Dec. 28, 2023 By Anthony Medina
A well-known restaurant and bar in Glendale made its television debut with a visit from beloved celebrity baker Buddy Valastro for his new TV show ‘Legends of the Fork.’
The series that began in November, features Zum Stammtisch, a 51-year-old authentic German restaurant and bar, located at 69-46 Myrtle Ave, in an episode showing Valastro learning the secrets to Zum’s cooking and traditions.
Valastro, who is a pioneer in the custom cake movement, is best known for his role on the TV show based on his family business Carlo’s Bake Shop. The celebrity chef travels the country in search of the most renowned dishes and restaurants to uncover the “secret sauce” to their success.
In the promo for Season 1, Episode 7 of ‘Legends of the Fork’ featuring Zum Stammtisch, Valastro is in the kitchen with Chef and co-owner Werner Lehner, injecting beef eye rounds with a red wine and vinegar concoction. The Cake Boss gets up close and personal with the food and learns more about how the German restaurant remains an active staple in the Glendale community.
The origins of the iconic Glendale staple began with the late John Lehner, who established the restaurant in 1972. In 1993, following his passing, his sons Hans and Werner Lehner assumed leadership of the family enterprises. They have upheld their respective responsibilities, collectively accumulating nearly four decades of tenure in their roles.
Additionally, in March 2011, the brothers also opened the Stammtisch Pork Store and Imports store where authentic German meats and delicacies are sold only steps away from the restaurant.
The brothers said Valastro was a great guest and that they felt honored for being a chosen stop on his new show.
“It was a good experience all around,” said Hans.
Although an acquired taste for some, Hans added how Valastro was put to the test with a dish of Sauerbraten — a traditional German roast— but the cake boss fully immersed himself in the dish and enjoyed the new experienced flavors.
The episode first aired on Dec. 17. at 12:30 p.m., since then, the restaurant seen a rise in new customers who came in after watching the show. Anticipations are high for a steady rise in new visitors stemming from the episode as the new year unfolds.
Episodes of the ‘Legends of the Fork’ can be watched on A&E’s Home.Made.Nation and online.