Chuck Spix and Dick Tetreault

For years I have passed by a Springdale Victorian home that catches everyone’s attention. You can’t miss it because it’s painted in pink with maroon shutters. Oh, it also happens to house an authentic German Restaurant. I always said to my wife that we have to visit this place. The opportunity came the other day when I visited with Chuck Spix and Dick Tetreault, Owners of Kleiner Deutschmann. This is also a first for us by videotaping our Alle-Kiski Dining story so you can be there for the interview. I guarantee you will want to visit Kleiner Deutschmann after you read the story and watch the video.

Chuck Spix was a New York City executive working for one of the largest advertising agencies in the country, but at night he was a restaurateur, his first love. Twenty years ago he inherited his grandparent’s Springdale Victorian home and that changed his life. A native of Springdale, he returned home and renovated the grand old Victorian home and started the restaurant. It’s so authentic that the menu is in German. Together with his partner Dick Tetreault they have earned the accolades of food critics and the public for one of the finest restaurants in the area.

Spix Grandfather

When we arrived for the interview, the very first impression that struck me was the ambiance of the restaurant. Set in Victorian décor the dining areas are unique, personal, homelike, and comfortable. There are a variety of tables and booths to fit each party’s need. It is a quiet and muted setting that invokes a restful state. It sets the stage for an evening of pleasurable dining with good company that’s sure to be memorable. That is why Kleiner Deutschmann enjoys very loyal patronages that are frequent diners.

Your attention is drawn next to the décor where Victorian patterned wallpaper, laced curtains, pictorial wall plates, figurines, paintings, crystal chandlers, and seasonal decorations fill the dining areas. You could take a few hours to carefully review all these displays. The sense of it is that you are dining at home instead of at a restaurant. Every part of Kleiner Deutschmann from the entrance to the two main dining areas exudes a home atmosphere. It is distinctly pleasurable to dine in a restaurant where commercialism is absent.

When talking with Chuck Spix, who is the Chef, you immediately detect his passion as a chef and restaurateur. His passion and German heritage has brought the finest of German cooking and dining to western Pennsylvania. He understands that dining is an experience and with his partner they have created a legacy in ethnic dining. The attention to details extends even to the dress of the staff - Bavarian style with lederhosen. The two waiters we met have been on staff for some time and their friendliness and attention to detail excel.

Spix Grandmother

The two meals we had reflect the overall variety of German cooking. The very popular Jaeger Schnitzel is a veal entrée served with mushrooms and gravy. The gravy is unusual - a sweet and sour one that can only be fully appreciated by tasting it yourself. Jeff Garret, who accompanied me to help film this interview, said it was out of this world. The dinner was served with a special potato and a side of red cabbage. The second dish, Veal Shank, was unlike anything I had ever seen in a restaurant. You have to watch the video to see it. It isn’t on the menu, but as a house specialty is always available. It is so popular, people call ahead to make reservations and order it. One of the reasons is because it requires several hours to cook. Veal Shank is enormously large and has several pounds of meat on it. It’s serving is announced by the ringing of sleigh bells. Chuck said the meal is a German tradition and was served to the father who then ate from it and after gave the remaining meat to his family.

If you have never had authentic German food, you owe to yourself to plan on dining at Kleiner Deutschmann. You will not regret your experience. Reservations are suggested, but walk-ins are accepted. Dining hours are 5 to 10 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays only. They are located at 643 Pittsburgh Street in Springdale and may be reached at 724-274-5022. Watch the video at: http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/video/dining