ANNOUNCER: With our location on the Pacific Rim, you can't throw a rock without hitting an Asian or Mexican restaurant in the South Sound.  European food is a lot harder to find.  But Bruno's European Restaurant in Lakewood is serving up great German and Polish food to keep you feeling connected to your roots in the old country.

JASON: Bruno's started out in Parkland but recently moved to Lakewood where they continue to bring cabbage rolls, schnitzel and pierogis to the masses.

JAKE: The Hangover soup is quite popular here.  It is a strange combination of beef, sausage, tomato, mushroom, potato, carrot, celery, leek, dill, parsley, and pickles that are seasoned just right with a spoonful of sour cream to top it all off offers, surprisingly, one of the best tasting soups out there.  

JASON: I started with latkes - potato pancakes, which were delicious - nicely fried, plentiful and fresh - not glue-like.

JAKE: Available as a lunch size only, the bratwurst plate is hard to pass up as you're surrounded by polka music and a German-themed interior.  Served as a single sausage with brown mustard, the plate is paired with flavorful German potato salad and a heaping pile of sauerkraut.  I for one appreciate the liberal helping of this pickled delight.

JASON: The cabbage rolls are a favorite - the pressed meat inside cabbage with a savory tomato sauce hit the spot - perfect for a rainy night when only comfort foods will do.

JAKE:  Offering some dishes outside the German influence, the chicken cordon bleu is tender and full of flavor from a generous stuffing of black forest ham and Swiss cheese.  As if that isn't enough, the whole thing is topped with a creamy cheese sauce.  Also, be sure to check out one of the many desserts offered here.  There are some European favorites like a crème horn or bee sting cake, as well as the more common black forest cake.  Each is worth saving room.

JASON: The service is great - the décor is European but not gaudy, and the bar is nicely stocked with a collection of German beers to boot.

Bruno's European Restaurant, 10902 Bridgeport Way,  Lakewood, 253.719.7181, brunoseuropeanrestaurant.com