Sommerfest -vs- the Germany Food & Wine Kiosk
October 27th, 2015
| by Mealtrip
On a recent visit to Epcot's Sommerfest (the quick service window in the park's Germany pavilion) I was surprised to discover the cost of their "signature" item, the Fresh-cooked Brat with Roll and Sauerkraut, was hitting the mid $9 mark ($9.49 to be precise). Granted, it's been a couple of years since I've really stopped to investigate the menu at Sommerfest, but I seem to recall the same item being in the high $6's not too long ago.Curious as to what has changed, I picked one up to investigate further. As it turns out, it's only the price that has increased and little else.
Sommerfest's Brat with Roll and Sauerkraut (and house-made chips) is served in what's known as a 3 pound food tray. The top-side (open) length of the tray is 8.5 inches. The Brat looks to be about 6 inches long.
The Brat with Roll and Sauerkraut still seems to be more bread, than anything. So much bread in fact, that even the Sauerkraut seems to get lost in the mix. The "chips" that are served with the dish are nice, if they were just made. If not… well, chips are chips.
Which brings me to a surprising recommendation if you are in Epcot's Germany pavilion while the Food and Wine Festival is taking place. The various food booths that make up the "Global Marketplaces" portion of the festival can sometimes seem like a pricey alternative to eating a meal, but if you really want to experience some German style street-side flavors, the German Kiosk's Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll (at just $5) is actually a great value.
You can find this Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival's Germany Kiosk. It's served in what's known as a 1 pound food tray. The top-side (open) length of the tray is 6.375 inches. If stretched out, the Brat would reach from end to end.
The Brat itself may be a slightly different shape, I would guess that they are about the same pre-cooking weight, but the Pretzel Roll that the Food and Wine Festival item rests in, is a real treat compared to Sommerfest's dried bread log.
While it is true that you are not getting the Sauerkraut, for an additional $3.50 you can pick up a portion of Schinkennudeln (which is Pasta with Ham and Cheese) at the Food & Wine Germany Kiosk as well.
The Schinkennudeln (Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese) makes for a great side item. (Just for reference, the Schinkennudeln is also served in what's known as a 1 pound food tray.)
All of this together comes to $8.50… a full dollar less than the Brat and Sauerkraut at Sommerfest!
While it is true that you won't be able to do much with that dollar at Epcot, I do think you're getting a better sampling of Germany cuisine by picking up the two items from the German Food and Wine kiosk, than you are by visiting Sommerfest.
The flavor of both Brats, is very similar. The Sommerfest Brat is delivered in a bigger food tray and may be just a bit wider than the Food & Wine Kiosk Brat, but my guess is, the pre-cooking weight of both are close to being identical.
If you really want some Sauerkraut (and a lot of bread), the Sommerfest Brat is the only way to go. If you want to find out how a Brat differs from an American style Hot Dog, the Food & Wine Kiosk's Bratwurst allows you taste more of the actual product.
Poor Sommerfest… you're the only game in town after the festival is over, but I have to call it like I see it. The winner of this battle is the German Food and Wine Kiosk's Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll and Schinkennudeln!
If you have found some other great counter-service -vs- Food and Wine Kiosk meal deals out there… please write in and let us know!
