As you will see a pattern is developing. We go out, a lot, almost always with friends, I eat a lot and then complain about a weight gain. At least the reason is not hard to figure out.
It was a "heavy week", both in dinners and calories.
Tuesday night, with the young couple that own "Otto's", we went to "Cumin" in East Hyde Park. We have always liked "Cumin" and in my opinion it has only gotten better with the addition of a new Chef, from New York, who now works along with "Yash". Their menu has expanded slightly and the new dishes add to ones choices. We began the meal with an order of Eggplant Chips, always a good bet, and a Cumin Salad, for the table. The Cumin salad was very interesting and delicious. They take the "spring roll wrappers", brake them, sauteed and then add, excellent thinly sliced new potatoes and chickpeas. The dressing contains Indian spices, lemon juice and a touch of vinegar.
The four main courses were: Lobster Pasta, with large pieces of the crustacean in a light tomato sauce mixed with spaghetti; Heirloom Polenta, a creamy polenta with mushrooms, tomato bits and chives in a very light cream sauce; excellent well executed roast pork and for me an Ahai Tuna Pizza served on a large lavash type crust with some raw salmon and onions and tomatoes.
Two different Nams filled us with delightful food and pleasant drinks.
Wednesday, with 3 others we went to "Oriental Wok-Regency" for another of Guy's special meals. After drinks we started with a repeat of the chicken salad( described in a previous "posting" and egg roll appetizer. This was followed with 4 main dishes. A whole Roasted Crispy chicken,( Guy has been working to perfect this for almost a month, and has succeeded). The skin is indeed crispy while the inside is full cooked and very moist. A platter of sliced Roast Pork with Bar-B-Que sauce on a bed of lettuce, Eggplant with a yogurt sauce and wonderful vegetable, pan fried Lo Mein, heavy on mushrooms and scallions.
Thursday it was "Primavista", ouch my waist line. We were seated at a table window and watched the city go from daylight to darkness as the lights came on all over downtown. For our dinners we chose, veal Picatta, veal Discepoli( mushrooms, artichokes and grilled shrimp), veal with a roasted tomato and pepper sauce and the evening fresh fish special, all dinners are served with a nice size house salad and one or two sides. For dessert the 4 of us shared a Gelati Misti, 3 scoops of extremely smooth Gelati; dark chocolate, raspberry and hazel nut.
Oh, by the way, as if I wasn't eating enough I returned to "Virgils" Wednesday for a Pastrami Rubin.
I think I'll continue with the weekend later.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Yes,I'm OK
In response to the numerous questions concerning my health, because I haven't posted anything in almost 2 weeks, here it is. Thanks to the both of you who inquired, I'm fine and just haven't had a lot of eating out, comments, that were worth your time or mine.
Have we eaten out in the last 12 days, of course. Have the dinners been good, some yes and some no. But do I remember anything worth reporting, we'll see.
A week and a half ago we had some long time friends, from Nashville, dropped by for a couple of days. They left the food decisions up to us, with some input from questions I posed. The first night we went to "The Precinct" which impressed them, not just with the food but with the ambiance. For lunch the next day it was off to Clifton and "Skyline" and "Greater's", true "down home Cincinnati. That evening to a regular spot for us "Otto's" All the food was "right on"
After they departed we had a meal at "Oriental Wok-Regency" where once again the chef sent too much food, each dish better than we should have to endure. Among my favorites were the Chinese Ribs, the duck Won ton's and the pork with onions and vegetables. I found the "tiger fish somewhat dry, more like swordfish, which is not my favorite sea creature.
A treat this past week was lunch at "Virgil's" with his "homemade Pastrami", as good as I have had anywhere and that included New York and LA. It is the best thing I have had at this new restaurant. Another trip to "Virgil's", for dinner met with mixed feelings. The homemade chili was excellent, lots of meat and well seasoned while my main dish, Huevos Rancheros were very ordinary. The eggs were over cooked and the pico de guyo was not as good as you can get in a jar. A disappointment. I must say that on both visits the service was good and welcoming.
A meal at "Amarin" yielded very ordinary sushi, another disappointment, although Marilyn's Pad Thai was very good and plentiful. The other evening brought "Knotty Pine on the Bayou" with wonderful crab and crayfish Etouffee and too many deep fried Oysters, which I regretted later.
So now you you know where I've been and some of what I've had.
Have we eaten out in the last 12 days, of course. Have the dinners been good, some yes and some no. But do I remember anything worth reporting, we'll see.
A week and a half ago we had some long time friends, from Nashville, dropped by for a couple of days. They left the food decisions up to us, with some input from questions I posed. The first night we went to "The Precinct" which impressed them, not just with the food but with the ambiance. For lunch the next day it was off to Clifton and "Skyline" and "Greater's", true "down home Cincinnati. That evening to a regular spot for us "Otto's" All the food was "right on"
After they departed we had a meal at "Oriental Wok-Regency" where once again the chef sent too much food, each dish better than we should have to endure. Among my favorites were the Chinese Ribs, the duck Won ton's and the pork with onions and vegetables. I found the "tiger fish somewhat dry, more like swordfish, which is not my favorite sea creature.
A treat this past week was lunch at "Virgil's" with his "homemade Pastrami", as good as I have had anywhere and that included New York and LA. It is the best thing I have had at this new restaurant. Another trip to "Virgil's", for dinner met with mixed feelings. The homemade chili was excellent, lots of meat and well seasoned while my main dish, Huevos Rancheros were very ordinary. The eggs were over cooked and the pico de guyo was not as good as you can get in a jar. A disappointment. I must say that on both visits the service was good and welcoming.
A meal at "Amarin" yielded very ordinary sushi, another disappointment, although Marilyn's Pad Thai was very good and plentiful. The other evening brought "Knotty Pine on the Bayou" with wonderful crab and crayfish Etouffee and too many deep fried Oysters, which I regretted later.
So now you you know where I've been and some of what I've had.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ambience, Food, Service
The title speaks to most of the things we use to judge a restaurant.
Ambience is pretty much the same on any of your visits No one would confuse the settings at "Walt's", a KY road house and "Orchid's", the prime restaurant at the Netherlands, downtown. As long as someone is paying attention to cleanliness, lights that aren't burnt out and chairs that hold us, we all return for the food and service.
Here are six places we have been in the last two weeks, with my feelings on food and service. Most are fairly regular with us, although "Aqua" and the "Iron Horse" have not been regular haunts.
"Oriental Wok" at the Regency: You must tire of hearing that we went and had an outstanding meal and service. We have never been disappointed. We always ask the chef for guidance and that enhances our fun and pleasure. The last visit saw us trying a "chicken salad", which seemed like a marinated slaw, made with Chinese Vegetables and shredded roast chicken, delightful. Other new dishes were Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Sauteed Pork with leaks and onions and Abalone with Chinese vegetable's. Service is first rate 99% of the time, they are human( not Hanan).
"Terry's Turf Club" Eastern Ave. What can one say? We were there before Polly Campbell and the mobs found it, but it remains the consummate Cincinnati hamburger joint and bar. We arrived at 5:15 and had a 10 minute wait for a both, our choice, for the 5 of us. When we left at 6:30 people were lined up on the street. Service is fast, efficient and almost overly solicitous. with all the servers working together so many eyes are watching.
"Otto's" Main St Covington. As anyone who has read this Blog knows, this is our home away from home. This last time was for a special Birthday, for one of our guests and food and service couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. It's one of our few special occasion restaurants, and to us merits that status.
"Sky Galley" at Lunken Airport. When we can't get into "Terry's", which is often since a half to hour wait is not attractive, this is where we go. Food is standard, with no surprises. Menu is meant to cover all bases except very high end. Service is always pleasant and accommodating and if it isn't to your liking when first served it is changed and made correct promptly. Price is reasonable and there is full bar service and management that's on the floor and full service also.
"Iron Horse" Glendale. A restaurant that has been there a long time and goes thru new owners and chefs with some regularity. The current owners have been there a few years but the Chef has recently joined them after a position as one of the top people in the kitchen at "Mesh". Our dinner Saturday night was our first test of his reign and we'll return to give it another try. Our server was experienced and after a slow start, for some unexplained reason, and the place was sparsely populated, gave us excellent service. A nice feature is the attitude that if a side is paired, on the menu, with something else, all one must do is ask that it be served on your dinner as a substitute. Marilyn's Spaghetti and "meatballs" made of mushrooms instead of "meat" was the most innovative and interesting. My spetzals came in a close second.
"Aqua" Delta Ave, Mt Lookout. It is had to write about the food, which I thought had slipped, since we last were there, because the service was so poor. Any food would have had a hard time satisfying. A 30 to 45 minute wait, plus prompting from us was necessary to get a drink and things deteriorated from there. You get the picture. It is very doubtful that we will return. A mild suggestion is to have some kind of "Management" on the floor, not walking out the door at 7:00 PM.
Ambience is pretty much the same on any of your visits No one would confuse the settings at "Walt's", a KY road house and "Orchid's", the prime restaurant at the Netherlands, downtown. As long as someone is paying attention to cleanliness, lights that aren't burnt out and chairs that hold us, we all return for the food and service.
Here are six places we have been in the last two weeks, with my feelings on food and service. Most are fairly regular with us, although "Aqua" and the "Iron Horse" have not been regular haunts.
"Oriental Wok" at the Regency: You must tire of hearing that we went and had an outstanding meal and service. We have never been disappointed. We always ask the chef for guidance and that enhances our fun and pleasure. The last visit saw us trying a "chicken salad", which seemed like a marinated slaw, made with Chinese Vegetables and shredded roast chicken, delightful. Other new dishes were Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Sauteed Pork with leaks and onions and Abalone with Chinese vegetable's. Service is first rate 99% of the time, they are human( not Hanan).
"Terry's Turf Club" Eastern Ave. What can one say? We were there before Polly Campbell and the mobs found it, but it remains the consummate Cincinnati hamburger joint and bar. We arrived at 5:15 and had a 10 minute wait for a both, our choice, for the 5 of us. When we left at 6:30 people were lined up on the street. Service is fast, efficient and almost overly solicitous. with all the servers working together so many eyes are watching.
"Otto's" Main St Covington. As anyone who has read this Blog knows, this is our home away from home. This last time was for a special Birthday, for one of our guests and food and service couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. It's one of our few special occasion restaurants, and to us merits that status.
"Sky Galley" at Lunken Airport. When we can't get into "Terry's", which is often since a half to hour wait is not attractive, this is where we go. Food is standard, with no surprises. Menu is meant to cover all bases except very high end. Service is always pleasant and accommodating and if it isn't to your liking when first served it is changed and made correct promptly. Price is reasonable and there is full bar service and management that's on the floor and full service also.
"Iron Horse" Glendale. A restaurant that has been there a long time and goes thru new owners and chefs with some regularity. The current owners have been there a few years but the Chef has recently joined them after a position as one of the top people in the kitchen at "Mesh". Our dinner Saturday night was our first test of his reign and we'll return to give it another try. Our server was experienced and after a slow start, for some unexplained reason, and the place was sparsely populated, gave us excellent service. A nice feature is the attitude that if a side is paired, on the menu, with something else, all one must do is ask that it be served on your dinner as a substitute. Marilyn's Spaghetti and "meatballs" made of mushrooms instead of "meat" was the most innovative and interesting. My spetzals came in a close second.
"Aqua" Delta Ave, Mt Lookout. It is had to write about the food, which I thought had slipped, since we last were there, because the service was so poor. Any food would have had a hard time satisfying. A 30 to 45 minute wait, plus prompting from us was necessary to get a drink and things deteriorated from there. You get the picture. It is very doubtful that we will return. A mild suggestion is to have some kind of "Management" on the floor, not walking out the door at 7:00 PM.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Two New, for us
Last week we tried two new places, to add to our dining list. Not that they had just opened, but we had not made it on our extensive list of places.
The first was "Aoi" Japanese Cuisine, One Levee Way Newport KY-859-431-9400. This Japanese Restaurant is located on the ground level of "Newport on the Levee" across the driveway from "Brio's". There is dinning both inside and out.
The first thing we noticed, upon entering, was a group of 9 Asia Business men, in their dark suites, placed on two sides of a long table. The table was full of several dishes and servers were handling libations on a regular schedule. When we left, 2 hours later, the scene remained the same. Some people know how to enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Upon being seated, on the patio, I asked what the gentlemen inside were being served and was told it came from the Japanese menu. Of course, I asked to see that and was pleased that the items were in English as well as Japanese. I selected from that menu a serving of thin sliced beef tongue, grilled, and served with fresh lemon. Others in our group had some various raw fish items also from the Japanese menu. I also had the "Role of mixed seafood" which was the special of the evening. I tackled a 22 oz bottle of Kerin beer with satisfactory results. Others had duck breast, soy beans, assorted cold plates and several vegetable dishes, spinach and also mushrooms.
Sake was plentiful and hot Green tea was served at the end of the meal.
From what we hear "Joan" near the Toyota Hq is the top Japanese restaurant in the area but "Aoi" is no slouch.
The other, new for us, spot was "Virgils Cafe" 710 Fairfield Ave( KY Rt 8) Bellevue KY 41073-859-491-3287. According to the owner, chef, with whom we visited, they have been open since March. It has created somewhat of a buzz. Friday night they were pleasantly full and handled the patrons promptly and politely. It is an informal cafe.
The menu is eclectic and I chose, after Bombay, Frogs legs, well seasoned and lightly fried, but slightly chewy and a salad of Lump crab meat, artichoke bottoms, avocado and greens, a light but filling dinner. All were prepared well and served by the efficient kitchen. Marilyn had a cup of "Minestrone soup, without pasta, an order of Duck Spring Rolls, served crispy and correctly seasoned, and a Caesar salad. Our total dinner plus tip was under $50.
The other couple split a first course and salad and had a very good, slightly unusual, Shrimp Gumbo. The shrimp had been cooked in a tomato based gumbo sauce and were served, separately, over a bed of grits. I took a taste and found the dish very taste.
The chef prepares his own Pastrami, from scratch, but since they had "run out" I went without a taste. I'll return for lunch and give it a try, as well as other items.
The first was "Aoi" Japanese Cuisine, One Levee Way Newport KY-859-431-9400. This Japanese Restaurant is located on the ground level of "Newport on the Levee" across the driveway from "Brio's". There is dinning both inside and out.
The first thing we noticed, upon entering, was a group of 9 Asia Business men, in their dark suites, placed on two sides of a long table. The table was full of several dishes and servers were handling libations on a regular schedule. When we left, 2 hours later, the scene remained the same. Some people know how to enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Upon being seated, on the patio, I asked what the gentlemen inside were being served and was told it came from the Japanese menu. Of course, I asked to see that and was pleased that the items were in English as well as Japanese. I selected from that menu a serving of thin sliced beef tongue, grilled, and served with fresh lemon. Others in our group had some various raw fish items also from the Japanese menu. I also had the "Role of mixed seafood" which was the special of the evening. I tackled a 22 oz bottle of Kerin beer with satisfactory results. Others had duck breast, soy beans, assorted cold plates and several vegetable dishes, spinach and also mushrooms.
Sake was plentiful and hot Green tea was served at the end of the meal.
From what we hear "Joan" near the Toyota Hq is the top Japanese restaurant in the area but "Aoi" is no slouch.
The other, new for us, spot was "Virgils Cafe" 710 Fairfield Ave( KY Rt 8) Bellevue KY 41073-859-491-3287. According to the owner, chef, with whom we visited, they have been open since March. It has created somewhat of a buzz. Friday night they were pleasantly full and handled the patrons promptly and politely. It is an informal cafe.
The menu is eclectic and I chose, after Bombay, Frogs legs, well seasoned and lightly fried, but slightly chewy and a salad of Lump crab meat, artichoke bottoms, avocado and greens, a light but filling dinner. All were prepared well and served by the efficient kitchen. Marilyn had a cup of "Minestrone soup, without pasta, an order of Duck Spring Rolls, served crispy and correctly seasoned, and a Caesar salad. Our total dinner plus tip was under $50.
The other couple split a first course and salad and had a very good, slightly unusual, Shrimp Gumbo. The shrimp had been cooked in a tomato based gumbo sauce and were served, separately, over a bed of grits. I took a taste and found the dish very taste.
The chef prepares his own Pastrami, from scratch, but since they had "run out" I went without a taste. I'll return for lunch and give it a try, as well as other items.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Heading South
When you live in Cincinnati, as we do,"Heading South" usually means Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolina's or even Florida. From Eau Claire WI you have most of the US.
Our afternoon and evening in Eau Claire included a tour of the Leinenkugel's Brewery, with several tastings, some good, some bad, a visit to a nearby Park and Zoo, dinner and an amazing multi acre drive around the Headquarters and distribution area of "Menard's". All enclosed in miles of brown fencing
Our friends, a young couple, spent the time with us and provided the transportation and commentary. Dinner was at "Stella Blues" 306 Madison St. Eau Claire, WI-715-855-7777. We started with an order of Deep Fried Crawfish Bites and an additional order of Cornbread, both with appropriate dipping sauces. we did a lot of splitting and items included a warm Beet salad, Fish Sandwiches, mounds of Cajun and plain French Fries and some grilled chicken, we were partially behaving. In Eau Claire, as one might guess, this was accompanied with Leinenkugel's. We split 2 orders of homemade Brownies covered with Wisconsin Ice Cream. Calories, fat and salt to cover us all for many weeks.
After a nights sleep we headed to Chicago with a stop at "Culver's", near Madison WI, to test the flavor of the day, "Carmel-Cashew".
In the Chicago area we stay with friends, probably too often, in Glencoe. We usually see our "Lobster Group". The "Lobster Group", 4 couples who had a self prepared "Lobster Shore Dinner", 40 years ago has met ever since to repeat the evening, at least once a year, somewhere. As we have aged we have allowed Restaurants to take over the preparation.
The first two nights diners are not worth reporting. We went with local, good friends Sunday to a Hamburger hang out and bar, sort of a repeat of the night before in Eau Claire, and on Monday night we met friends of ours and our son at a street cafe in Wilmette IL.
On Tuesday we were taken by some city friends to a very nice lunch place in Winnetka and then I went into the city, with one of the participants to view the new wing of the Art Institute, done by Lorenzo Piano, an impressive addition.
Tuesday night the 4 couples of the "Lobster Group" met at "Demetri's" in, I believe, Northfield IL-847-940-0777. We have all been there together, once before, to do our planing for the main (or Maine) fall event. "Demetri's" is a large, suburban Greek restaurant with an extensive additional seafood menu. We always have a "rock us", good time and that night was no exception. We had too much to drink, too many appetizers as well as large main courses and several desserts for the table. Both Marilyn and I had whole Dover Sole's which are hard to pass when they are priced around $30, depending on the market. It was a great evening of food and friendship, and over indulgence.
The next day, Marilyn's birthday, we drove home with a stop at "Chic-a-fillet", her favorite fast food joint were they honored the event with a dish of soft serve ice cream, with sprinkles, and a toy stuffed cow, there trademark.
That night, with family we celebrated at "Otto's". Paul Weckman, the chef, had prepared for the occasion Walleye another of Marilyn's favorites, what goes around comes around.
Were blessed with wonderful weather for the 12 days we were gone and too much of everything else.
Our afternoon and evening in Eau Claire included a tour of the Leinenkugel's Brewery, with several tastings, some good, some bad, a visit to a nearby Park and Zoo, dinner and an amazing multi acre drive around the Headquarters and distribution area of "Menard's". All enclosed in miles of brown fencing
Our friends, a young couple, spent the time with us and provided the transportation and commentary. Dinner was at "Stella Blues" 306 Madison St. Eau Claire, WI-715-855-7777. We started with an order of Deep Fried Crawfish Bites and an additional order of Cornbread, both with appropriate dipping sauces. we did a lot of splitting and items included a warm Beet salad, Fish Sandwiches, mounds of Cajun and plain French Fries and some grilled chicken, we were partially behaving. In Eau Claire, as one might guess, this was accompanied with Leinenkugel's. We split 2 orders of homemade Brownies covered with Wisconsin Ice Cream. Calories, fat and salt to cover us all for many weeks.
After a nights sleep we headed to Chicago with a stop at "Culver's", near Madison WI, to test the flavor of the day, "Carmel-Cashew".
In the Chicago area we stay with friends, probably too often, in Glencoe. We usually see our "Lobster Group". The "Lobster Group", 4 couples who had a self prepared "Lobster Shore Dinner", 40 years ago has met ever since to repeat the evening, at least once a year, somewhere. As we have aged we have allowed Restaurants to take over the preparation.
The first two nights diners are not worth reporting. We went with local, good friends Sunday to a Hamburger hang out and bar, sort of a repeat of the night before in Eau Claire, and on Monday night we met friends of ours and our son at a street cafe in Wilmette IL.
On Tuesday we were taken by some city friends to a very nice lunch place in Winnetka and then I went into the city, with one of the participants to view the new wing of the Art Institute, done by Lorenzo Piano, an impressive addition.
Tuesday night the 4 couples of the "Lobster Group" met at "Demetri's" in, I believe, Northfield IL-847-940-0777. We have all been there together, once before, to do our planing for the main (or Maine) fall event. "Demetri's" is a large, suburban Greek restaurant with an extensive additional seafood menu. We always have a "rock us", good time and that night was no exception. We had too much to drink, too many appetizers as well as large main courses and several desserts for the table. Both Marilyn and I had whole Dover Sole's which are hard to pass when they are priced around $30, depending on the market. It was a great evening of food and friendship, and over indulgence.
The next day, Marilyn's birthday, we drove home with a stop at "Chic-a-fillet", her favorite fast food joint were they honored the event with a dish of soft serve ice cream, with sprinkles, and a toy stuffed cow, there trademark.
That night, with family we celebrated at "Otto's". Paul Weckman, the chef, had prepared for the occasion Walleye another of Marilyn's favorites, what goes around comes around.
Were blessed with wonderful weather for the 12 days we were gone and too much of everything else.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Walleye Alley/Minnesota
About time I get back to work.
Bemidji MN is in North Central Minnesota and is a town of about 12,000 full time inhabitants. It is also the home of Bemidji State University and equally important a medal winning curling team in the last winter Olympics.( Medals and clippings in "Dave's Pizza)
We spent Thursday and Friday there visiting our Granddaughter who is a sailing instructor at a girls camp in Cass Lake MN. Our Hampton Inn was on the shore of Lake Bemidji and is a very pleasant 5 story hotel with many amenities.
The first night Marilyn and I dined alone, our Granddaughter was working, at "Tutto Bene" 300 Beltami Ave. Bemidji -218-751-1100. We had eaten at "Tutto Bene" once before, on another camp visit. It seems to have slip slightly but is still above the norm for a small town Italian restaurant. Marilyn had "Pasta Lemonee", a mixture of fresh tomatoes, chicken and summer veggies in a lemon butter sauce. I had Pasta with spicy sausage which was just as the name implied with a bit of cheese added. Both meals came from the kitchen slightly cooler that we might have wished so mine was returned for some extra physical heat. Pasta, salad, bread and olive oil or butter plus our drinks (beer) came to $25 each including tip. The atmosphere and service are both more that acceptable.
The next day our Granddaughter join us and after a first stop at the Laundromat, to clean 2 weeks of her cloths we went to the "Green Mill" a Minnesota chain whose Bemidji property is physically connected to the Hampton Inn. We sat on the terrace, overlooking the lake and received wonderful service from a "trainer" and her charge. We all selected salad, all a full sized meals, but the biggest surprise was an order of "Walleye Sliders" a new menu item. The three, 3 bite sandwiches contained a 2"x2" piece of grilled fresh Walleye on a soft bun. The bun had a light portion of shredded lettuce and each piece of fish was topped with a round slice of half-dill pickle. A spicy garlic mayo was served on the side along with several large pieces of fresh lemon, for those who desired. As you can tell I was enthralled. Now to get someone locally to copy this dish.
After an afternoon of shopping, what else do you do with a teen age girl and her Grandmother we relaxed before driving to Walker MN, about 30 miles, for an outstanding and surprising dinner at the "Boulders" 8363 Lake Land Trail, Walker MN 56484. Phone-218-547-1006.
The "Boulders" is in a beautiful free standing "A" frame structure with a large glass window and deck along the front wall. It is staffed by a very competent chef and the service personnel are all well trained and above the age of High School, as is sometime the case in resort areas.
We started with drinks and a shared platter of homemade chips cover with Blue Cheese, then had salads followed by main courses of Walleye, Marilyn, Paella, Granddaughter and Lamb Chops in a wine reduction for me. Proper garnishes or sides came with each. A shared fresh Red Raspberry Bread pudding and Marilyn's de-caf finished a wonderful evening. With a good sized tip the evening came to about $40 each.
Next morning we drove thru the beautiful lake region an on thru the Twin cities to Eau Claire WI. That comes next.
Bemidji MN is in North Central Minnesota and is a town of about 12,000 full time inhabitants. It is also the home of Bemidji State University and equally important a medal winning curling team in the last winter Olympics.( Medals and clippings in "Dave's Pizza)
We spent Thursday and Friday there visiting our Granddaughter who is a sailing instructor at a girls camp in Cass Lake MN. Our Hampton Inn was on the shore of Lake Bemidji and is a very pleasant 5 story hotel with many amenities.
The first night Marilyn and I dined alone, our Granddaughter was working, at "Tutto Bene" 300 Beltami Ave. Bemidji -218-751-1100. We had eaten at "Tutto Bene" once before, on another camp visit. It seems to have slip slightly but is still above the norm for a small town Italian restaurant. Marilyn had "Pasta Lemonee", a mixture of fresh tomatoes, chicken and summer veggies in a lemon butter sauce. I had Pasta with spicy sausage which was just as the name implied with a bit of cheese added. Both meals came from the kitchen slightly cooler that we might have wished so mine was returned for some extra physical heat. Pasta, salad, bread and olive oil or butter plus our drinks (beer) came to $25 each including tip. The atmosphere and service are both more that acceptable.
The next day our Granddaughter join us and after a first stop at the Laundromat, to clean 2 weeks of her cloths we went to the "Green Mill" a Minnesota chain whose Bemidji property is physically connected to the Hampton Inn. We sat on the terrace, overlooking the lake and received wonderful service from a "trainer" and her charge. We all selected salad, all a full sized meals, but the biggest surprise was an order of "Walleye Sliders" a new menu item. The three, 3 bite sandwiches contained a 2"x2" piece of grilled fresh Walleye on a soft bun. The bun had a light portion of shredded lettuce and each piece of fish was topped with a round slice of half-dill pickle. A spicy garlic mayo was served on the side along with several large pieces of fresh lemon, for those who desired. As you can tell I was enthralled. Now to get someone locally to copy this dish.
After an afternoon of shopping, what else do you do with a teen age girl and her Grandmother we relaxed before driving to Walker MN, about 30 miles, for an outstanding and surprising dinner at the "Boulders" 8363 Lake Land Trail, Walker MN 56484. Phone-218-547-1006.
The "Boulders" is in a beautiful free standing "A" frame structure with a large glass window and deck along the front wall. It is staffed by a very competent chef and the service personnel are all well trained and above the age of High School, as is sometime the case in resort areas.
We started with drinks and a shared platter of homemade chips cover with Blue Cheese, then had salads followed by main courses of Walleye, Marilyn, Paella, Granddaughter and Lamb Chops in a wine reduction for me. Proper garnishes or sides came with each. A shared fresh Red Raspberry Bread pudding and Marilyn's de-caf finished a wonderful evening. With a good sized tip the evening came to about $40 each.
Next morning we drove thru the beautiful lake region an on thru the Twin cities to Eau Claire WI. That comes next.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Walleye Alley/Wisconsin Part 2
Tuesday morning, July 7, we headed North from Madison. Lunch, from our cooler, in a park in Chippewa Falls, on the banks of the Chippewa River and then on to Camp Nebagamon in Lake Nebagamon, WI.
As all who know me know, I have been connected with "Camp Nebagamon for Boys" since 1940, my first year as a camper. In the 1940's as a camper and staff member, in the 1960's and 1970's as a parent of campers and staff members( male and female) as well as a "family camp" attendee and finally in the 1990's and this decade when Marilyn and I were privileged to be on the Staff as "Camp Grandparents" both in title and actuality.
Enough of past history. Now on to this years visit. We were only at camp for approximately 48 hours but during that time visited 3 of our favorite, North woods, eating establishments.
The first night along with our two Grandson's, and two other relatives campers, we dined at "The Deep Lake Lodge" in Iron River WI. Each evening Marilyn and I had Walleye, what else when they are in the lakes of both Northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and Southern Canada. At the "Deep Lake" the main courses, served at our table went from steak, what else do campers eat when being treated, to ribs and seafood kabobs. Several of us started with delicious home made Minestrone Soup and since our meals came with a starter, salad, main course and potato everyone had the works. The "Deep Lake Lodge" is as of all places on Deep Lake and our window table gave us a beautiful and warm view of the evening sunset.
Lunch, the next day, was at "The Anchor Bar" on Tower St. in Superior WI. It has been a favorite of mine since I passed the age of 21. I can only describe it by saying it is an old time seaman bar, near the Lake Superior waterfront and is dark, smokey and highly informal. Why do I love to go there, as do many including some food reviewers? Because all the food is cooked from scratch, they way they think best and turns our to be wonderful. Burgers, and that is 90% of the menu come with an array of toppings while French Fries, made from potato's cut after you order come crisp, hot and with just the right touch of grease. Beer is cold, and the serving staff has always been independent but efficient.
Wednesday night was Adults night out, drinking allowed. Four couples connected with camp and our eldest Grandson went to our eldest son's favorite, the "White Birch" in Solon Springs. Our son says "the White Birch has the best salad bar" and has been quoting that since the mid 70's.
Again Marilyn and I had Walleye, always pan fried, and you guessed, the "salad bar" and potato's. This after my Bombay( none the night before) which I have found cheaper in Northern Wisconsin that some beer. The salad bar may not compete with some in large city steak houses and California but then again it is hands down the best in Solon Springs and environs.
Next we'll move on to Northern Minnesota and the female side of our camping family.
As all who know me know, I have been connected with "Camp Nebagamon for Boys" since 1940, my first year as a camper. In the 1940's as a camper and staff member, in the 1960's and 1970's as a parent of campers and staff members( male and female) as well as a "family camp" attendee and finally in the 1990's and this decade when Marilyn and I were privileged to be on the Staff as "Camp Grandparents" both in title and actuality.
Enough of past history. Now on to this years visit. We were only at camp for approximately 48 hours but during that time visited 3 of our favorite, North woods, eating establishments.
The first night along with our two Grandson's, and two other relatives campers, we dined at "The Deep Lake Lodge" in Iron River WI. Each evening Marilyn and I had Walleye, what else when they are in the lakes of both Northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and Southern Canada. At the "Deep Lake" the main courses, served at our table went from steak, what else do campers eat when being treated, to ribs and seafood kabobs. Several of us started with delicious home made Minestrone Soup and since our meals came with a starter, salad, main course and potato everyone had the works. The "Deep Lake Lodge" is as of all places on Deep Lake and our window table gave us a beautiful and warm view of the evening sunset.
Lunch, the next day, was at "The Anchor Bar" on Tower St. in Superior WI. It has been a favorite of mine since I passed the age of 21. I can only describe it by saying it is an old time seaman bar, near the Lake Superior waterfront and is dark, smokey and highly informal. Why do I love to go there, as do many including some food reviewers? Because all the food is cooked from scratch, they way they think best and turns our to be wonderful. Burgers, and that is 90% of the menu come with an array of toppings while French Fries, made from potato's cut after you order come crisp, hot and with just the right touch of grease. Beer is cold, and the serving staff has always been independent but efficient.
Wednesday night was Adults night out, drinking allowed. Four couples connected with camp and our eldest Grandson went to our eldest son's favorite, the "White Birch" in Solon Springs. Our son says "the White Birch has the best salad bar" and has been quoting that since the mid 70's.
Again Marilyn and I had Walleye, always pan fried, and you guessed, the "salad bar" and potato's. This after my Bombay( none the night before) which I have found cheaper in Northern Wisconsin that some beer. The salad bar may not compete with some in large city steak houses and California but then again it is hands down the best in Solon Springs and environs.
Next we'll move on to Northern Minnesota and the female side of our camping family.
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