You had me until the packaged noodles and gravy. LOL

Working with my son in an authentic Austrian restaurant, I am spoiled to be able to have schnitzel (without packaged gravy) any old time. Yes, and rotkraut and/or sauerkraut, boiled parsley potatoes, and actual ... like my mom made them ... spaetzle.

Seriously, if you have an ALDI, they have German week every once in awhile and they have packaged spaetzle, frozen spaetzle, and frozen schnitzel that's not too bad. Their cabbage and sauerkraut doesn't even need much doctoring. ;)

Having acted like a Germán food snob (I am), I still think I would have enjoyed the heck out of your meal. Just hold the gravy. ;)