Fall Tasting Notes – On the Sausage Trail

Cleveland, Ohio
There are two must visit sausage stops in Cleveland. Both are on the west side of Cleveland and not too far from each other.

The Sausage Shoppe has been going strong since 1938. They have a lot to choose from, and a lot of smoked sausages. Norm Heinle is the gracious owner. I’ve never seen such diligent signage about allergens and consumer health. These folks care about what you are eating.

At Cleveland’s West Side Market ( a truly great food experience) find Sebastian’s Meats. You must try their Hungarian sausage. Get both the regular Hungarian and the hot Hungarian. Great sausage, not to be missed.

After all the drooling that the great Westside food emporium will stimulate, do yourself a favor and take a short half-block walk to Great Lakes Brewing. There’s sausage appetizer on the menu – really. I first had a beer there in 1988 (the year they opened) and they continue to make great beers and ales.

Sausage Shoppe
4501 Memphis Ave, Cleveland, OH
(216) 351-5213 ‎
www.sausageshoppe.com

Sebastian Meats & Gourmet Veal
1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH
(216) 861-5250 ‎

Great Lakes Brewing Company
2516 Market Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
www.greatlakesbrewing.com
2516 Market Ave. | Cleveland, Ohio 44113 | 216.771.4404

Dyer, Indiana – Rob’s Meat Chop & Deli
At Rob’s your going to get a about dozen or so different sausages. We tried the mild Italian sausage and the Mushroom Brats. Both exceptional and lean. These are far better than any sausages you’ll find at the big box stores.

The Italian had a nice good grind with good texture and the right balance of fennel and other spices. This is what mild Italian sausage should taste like. Why can’t pizza places use sausage like this for their pizzas?

The mushroom brat was terrific. We had a Bouchaine Pinot Noir with both sausages and the wine and sausage pairing was great. The mushroom flavor was right on the mark but it didn’t overshadow the meat taste.

Thanks to Fred Fahndrich for being our tour guide. He also touted the Hawaiin Brat (pineapple is added). If anyone tries this, let me know. My bias of mixing fruit with meat made me defer the purchase (at least for now).

Rob's Meat Chop & Deli
2123 Northwinds Dr
Dyer, IN 46311-1882
(219) 322-8760‎