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An ideal Father’s Day

Sunday, June 12th, 2011

The number of restaurants that advertise Mother’s Day specials compared to Father’s Day specials has to be 25 to 1. What, are dads supposed to spend the day watching sports on TV and then grilling out in the backyard? That’s not really different from any other Sunday.

So dads, how are you going to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19? Here’s an itinerary that I would like:

MORNING

Eat breakfast at a diner, such as Hubbard Avenue Diner or Mickie’s Dairy Bar. Although I prefer to play golf in the afternoon (so that I can have a drink or six), I’d play a round after breakfast at The Oaks or Foxboro.

AFTERNOON

Have lunch somewhere quick and casual, maybe Coopers Tavern or Great Dane Fitchburg. Spend the rest of the afternoon cruising on a boat on Lake Mendota, with a stop for (more) beverages at The Pier at the Edgewater Hotel. If you don’t have access to a boat, Betty Lou Cruises has special cruises on Father’s Day.

EVENING

We have to get some meat at dinner! How about Samba or The Del-Bar? I’d then cap the night with some scotch and cigars at Maduro.

For other dining suggestions, try the “Father’s Day” check box on the EAT page. Happy Father’s Day!

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For a cheese trip, try Henning’s

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

I was in Elkhart Lake over the weekend, and while researching area attractions, I discovered Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese in Kiel. Honestly, after my visit, I’m ashamed I had never heard of the place, which houses both a cheese factory and a museum.

Even on a Saturday morning, Henning’s was doing brisk business. It has multiple world championships for its cheeses, including a gold medal this year for its Reduced Fat Farmers, and it has been featured on Food Network and ESPN in an interview with the Packers about their favorite types of cheese.

The museum is pretty small–just one room–but it’s neat to see the old equipment used to make cheese. Through the windows you can see the factory, though it was not in operation when I was there.

I really enjoyed the six-year aged sharp cheddar, which is a bargain at only $7.89/lb. The chipotle and tomato basil cheeses also were good, though the fruit cheeses (e.g. caramel apple) were a little weird.

Any cheese you buy can be shredded or sliced on the spot. You also can buy wine and some meats (e.g. brats).

I’d love to buy a wagon wheel–maybe 75 lbs?–for a party some day. All of Henning’s products can be ordered online, so you don’t have to make the trip if you’re not in the neighborhood (about two hours from Madison).

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Memorial Day dining and events ideas

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

I love Memorial Day because to me, it signals the start of summer here in the Midwest. If you plan on heading out of town, here are some events, restaurants and bars within a two-hour drive that I suggest checking out:

Lake Geneva area

  • I’ve enjoyed the all-you-can-eat fish fry at Popeye’s On Lake Geneva. Champs Sports Bar and Grill and Hogs & Kisses are some fun places to grab a drink or watch the game. I would like to try Ryan Braun’s Tavern & Grill (formerly the Cactus Club) some day.
  • On the other side of the lake is Fontana, which features the Abbey Resort. If you’re looking for a spa, the on-site Avani Spa is definitely the place to go (you may not want to leave!).
  • Not too far from Lake Geneva is Burlington, home of the annual ChocolateFest (Friday-Monday), complete with live music, chocolate and wine pairings and a chocolate eating contest. It’s a fun event, but I really mean this: there needs to be more chocolate! For example, most of the food vendors don’t sell chocolate.

Galena, Ill.

Kohler/Elkhart Lake

  • The Midwest’s only AAA Five-Diamond Resort, the American Club, will host many of the events for the Kohler Festival of Beer this weekend. I wonder if patrons are supposed to wear suits and dresses when they drink the beer?
  • Speaking of the American Club, the Horse & Plow is a pub and grill in the same complex that’s open to the public. Sorta has a Boston feel to it. For places to eat in Elkhart Lake, watch this informative video from the visitor’s bureau.

Please leave a comment below if you have some fun places or events worth checking out. Have a great weekend!

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