Although the name "Baltimore" is Irish, German culture is rich in the city (Berger cookies anyone?). German immigrants began to settle along the Chesapeake Bay by 1723, living in the area that became Baltimore when the city was established in 1729. German Lutheran immigrants established Zion Lutheran Church in 1755. Early German settlers also established the German Society of Maryland in 1783 in order to foster the German language and German culture in Baltimore.
Zion Church host a few fabulous German events throughout the year including an authentic Christkindlmarkt. Last week I had the pleasure of going to their annual Sour Beef Dinner, which was the 2011 winner of City Paper's "Best Church Dinner."
In addition to the best dumplings I've ever had, we also enjoyed live German music, great beer, and traditional German dancing.
Deutschland Über Alles
