Today, I took a trip to Austria via College Avenue.

Herwig's (Hair-vig's) Austrian Bistro, 132 W. College Ave., "where BACON is an herb," makes Happy Valley even happier.

Willkommen! The sight of this word always reminds me of Cabaret and the kooky character of the Emcee Interestingly enough, Herwig himself sort of plays the part of the restaurant's emcee - without the creepy element. This guy's got enough personality and pizzazz to make you want to stay for two meals. But it's unlikely you'd have room.

If you aren't immediately in love with the owner, Herwig "Brandy" Brandstatter, something is wrong with you. And he'll be happy to tell you something's wrong with you.

This is an awesome dining experience - an adorable atmosphere with funny staff and authentic Austrian cuisine. State College Magazine readers voted it the #1 ethnic restaurant in State College five years in a row.

Herwig and his son, who also works with him, studied at the same culinary institute in Austria, he said.

The menu changes every day based on local ingredients, Brandstatter said, but always serves the staples like wienerschnitzel, "a hand-breaded, lightly pounded cutlet which is pan-fried," according to Herwig's Web site. It is traditionally made from veal but can also be made of pork loin, and I'm pretty sure chicken was also an option today.

They even make their own sausages from scratch - 450 to 600 bratwursts each week, made without fillings or flour, "crumbly but very tasty," Brandstatter said. The food is made fresh each morning.

"Everything is fresh every day. Even if local [produce] is more expensive, it's still worth it," Brandstatter said. "It helps the local economy and is fresher. Then people have more money to spend in here!"

I chose the daily special of curry with tilapia. It had an interesting blend of spices - not as spicy as Indian food but definitely similar. There were bites of tilapia within the curry, so that the bland fish took on the curry's bold flavors. Served with a deliciously dressed salad on the side, the meal was huge for one person - but you risk getting scolded for not cleaning your plate. It's just like home, except here you might be threatened with a huge red stick, and I don't think my mom ever went that far.

The restaurant serves up a "big ass" bowl of soup for ½ price every day between 3 and 5 p.m., Brandstatter said, a popular special for students. The soup is served with fresh local bread.

I will be returning next time I have a sweet tooth for a taste of the Chocolate Bacon Cheesecake. This place is just too interesting to pass up.

(Note: Herwig recently trademarked the line "Where BACON is an herb" for about $750, he said.)

Herwig's opens at 11:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and the latest they'll seat customers is 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

But if you want to meet Herwig himself, come before 3 p.m.

"I usually leave at 3 'cause I'm brain-dead by then," he said.

If the restaurant runs out of food it closes earlier. To ensure you get what you want call ahead and place your order!

I can't wait to go back.

-Beth