Taste of Berlin

At Oakfield Dr. and Comer Dr. across from Tower Diagnostic

You guessed it! No beating around the bush. This is a German themed restaurant in the heart of Brandon. Taste of Berlin has only been open since October, 2011 but you can tell from the detail in the decor, menu and food preparation that this is not a first time restaurateur. No web site other than Facebook as yet, although it is referenced on various eatery lists and dining review pages.

Very comfortable seating (for about 40 people) and lighting inside with a few patio tables outside as well. The floors are slate tiled and the walls have a light pine wainscoting. Even the restroom was pleasantly decorated. I would not normally comment on that aspect of the visit, since I'm talking food and eating here, but it just speaks to the detail and care for the product of the restaurant. We did not get a chance to chat with the owner on this visit, but the server, Anya, was extremely cordial.

She said we just missed a group of the "girls" from the local Red Hat Society. You would not have been able to tell though because the place was spotlessly clean.

See, no red hats left behind

Behind the post, desserts are listed on the wall

This is a Lunch and Dinner Restaurant: 

  Lunch ~ Tue - Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm,

Dinner ~ Tue - Fri 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
     and Sat 4 pm - 10 pm

They feature two homemade soups, Goulash and Potato-veggie-sausage. I was told the sausages, meats and most of the other components are  made or prepared on site then cooked when ordered. That certainly appeared to be the case when we got our plates.  Every item plated was at a proper serving temperature, tasted fresh and flavorful (even the homemade catsup).

We ordered from the "Sandwiches and Burgers" section of the menu. There were only five selections available and no cold cut meat and cheese sandwiches like Mr. Dunderbacks up on Bruce B. Downs. With a sandwich choice you also get a side of French fries, German cole slaw or German potato salad ("not the hot one" as we were cautioned by Anya). Each dish was numbered 1 thru 29 and the side dishes were lettered A. thru L. Kind of quirky but I'm sure it serves a practical purpose.

Our selections:

"Bratwurst", Coarse sausage with homemade sauerkraut and mustard. The side selected, French fries.
(Number 22 on the menu)
The wurst was the best! A full mild flavored sausage on a bed of sweet/sauerkraut wrapped in a very fresh roll and topped with a spicy coarse mustard. A very nice combination of contrasting flavors. The only drawback was the roll could not support the moisture from the sauerkraut long enough to eat the whole sandwich by hand. The fries were hot and crispy, just how we like them, and the homemade catchup carried a unique and very pleasant flavor as well. Great taste all around.

"Schnitzel", Lettuce, tomato, cucumber and mayo. (Number 23).
Just in case, "schnitzel" is a thin lightly breaded and pan fried veal or other light meat fillet. This was ordered with German potato salad. Served on a wonderfully fresh Kaiser Roll, the schnitzel was crunchy on the outside and tender and warm within. The flavor of the meat was supported by a nice Romaine lettuce leaf with small slices of tomato and cucumber and a light spread of mayo. All in just the right amount. The sandwich was great, but the big flavor surprise was the side of German potato salad.
Now I love the hot GPS, so I was somewhat disappointed when I was told this would be different, but this cold version was a delight. In addition to a nice blend of potato, mayo and spices, I found little pieces of cucumber and apple to trip the taste buds.

We found ourselves smiling, oohing and aahing with each bite. A full belly fest for sure. We will definitely be back to try the dinner side of the menu.

On a scale of YUCK to SUPER, I give them a VERY GOOD.

Lunch for two with tip, $22. (well worth it)