Friday, November 20, 2009
Olympus and Park Ridge Cafe
A commenter pointed out that I left off two good restaurants - The Olympus and the Park Ridge Cafe. A bad oversight on my part. Both are wonderful family restaurants, serving what might be called "greasy spoon with flair." Lots of good traditional food at good prices!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Restaurant of the Month
Christian's Bistro has been chosen by the Wisconsin's tourism division as their "Restaurant of the Month" for December. Here's an excerpt from their site(it's on the right side bar)...
"Have we got a restaurant pick of the month for you, and I don’t know that I was ever so surprised to find such a gem. We were filming for Discover Wisconsin Television, when they told us we needed to check out a place called Christian’s Bistro, a New Orleans-style Bistro in Plover, Wisconsin..."
"Have we got a restaurant pick of the month for you, and I don’t know that I was ever so surprised to find such a gem. We were filming for Discover Wisconsin Television, when they told us we needed to check out a place called Christian’s Bistro, a New Orleans-style Bistro in Plover, Wisconsin..."
Monday, September 29, 2008
Flat Top Grill
Flat Top Grill
538 N. Midvale Blvd.
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: 608-236-0500
Fax: 608-236-4008
On a recent trip to Madison, I unexpectedly found myself at the Flat Top Grill. The Flat Top Grill has an interesting shtick going for it – you go through a buffet style line and fill your bowl with all sorts of stuff that is then stir-fried for you. I was a bit dubious; the idea of making your own stir-fry was just a bit too similar to Seinfeld’s Kramer having the “bake your own pizza” concept.
The restaurant was very busy but we were seated quickly and greeted by a friendly waitress. Before taking our drink order, she explained the how the restaurant worked. To tell you the truth, I was a little concerned by the fact that the restaurant procedures needed to be explained. I generally like to not think when I go out, hence the going out. But in reality, it was a pretty straightforward process - pile up your bowl, put your protein in another bowl, and send it back to the cooks. The various available ingredients (veggies, mushrooms, rice, noodles etc.,) were all fresh and looked good. The proteins too were quite inviting(at lunch shrimp was not available, but surprisingly fresh and tasty squid was). Once you drop the bowl off at the grill and it is cooked, your server brings it to you. Overall a speedy process – the cooking part that is. The line to fill your bowl was at times slow and crowded. The food was very good, especially when you consider that the price of a lunch bowl was $6.99.
A couple of drawbacks:
1. Not all the time would I feel like waiting in a buffet style line then waiting for my food to get cooked (especially since the server should get the standard tip since it isn't a true buffer, or at least I think the server should).
2. You get a wide range of sauces and flavors to choose from, and if you aren't careful (see children) you could end up with something too hot, or too bland, or just too gross.
Overall, I enjoyed my lunch at the Flat Top Grill and would highly recommend it for adults and children. The atmosphere was just fine, the price was good, the food was great, and the service was excellent.
538 N. Midvale Blvd.
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: 608-236-0500
Fax: 608-236-4008
On a recent trip to Madison, I unexpectedly found myself at the Flat Top Grill. The Flat Top Grill has an interesting shtick going for it – you go through a buffet style line and fill your bowl with all sorts of stuff that is then stir-fried for you. I was a bit dubious; the idea of making your own stir-fry was just a bit too similar to Seinfeld’s Kramer having the “bake your own pizza” concept.
The restaurant was very busy but we were seated quickly and greeted by a friendly waitress. Before taking our drink order, she explained the how the restaurant worked. To tell you the truth, I was a little concerned by the fact that the restaurant procedures needed to be explained. I generally like to not think when I go out, hence the going out. But in reality, it was a pretty straightforward process - pile up your bowl, put your protein in another bowl, and send it back to the cooks. The various available ingredients (veggies, mushrooms, rice, noodles etc.,) were all fresh and looked good. The proteins too were quite inviting(at lunch shrimp was not available, but surprisingly fresh and tasty squid was). Once you drop the bowl off at the grill and it is cooked, your server brings it to you. Overall a speedy process – the cooking part that is. The line to fill your bowl was at times slow and crowded. The food was very good, especially when you consider that the price of a lunch bowl was $6.99.
A couple of drawbacks:
1. Not all the time would I feel like waiting in a buffet style line then waiting for my food to get cooked (especially since the server should get the standard tip since it isn't a true buffer, or at least I think the server should).
2. You get a wide range of sauces and flavors to choose from, and if you aren't careful (see children) you could end up with something too hot, or too bland, or just too gross.
Overall, I enjoyed my lunch at the Flat Top Grill and would highly recommend it for adults and children. The atmosphere was just fine, the price was good, the food was great, and the service was excellent.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Quick Review--The Wheel House Restaurant
Wow, it's been awhile. Sorry about that. With the economy the way it is, I spend my time waiting on people who are going out rather than going out myself! So, if any restaurant out there would like to give me a free meal...
So on to the review.
The Wheel House Restaurant
E 1209 Cty Tk Q,
Waupaca, WI
Although I've lived in Point for ten years now, I haven't spent much time eating in Waupaca - known for the beautiful Chain of Lakes. I always figured it would be too touristy. I was pretty wrong.
The Wheel House feels like a rough and tumble kind of place. It is very family friendly and even on a Monday night, was very busy. Of course we went there on Pizza Smorgasbord night. Usually I'm not so into those types of things. But I assure you it was good!
We arrived to a packed house. Even so, we only only had to wait twenty minutes for a table for four. In the meantime, we sat at the outside bar (they also have outside tables but a thunderstorm was coming so we opted to wait) and had some drinks. The bar staff was very friendly and quick to serve. Drinks were reasonable - imported beer was $3.25, mixed drinks about the same. While we drank, a storm did hit. One of those holy-shit-it's-raining type storms. Luckily, the rain was coming straight down so we were safe under the short roof extending off the bar.
Once seated, the pizza was great. They had quite a variety (all typical kinds, no mac and cheese pizza like my youngest kid loves)and it was all excellent and quickly replenished. My only complaint was our server. Yes, it was crazy busy, yes we were eating the buffet, but she was very slow on drink refills and taking away plates. Even so, it was a great inexpensive and fun time.
Although I didn't order from the menu, my companions assured me I should come back for the ribs. I certainly will. In addition to good food and a fun atmosphere, The Wheel House has many live music events to check out, and in September a customer appreciation party.
The Wheel House is definitely not fine dining, but is a lot of fun and good food. Menu prices range from $5.00 to $20.00 for entrees.
So on to the review.
The Wheel House Restaurant
E 1209 Cty Tk Q,
Waupaca, WI
Although I've lived in Point for ten years now, I haven't spent much time eating in Waupaca - known for the beautiful Chain of Lakes. I always figured it would be too touristy. I was pretty wrong.
The Wheel House feels like a rough and tumble kind of place. It is very family friendly and even on a Monday night, was very busy. Of course we went there on Pizza Smorgasbord night. Usually I'm not so into those types of things. But I assure you it was good!
We arrived to a packed house. Even so, we only only had to wait twenty minutes for a table for four. In the meantime, we sat at the outside bar (they also have outside tables but a thunderstorm was coming so we opted to wait) and had some drinks. The bar staff was very friendly and quick to serve. Drinks were reasonable - imported beer was $3.25, mixed drinks about the same. While we drank, a storm did hit. One of those holy-shit-it's-raining type storms. Luckily, the rain was coming straight down so we were safe under the short roof extending off the bar.
Once seated, the pizza was great. They had quite a variety (all typical kinds, no mac and cheese pizza like my youngest kid loves)and it was all excellent and quickly replenished. My only complaint was our server. Yes, it was crazy busy, yes we were eating the buffet, but she was very slow on drink refills and taking away plates. Even so, it was a great inexpensive and fun time.
Although I didn't order from the menu, my companions assured me I should come back for the ribs. I certainly will. In addition to good food and a fun atmosphere, The Wheel House has many live music events to check out, and in September a customer appreciation party.
The Wheel House is definitely not fine dining, but is a lot of fun and good food. Menu prices range from $5.00 to $20.00 for entrees.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Eno Vino - Madison Wisconsin
Although not right in downtown Madison, Eno Vino is very much worth the trip from wherever you are. Eno Vino is a tapas style restaurant that boasts over 400 wines by the bottle and more than 40 wines by the glass. In essence, tapas are the currently fashionable Spanish tradition of eating numerous small plates of food accompanied by drink. Traditionally in Spain, this means visiting many bars/eateries, but in the United States, it has come to mean little bits of food. Either way, the tapas at Eno Vino are exceptional; the food is great. For our first plate, my companion had the tomato bisque with baby-grilled cheese – excellent, while I had the Frisee and Belgium Endive salad – a very tasty salad and a nice dish to start with. Our next dish was mussels served with steamed spinach all of which was flooded in an amazing broth. I could have eaten them all night. Foie gras trio was wonderful; although the foie gras flan wasn’t something I’d be into having again. We then had the Bisque of Cold Water Lobster and King Crab. A good dish, nothing to keep you up at night thinking about though. For desert we had a philo wrapped brownie – very tasty, but as with most desserts, terribly overpriced.
The service was excellent. The server did a nice job of suggesting wines and followed through with very well done wine service. The décor was fine, my only negative comment being the style of seating – on a busy night, the lack of booths or separation of seats would make you get to know your neighbors a bit more than perhaps you want to.
Overall, Eno Vino is an excellent restaurant that I highly recommend.
Location:
601 Junction Rd,
Madison Wi
608.664.9565
Price range $14-$30
The service was excellent. The server did a nice job of suggesting wines and followed through with very well done wine service. The décor was fine, my only negative comment being the style of seating – on a busy night, the lack of booths or separation of seats would make you get to know your neighbors a bit more than perhaps you want to.
Overall, Eno Vino is an excellent restaurant that I highly recommend.
Location:
601 Junction Rd,
Madison Wi
608.664.9565
Price range $14-$30
Monday, November 19, 2007
Guest Review - Christian's Bistro
This is our first guest review by a writer known as Jeff. If you'd eaten somewhere and want to comment (even if it is outside Central Wisconsin) please send it to me! Thanks Jeff for your hard work.
Christian's Bistro
Christian’s Bistro has been open for around nine months. It is in Plover, WI near the Hampton Inn. The physical set up is very nice. It seats around eighty, but they only have six booths, so if you want a booth make sure to ask for one when you make reservations. By the way, you should definitely make reservations. We’ve found that even what you’d think of as a slow night can get busy. The one bad thing about its physical set up is the high metal ceiling and hard floors make it an echo chamber. Christian’s features an open kitchen with a food bar – it is fun to watch the goings on of the cooks while waiting for your food.
The food itself is simply a delight. The waitress told us that they rotate the menu every three months; their current menu includes entrees such as New Orleans Muffaletta Sandwich, Grilled Flat Iron Steak Panini (w/ Brie Cheese and Sweet Potato Fries), and Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp, and appetizers such as Baked Three Day Duck & Wild Mushroom Strudel and Wisconsin Artisan Cheese Plate.
On my recent visit I had the Steak Panini ($9.95). It was excellent. The Brie cheese worked with the steak to create a flavorful combination. My co-eater had one of the six specials offered the night we were there – Monkfish served with broccolini on a bed of arugula ($20.00). After tasting her dish I wish I had chosen to spend the extra money. It was delicious. Our waitress told us that they get their seafood overnighted and it is never frozen. This sounded a bit like a sales pitch, but after tasting the Monk fish, I believe her!
The service was wonderful – our server was attentive but not annoying. Our only complaint is the time it took to get our food. It was a busy night, but I still think thirty minutes to get our entrees was a bit long. Combine that with the fact that they don’t provide any munchies while you wait, and it probably seemed longer than it was.
All in all, Christian’s gets an A+ from us. Excellent food, reasonable prices, good atmosphere.
EDITORS NOTE
Just wanted to add some information from their website:
Christian Czerwonka is an acclaimed chef with an A.O.S. Degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Beginning as a line cook, for superstar chef and TV personality, Emeril Lagasse, at his famous New Orleans eatery, NOLA Restaurant, he gained his southern cuisine flare and refined the art of food and wine pairings. Over the years, he moved his way up to the Chef de Cuisine, designing the menus and running Emeril's Delmonico Steak House in the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, and his Atlanta restaurant. Under Christian's supervision, Delmonico was voted the best Steakhouse for two years running.
3066 Village Park Drive, Plover, WI 54467
Hours of Operation:_
Open at 10:30 a.m. with seating until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday_
Open at 7:00 a.m. with seating until 8:00 p.m., Saturday_
Closed Sunday and Monday_
Christian's Bistro
Christian’s Bistro has been open for around nine months. It is in Plover, WI near the Hampton Inn. The physical set up is very nice. It seats around eighty, but they only have six booths, so if you want a booth make sure to ask for one when you make reservations. By the way, you should definitely make reservations. We’ve found that even what you’d think of as a slow night can get busy. The one bad thing about its physical set up is the high metal ceiling and hard floors make it an echo chamber. Christian’s features an open kitchen with a food bar – it is fun to watch the goings on of the cooks while waiting for your food.
The food itself is simply a delight. The waitress told us that they rotate the menu every three months; their current menu includes entrees such as New Orleans Muffaletta Sandwich, Grilled Flat Iron Steak Panini (w/ Brie Cheese and Sweet Potato Fries), and Bacon Wrapped Gulf Shrimp, and appetizers such as Baked Three Day Duck & Wild Mushroom Strudel and Wisconsin Artisan Cheese Plate.
On my recent visit I had the Steak Panini ($9.95). It was excellent. The Brie cheese worked with the steak to create a flavorful combination. My co-eater had one of the six specials offered the night we were there – Monkfish served with broccolini on a bed of arugula ($20.00). After tasting her dish I wish I had chosen to spend the extra money. It was delicious. Our waitress told us that they get their seafood overnighted and it is never frozen. This sounded a bit like a sales pitch, but after tasting the Monk fish, I believe her!
The service was wonderful – our server was attentive but not annoying. Our only complaint is the time it took to get our food. It was a busy night, but I still think thirty minutes to get our entrees was a bit long. Combine that with the fact that they don’t provide any munchies while you wait, and it probably seemed longer than it was.
All in all, Christian’s gets an A+ from us. Excellent food, reasonable prices, good atmosphere.
EDITORS NOTE
Just wanted to add some information from their website:
Christian Czerwonka is an acclaimed chef with an A.O.S. Degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Beginning as a line cook, for superstar chef and TV personality, Emeril Lagasse, at his famous New Orleans eatery, NOLA Restaurant, he gained his southern cuisine flare and refined the art of food and wine pairings. Over the years, he moved his way up to the Chef de Cuisine, designing the menus and running Emeril's Delmonico Steak House in the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, and his Atlanta restaurant. Under Christian's supervision, Delmonico was voted the best Steakhouse for two years running.
3066 Village Park Drive, Plover, WI 54467
Hours of Operation:_
Open at 10:30 a.m. with seating until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday_
Open at 7:00 a.m. with seating until 8:00 p.m., Saturday_
Closed Sunday and Monday_
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Quick List…Updated 11/13
Here’s an alphabetical list of places we (meaning me) would recommend eating at in the Stevens Point, Plover, Wausau area of Wisconsin. I’m not including large chain restaurants, since you know what you are getting in those anyway…
I’ll be adding to the list, but wanted to get it posted and started up. Suggestions are welcome.
Chef Chu's
Open for lunch and dinner
Chinese cuisine - great Sunday buffet
$5-$20 entrees
Christians Bistro, Plover
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$30 entrees
The City Grill, An American Bistro, Wausau
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
El Mezcal
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
Excellent traditional Mexican food
The Hill Top, Stevens Point
Open for lunch and dinner
$5-$25 entrees
Hudson’s Grill, Plover and Wausau
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
Pagliacci
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$35 entrees
a little overpriced, but good food
Silver Coach, Stevens Point
Open for lunch and dinner
$20-$30 entrees
Water Street Grill, Stevens Point
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
The Wright Place on 6th St, Wausau
Open for lunch and dinner
$20-$35 entrees
The Wooden Chair, Stevens Point
Open for breakfast and lunch
$5-$15
I’ll be adding to the list, but wanted to get it posted and started up. Suggestions are welcome.
Chef Chu's
Open for lunch and dinner
Chinese cuisine - great Sunday buffet
$5-$20 entrees
Christians Bistro, Plover
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$30 entrees
The City Grill, An American Bistro, Wausau
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
El Mezcal
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
Excellent traditional Mexican food
The Hill Top, Stevens Point
Open for lunch and dinner
$5-$25 entrees
Hudson’s Grill, Plover and Wausau
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
Pagliacci
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$35 entrees
a little overpriced, but good food
Silver Coach, Stevens Point
Open for lunch and dinner
$20-$30 entrees
Water Street Grill, Stevens Point
Open for lunch and dinner
$10-$25 entrees
The Wright Place on 6th St, Wausau
Open for lunch and dinner
$20-$35 entrees
The Wooden Chair, Stevens Point
Open for breakfast and lunch
$5-$15
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