TCH accepting reservations for 'Octoberfest' Community Social | News, Sports, Jobs - Sanibel-Captiva Islander

The Community House will kick off the start of the fall season with a dinner for the islands.

The “Octoberfest” Community Social will take place on Oct. 9 starting at 6 p.m. and will feature two starters, two main entrees and two side dishes, plus a dessert that is available for an additional fee.

Director of Marketing and Event Planning Sarah Jacobson explained that TCH likes to host a community dinner once a month and that people begin returning to the islands in the fall.

“So after September, it’s a fun way to get together and celebrate,” she said.

For the menu, Resident Chef Jarred Harris will serve up German beer cheese soup and brezen — soft pretzels — with assorted mustards for starters. The main dishes will be sauerbraten — German-style beef pot roast — with spaetzle and chicken schnitzel with lemon thyme sauce, paired with side dishes of potato pancakes and steamed vegetables. For an extra $5, diners can enjoy apple strudel for dessert.

“They are all definitely German,” Jacobson said of the featured menu items. “He’s going to do a play on the soup. He’s going to do two kinds of mains, and there’s enough offerings for a vegetarian.”

She noted that Harris likes diners to travel around the world with his culinary delights.

“He has experienced and cooked German food and people love it,” Jacobson said.

“And what better time then in October with Oktoberfest,” she added.

Advance reservations are being accepted for up to 50 to dine in.

“Per the city we are sticking with the 50 people,” Jacobson said.

Like its other recent socials, TCH will have safety measures in place in light of COVID-19.

“Everybody will have their temperature taken when they walk in the door,” she said, adding that masks are required upon entering and when walking around, but can be removed while seated when eating.

Diners can book for a group of up to 10 people and will be assigned a table.

“There will be no people added to your table,” Jacobson said.

There will not be the typical buffet spread. Tables will be called up by number and staff members, stationed behind plexiglass and donning masks and gloves, will serve up what each diner wants.

“It will be served buffet-style,” she said.

For those who do not feel comfortable yet dining out but want to enjoy the meal, there is a curbside pick-up option available. To-go boxes can be ordered in advance, then picked up from 5 to 6 p.m.

Jacobson explained that people will pull around to the side of the facility, where staff will be waiting with a list of names and number of meals for each order. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves.

“If you’re getting a curbside delivery, you’re getting a sampling of everything,” she said of what the take-out meals will consist of. “You can also order the extra dessert.”

There is no cap on reservations for pick-up orders.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

To reserve a table for a group of up to 10 people, call 239-472-2155.

To make a reservation for pick-up, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

“What better way to kick off the fall than celebrating Oktoberfest,” Jacobson said, adding that the proceeds from the event will help to support TCH, which in turn supports island organizations.

For more information, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net or call 239-472-2155.

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.