Running Tab: Burgers and brews: Incrediburger offers Bratwurst Burger for Oktoberfest; No-Li Brewhouse stays busy with fundraising, craft beer and awards
If the coronavirus pandemic was not already enough (and it really is), this last weekend’s record-setting hazardous air quality in Spokane made me give up (for the most part). Like much of the population, I have become a shut-in now to keep myself and others safe.
But one of the last reasons I ventured outside before the smoke and haze set in was for Incrediburger and Eggs’ over-the-top (in a good way) Oktoberfest offering for this month only in downtown Spokane: the Bratwurst Burger. What is in it, you ask with one eyebrow raised?
The Bratwurst Burger is an Incredipatty, bratwurst, house sauerkraut, beer mustard and curry ketchup on a pretzel bun. It might sound like too much, but one consolation is that the burger is not super-sized: Think of it as a super-sized slider. With a lot of stuff stuffed into it.
I ordered a Bratwurst Burger, and a side of onion rings with tangy honey mustard sauce, and dined inside Incrediburger and Eggs. It was like an Oktoberfest party in my mouth! The Incredipatty was cooked perfectly, as was the sliced bratwurst. The sauerkraut was light and not overpowering, I am a fan of beer mustard, and I want curry ketchup on everything, please.
Perhaps I will have one more Bratwurst Burger before the month is over (twist my arm) at Incrediburger and Eggs (909 W. First Ave., (509) 443-4215, open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, incrediburgerandeggs.com).
All that is missing with the Bratwurst Burger is beer. And speaking of beer …
No-Li Brewhouse
Owners John and Cindy Bryant of No-Li Brewhouse (1003 E. Trent Ave., (509) 242-2739, open 12-10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, nolibrewhouse.com) are to be commended (again) for their hard work, perseverance, resilience and philanthropy during the pandemic.
On the business side, the Great PNW and No-Li Huckleberry Hazy IPA Community Collaboration was launched last week and is being embraced by Spokane and the surrounding small towns and communities, so much so that it sold out in one day.
“We are quickly making more,” said John Bryant, who added that popular menu items at No-Li Brewhouse right now include a strawberry salad, honey chicken sandwich and No-Li Epic Pretzel from the kitchen led by executive chef Avont Grant.
On the award side, No-Li Brewhouse won big at the World Beer Awards in London, England, garnering a gold medal for its Cascade Fog Hazy IPA and a silver medal for its Red, White & Hazy IPA.
“These are unprecedented international brewing awards for our city and region,” Bryant said. “Two of the best Hazy IPAs in the world are brewed in our hometown of Spokane!” Once the weather clears up, add these two Hazy IPAs to my must-drink list on No-Li Brewhouse’s wonderful outdoor space alongside the Spokane River.
And, most importantly, on the philanthropy side, No-Li Brewhouse continues to give to the community.
“Together, we have raised over $30,000 for the families of Pine City and Malden that were tragically affected by wildfires. We are all with these families in thoughts, prayers and actions,” Bryant said.
Bryant said Monday that he hoped to raise $50,000 by Tuesday and then keep going. He and his team visited Pine City and Malden over the weekend and said it was difficult to put the tragedy into words. (Update: By Monday afternoon, $60,000 had been raised.)
As of press time (we ship the Food section to the printers on Monday afternoons), Bryant et al planned to deliver the first check to the mayor of Malden in person on Tuesday, as well as meet with the Red Cross and the United Way.
“Spokane is an awesome community! We are looking for goodness in these difficult times,” Bryant said.
Hats off, No-Li Brewhouse. I will venture outside when it is safe again – for work and my own sanity. Please be and stay safe, and enjoy a burger and brew (or two).