The Mouthwatering Delights of The Döner Bistro: A Culinary Gem in Leesburg, Virginia
What’s the best food you’ve ever had? Where were you? How old were you? How much did you pay? What lengths would you go to find the perfect sandwich? What if you were told the perfect culinary concoction was in a town called Leesburg, Virginia? Would you go? Of course, you would. The Döner Bistro and Biergarten is home to that Sandwich and Timo Winkel, CEO and founder of this establishment has carved out a slice of Deutschland near the Potomac River.
Döner Sandwich and Fresh Chips at The Döner Bistro in Leesburg, Virginia (Photo by Evan Mack)
So, you might be asking, what is a Döner? Turkish Döner is a culinary marvel rooted in centuries-old traditions and has become a staple in German cuisine. This delectable dish showcases the artistry of Turkish culture by combining succulent layers of marinated meat, expertly seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, and slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Typically made from lamb, chicken, or beef, the meat is thinly sliced and combined with unique flavors that pacify even the pickiest eater. Winkel has brought the Döner to America out of necessity. When he realized there was no access to this sandwich, he devised a way to satisfy his appetite through his fondness for this beloved sandwich.
(Left) Timo Winkel, CEO and Founder, The Döner Bistro, and (Right) Evan Mack (Photo by Evan Mack)
In speaking with Winkel, he credits his significant other Nicole Winkel, for sparking the idea for The Döner Bistro by saying, “I said I want a Döner. She said, ok there's nothing like that here. I said that cannot be. it’s the number one sandwich in Germany and we have it on every street corner. It’s the most successful sandwich there and it’s not here? She said no. We have no recollection of what movie we saw, but we had this idea that we must bring Döner to the United States and that’s how the idea was born.”
(Left) Benediktiner Beer and (Right) Erdinger Beer at The Döner Bistro (Photo by Evan Mack)
After the birth of The Döner Bistro more than 15 years ago it has grown into a staple in the Leesburg community. From humble beginnings as a food truck, to a Biergarten designed to stimulate the senses of patrons that are starved for a taste of the old country. Connecting the community through food and comradery is The Döner Bistro's lifeblood and the Winkel family's mantra. The menu has a personality that displays the versatility and rich history of Germany and Maestro Winkel conducts a symphony of flavor with every plate he serves. The Bistro has an old-fashioned charm mixed with a spontaneity that must be experienced first-hand to understand its uniqueness.
