Location: Golden Mast Inn, Okauchee, WI
Website: http://www.weissgerbergroup.com/goldenmastinn/
Points: 3.5
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: 0
Muddling: +.5
Bitters: +1
Brandy:+.5
Overall taste: +1
The Drink: Ingredients: Ice, Bitters, Korbel, Sprite, Cherry, Orange. These were pretty drinks with a nice orange slice garnish. However, mine was on the weak side in terms of brandy. I would say the drink was adequate.
Tips for Improvement: More brandy for better flavor.
Atmosphere: This place is a glamorous Wisconsin supper club--they even have live music. It is right on one of the beautiful Oconomowoc area lakes. Everywhere you look there are cozy, nautical touches--note the swordfish over the fireplace mantle.
Experience: What could be better than a Friday fish fry on the lake in late summer? I grew up in Oconomowoc, but I had never been here before. I didn't know what I was missing. I loved it! The dinner was served family style and included coleslaw, potato salad, rye bread, and potato pancakes with apple sauce. We had a combination of cod and walleye which was nicely breaded and fried.
Needless to say, everyone loved it, even the kids. We topped off our meal with grasshopper and bananas foster.
Location: Todd's Bar & Grill, Oconomowoc, WI
Website: http://www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/Oconomowoc/ToddsGrillSteakhouse/
Points: 4
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: +.5
Muddling: +1
Bitters: +.5
Brandy:+.5
Overall taste: +1
The Drink: The drink was carefully crafted and technically nearly perfect. It consisted of muddled orange, cherries and a sugar cube; a splash of cherry juice, bitters, Korbel brandy and a spot of sprite. The drink tasted good, but the brandy was a little on the strong side and therefore overpowered the bitters a bit. But, a strong drink is better than a weak drink.
Tips for Improvement: Use a little less brandy (I can't believe I'm saying that!)
Atmosphere: This is a traditional small-town Wisconsin bar / grill. It is long and narrow and friendly.
The Experience: Oconomowoc is my hometown and I was there with friends. We ran into other people we know, so we definitely had the cozy, neighborhood bar thing going on. My friend Tim the bartender made us our drinks--he was waiting for us with muddle in hand. To top it off, "The Wizard of Oz" was being shown on the street outside with an audience of thousands. The event was being held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the premiere which was held in Oconomowoc. It even made the CBS morning news. People were dressed in costume and we drank our BOFs with wicked witches. How cool is that?
