A former German solider is bringing some German cuisine to war-torn Iraq.

Gunter Voelker's menu features sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut and beer. Dining patrons also are treated to authentic folk music of the Rhineland.

Voelker, 42, opened the traditional restaurant in northern Iraq shortly after the kidnapping of two German engineers.

He even says the German foreign ministry's warnings for German citizens to stay out of Iraq were "grossly exaggerated."