Brat
7 Elgin Street, Central
Tel: 2549 3088
Grub: Gourmet hot dogs and other wicked treats
Vibe: A very long, narrow space decorated in a post-industrial style. White walls with funky, bare-bulb light fittings are decorated with typographic art extolling the wonders of their sausages. On another wall are small spin-art creations on circular bits of wood that look a bit like miniature pizzas. Background music is modern American-style pop/rock which is fortunately not loud enough to spoil your appetite. There is seating for about 20 at tables, with perhaps another dozen places at bar-style seating on the side.
Who to take: Take your parents - this place can be pricey and you might like some help with the bill.
What's hot: Brat, according to the menu, are 'purveyors of awesome sausages'. There are 12 varieties, made with either beef, chicken and turkey, or pork, and flavoured to suit all tastes. The Italian is a pork-based sausage flavoured with fennel and black and red pepper. The Gruyere is made with poultry and flavoured with gruyere and Emmental cheeses. The sun-dried tomato with mozzarella is a chicken/turkey-based sausage seasoned with basil. There is even a vegan option made with aubergine and flavoured with fennel.
The classic way to enjoy these sausages, of course, is in a hot dog. Here, that's one sausage on a choice of either signature bun or dark rye. Add to that a condiment from a range that includes caramelised onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut and jalapenos, and garnish with one of five mustards. The dogs are served on an attractive wooden platter.