The Lakeside Supper Club & Lounge, Oconomowoc, WI, February 23, 2018

Location: Avenue Club and the Bubble Up Bar, Madison, WI   Total Points: 4
Fruit garnish: 0
Color: .5
Muddling: +.5
Bitters: +1
Brandy:+1
Overall taste: +1

Web site: http://thelakesidesupperclub.com/

 

The Drink: This was a really good drink. There was a muddled cherry and orange slice, though no garnish which is OK, because I would rather have muddled fruit. The balance of Korbel and sweet was just about perfect. The color was more on the amber side than red. The only down side was that the flavor of bitters was not apparent.  

 

Atmosphere: This restaurant/bar/night club has changed names and menu options. It used to be Burke's Lakeside. We had a nice view of the sunset over Silver Lake. While their website brands this as "a new spin on retro" there is no retro, supper club, or lounge feel to the place so do not expect that. Nevertheless, it is a pleasant place to gather and we had a nice time.

 

The Experience & Fish Fry: Service was pleasant, though slow. The slowness was OK because it allowed us time to talk and have two BOFs. When we asked what the "pickled pepper calamari" was, the waitress helpfully brought out a bowl of pepperoncini so that one member of our party could test it for spiciness. The deep-fried calamari/pepperoncini was a very pleasant appetizer and was probably the best and most unique dishes of the evening. The menu is Italian which means the batter for the deep fried cod has parmesan cheese in it. While I couldn't taste the cheese, the batter was quite good--very crispy and not greasy. The coleslaw was sweet and had a pleasant onion taste. The requisite rye bread was served since Oconomowoc is close to Milwaukee. The down-side was that the potato pancakes were a mess. They were dry and overcooked in some parts and doughy in others. Overall though, the meal was good.

Golden Mast Inn, Okauchee, WI, August 8, 2014

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.

Todd's Bar & Grill, Oconomowoc, WI August 7, 2014

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?

Nashota Clubhouse, Nashota, WI April 18, 2014

Location: Nashota Clubhouse, Nashota, WI
Web site: http://www.nashotahclubhouse.com/
Points: 3.5
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: +.5
Muddling: 0
Bitters: +1
Brandy: +1
Overall taste: +.5








The Drink: This was a good drink. They used a prepared simple syrup in the first one.  It was a little sweet, but overall the taste was good. In the second one, they used sugar and grenadine instead of the simple syrup.  Not sure if that is what made it better, but the second one was better.

Tips for Improvement:  Less sweet, add an orange to garnish. Muddle some fruit.

Atmosphere: This is your usual Wisconsin bar / restaurant. Nothing fancy.

Experience: Fish fry.  This place was packed which means a wait, which means two BOFS before dinner.  Of course we ordered the fish fry. The fish was not too greasy and good, but the real reason to eat here are the sides. Wonderful homemade coleslaw, potato salad, German potato salad and rye bread.