restaurant over the years. I also have a connected to the Melbourne restaurant scene having managed with my brother Chris, the Hofbrau Haus in Melbourne’s CBD; and; the Hof in Melbourne’s Docklands – both until 2020.
What can a diner expect when they walk through the door at the Jagerstube Sydney restaurant?
At Jagerstube you experience European food in a traditional Bavarian atmosphere. Located inside the Braća Radić Croatian club, you first walk under the GRB and notice Croatian folkloric photos and trophies testament to the longevity of the club’s foundation in folkloric dance. You will then be greeted by our staff wearing national outfits of Bavaria. Our staff speak either fluent German or Croatian. Jagerstube is a family-friendly restaurant catering European cuisine and you’ll feel this straight away. Located in a Bavarian beer hall, we have a children’s play area with toys and junior arcade machines.
What type of cuisine do you provide?
We specialise in European food with a vast offering of authentic flavours and oversized meals that make you feel like you’re in the middle of Bavaria, Slavonia and Inland Croatia. We also customise our menu bringing in dishes for the season. During the season of Lent, we have introduced mouth-watering squid and snapper dishes – but you’ll need to pre-order by 3pm the day before as the seafood is brought in fresh – daily. Our chefs are European and have been with me in the kitchen since day one back in 2008. They have international experience having worked all over the world.
What beverages to you provide?
Bavarian beer is famous all over the world and we at Jagerstube have our own lager on tap. The ‘Jager Larger’ is made in Bavaria, created for the Australian climate. It is a delicious crisp lager perfect for our warmer Australian climate. In coming cooler months, we will be introducing a new on-tap dark beer which will be called ‘Jager Dunkel’. If you’re looking for a bottled beer, we stock German, Croatian, Czech and Austrian beers. If wine is your beverage of choice, we offer wines from Germany, Croatia, Austria, Italy, France and Australia. All this along with spirits from Germany, Austria and Croatia. At Jagerstube, we have a wide range of beverages which complements our European food.
Do you have music?
Right now we are working within Covid restrictions which have affected our ability to offer live music as entertainment. Presently there is background European music played on speakers and an accordion player on Saturday evenings. We are very much looking forward to bringing in Ompah pah bands, Croatian bands and local performers to enhance our diners experience and really immerse them in an authentic European evening.
What upcoming events are happening at Jagerstube?
We are running weekly Sunday events from 11am to 2pm.
- Kar Haus. First Sunday of every month. Muscle cars, Classic cars, Old school cars.
- Euro Market. Second Sunday of every month. European food stalls.
- Regal Mopar Cars. Third Sunday of every month. Chryslers, Valiants, Dodges and Plymouths.
Coming soon:
- NRL Thursdays, 11 March – 30 September 2021 from 6pm. Enjoy games on the big screen and our ‘$20 schnitzel and beverage’ Thursday special.
- Mother’s Day buffet in May.
- Monthly Croatian nights (date to be advised)
Keep an eye out for advertisements of Jagerstube events on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Facebook Jagerstube. Instagram Jagerstubesydney.
Where are you located, when are you open, and how do you book?
Jagerstube is located at 79 South Street, Schofields (inside the Braća Radić Croatian Club)
Our operating hours are:
Thursday from 6pm until the NRL game finishes (11 March – 30 September 2021 only)
Friday dinner from 5pm until 9pm
Sat lunch & dinner from 12pm noon until late
Sun lunch & dinner from 11am until 8pm
To book:
Telephone 0412 332 899 or 9725 7777
Email bookings@jagerstube.com.au
Website www.jagerstube.com.au
Thanks for the interview Oscar. Any closing comments?
Only this. My grandfather Oskar would be incredibly proud to know that I am running Jagerstube from inside a Croatian club and working closely with the Croatian community; and my grandmother Caroline would be honoured to know that her recipes are being shared with my family, friends and patrons here in Australia. If you’re reading this article, please come and say hello when you come in to dine with us.
Anita’s advice.
Bring the kids.
Come hungry. The portions are huge!
Start with a Langosh and on-tap Jager Lager.
Choose anything from the menu – everything that comes out of the kitchen is spot on.
Finish with Pancakes covered in Butterscotch sauce – and – a rakija (or two) for the road.
Written by Anita Batistic, Photo – Zoran Curac
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