Rookies Sports Bar and Pub, Okauchee, WI

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I'm sorry the blog is a little late, but Ann and I had a very eventful weekend and didn't get to the details of our fish fry experience.  We had thrown a surprise 40th birthday party for her brother Tom on Saturday and spent Sunday recovering.  It a lot of hard work and effort to keep the surprise, but it was all worth it to see the look on his face when he walked into the door.  Happy Birthday Loppy, and many, many more to you!  I think I might have celebrated a bit too much, but oh well...there's always room for that right?

This Friday, Ann and I ventured to a fish fry luncheon, as we both had the "day off" of work and wanted to check out Rookies as it was the venue for the surprise party.  We looked at their menu and decided we could kill "two birds" by checking out how we were going to set everything up and relax to an afternoon fish dinner.  All while watching the Badgers play Wofford in the crazy 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. 

Rookies is every bit a "bar" -- so if you're looking for a fine dining experience in the evening, I suggest you travel elsewhere.  However, if you're in the mood to sit at the bar, I highly suggest you go to Okauchee and check this menu out. 

I dined on the "traditional" menu item of deep fried Haddock, with potato pancakes, garnished with a side of cole slaw and rye bread ($6.95, YES, $6.95 and it was all-you-can-eat).  Not only did we get an upgrade of fish in the haddock, but for all of you people that love "extras" -- you could eat until your belly was unreasonably full!  I have never heard of such a price for a fish fry, but then again, you're not getting any ambiance, but I didn't care.

The haddock was exquisite (yes, I used that word to describe bar food) -- it could not have been cooked any better and the light beer batter was the perfect compliment to the fish.  The flavoring in the batter was delightful and just the right amount of crunch before diving into the flaky, moist haddock.  I ordered the potato pancakes, which were superb.  I could not have been more surprised at how good this food was, because you wouldn't expect it by walking in the door. That's the great thing about Wisconsin, even your local tavern can have the best comfort food around. 

Our meal was complimented by a wonderful cup of homemade clam chowder that was thick, rich and full of potatoes and hearty pieces of clam.  I loved the soup and could have made a meal out of it. 

The service was "ok" -- but the bar was basically empty, however, nothing is more annoying than watching the help talk on the cell phone or text.  I realize she wasn't too busy, but there are always things that can be done.  I will have to say, though, that as much as she wasn't around, she seemed to show up when the beer glass was empty, so I guess there's something to be said for that.

All in all, the fish fry at Rookie's was great and I would suggest you taking a trip out there for a little food before you hit their dance floor (and they even have a stripper pole...). 

I will give Rookie's an 8 out of 10.  If it was based on just the fish itself, I would be inclined to give out the perfect score.  It was an amazing meal.

So, if you're in the lake country area, I highly suggest visiting Rookies, especially if you are in the area for lunch.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your week...I'm heading to spend time with my sister and her children, which is always entertaining.  I'm looking forward to the little bit of time away and have quality "sister" time. 

I will try to squeeze in a fish fry too, as I know how much you all enjoy the blog.

Don't forget to put a huge smile on your face and hug someone you love!  :-)

Kurt's Steakhouse, Delfield, WI

You know, there is something to be said about having a routine.  Personally I like structure and planning, so when those types of things are not happening in my life, I get a little anxious.  The last couple of weeks I was taken out of my routine and wasn't able to "plan" as I usually do, which left me a little uneasy, but thankfully I made it through the bumps in the road and am back for yet another fish fry blog!

I never thought that I'd be happy to be in a "routine" but it's where I'm happiest.  At work, at the gym, at yoga and of course at the latest and greatest restaurant in Lake Country trying to find the very best fish fry!

I will keep you posted about next week's outing, because depending on selection Sunday and when my beloved Wisconsin Badgers take the court for March Madness will dictate what my Friday night dining plans will be.  Who knows, I may just take out Culver's and watch the game somewhere.

I will make sure it becomes a very important part of my routine!

This week Ann was again out of town, so my friend Kendra Ferguson and I decided to go to Kurt's Steakhouse 22 West Main Street, Delafield, Wis.  I have heard a lot of great things about this restaurant, mostly about their famous steaks, but this was a Friday, it's Lent I'm Catholic and we need a blog!

I am going to copy Kendra's sentiments about this week's outing and I will chime in.

KF: I can’t believe it has been more than a month since I’d been able to join in on Beth and Ann’s weekly fish fry outings. That’s completely unacceptable! Needless to say, I was excited to be able to join Beth (Ann was missed!) at Kurt’s Steakhouse in Delafield for dinner. I’ve been to Kurt’s Steakhouse many times, but always for steak, never for fish. The restaurant has a very traditional steakhouse look and feel, with lots of regular patrons who obviously spend enough evenings there to be on a first name basis with the bartenders and wait staff. I arrived a few minutes before Beth, so made my way over to the bar, which was filled with people waiting for a table. The bartenders were very friendly and efficient, which is a great combination in a packed bar. When Beth arrived she put our name in for a table (which I forgot to do because I was very thirst and the bar was calling my name), and was notified that the wait time would be approximately 30 minutes, which is pretty standard at this establishment. Beth and I nibbled on amazing potato chips at the bar while we waited. Okay, I think we actually ate most of the bowl of potato chips because they were so good and we were hungry!

After about 25-30 minutes our table was ready, and we were seated for dinner. My only minor complaint about Kurt’s would be the size of the table we were given – XS (extra small)! I think Beth and I were both surprised by the lack of table space, but it really turned out to be a non-issue. Our waitress took our drink order immediately, and then walked us through the many specials available on Friday evening. We quickly received bread and coleslaw, which I found to be well above average, and then ordered our dinner. I have to admit that I really wanted to order the petite filet, which is always amazing, but knew I had to fulfill my duty and ordered the baked cod ($14.95). It turns out I’m really glad I did! The fish, which was served in very short order, was baked to perfection, crispy on the outside and light and flaky on the inside, and the seasoning tasted amazing! I used almost zero tartar sauce, which for me is an indication that I’m really enjoying my dinner. In addition to the fish, I selected the parmesan au gratin potatoes as a side, and they were creamy and delicious. Overall, Friday night at Kurt’s Steakhouse had everything I was looking for in a fabulous fish fry experience – amazing conversation, great service, and outstanding food, so I give Kurt’s a 9.5 out of 10! 

Like Kendra stated, the waitress was prompt in giving us our service, took our drink order and allowed us time to peruse the menu and ponder the specials she rattled off.   I decided to go for the Italian breaded deep fried cod ($.9.95) which is their traditional "Fish Fry" for each and ever Friday night.   The bread which came to the table shortly after our orders was warm, sourdough rolls and as much as my trainer might cringe when she reads this I have to say, the butter melted on the bread and then proceeded to melt in my mouth.  It was amazing. I don't think there is a more comforting feeling than warm bread/melting butter and the same feeling on your palette.

Next she brought us a creamy coleslaw which was a little too much in my opinion.  Too much cream, mayo, and a bit heavy, however, shortly after the slaw disappointment I was greeted by an entree I will not forget for a while.  What a highlight of the evening!  

My fried cod was perfect.  There is no other way to describe how good this dish was. Two weeks ago I know I ranted and raved about our dinners at "On the Rocks" -- but this fish was one step above in overall presentation, flavor and, of course, perfection.  The breading on the fish was a light italian bread crumb with simple spices and had a nice subtle crunch to it.  Once you were past the breading (which wasn't overwhelming) you got to a white, flaky,  flawless piece of cod.  This was true comfort food on a Friday night.   The feeling I got while eating the bread was exactly the same as eating this fish fry.  Once I got past the crunch of the breading, the fish literally melted in my mouth like a warm piece of butter.  No extra seasoning necessary, and of course, no tartar!  

The potato pancake was very average, but I really didn't care after digging my fork into the fish.  But for that reason, I will have to stay true to my ratings and give Kurt's Steakhouse a 9 out of 10.  That last point could be reached with a little extra effort on cole slaw and the potato pancake.   Our service was fantastic and I will definitely be back at Kurt's for a dinner soon.  

I guess I got a little reward for getting back into my routine and I couldn't be happier.

In the meantime I'd like to wish all my friends (even the non-Irish) a Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Even though I have NO Irish background in my family, I like to say I'm preparing for Oktoberfest.

Have a wonderful week, Go Badgers and as always, give someone you love a hug this week...and let them know how much they mean to you, life is too short not to!

On the Rocks, Merton, WI

Ok, so I had this wonderful blog written and as I was copying and pasting some general information into this hot little page, everything got deleted.  I have not been able to get it back, so I'm starting from scratch, which is just a little irritating today.  I will do my best to improve upon the perfection I wrote earlier!  LOL.

First, mad props to Team USA and the athletes that made this Winter Olympics so much fun to watch and follow.  The gold-medal hockey match between the USA and Canada did not disappoint, although I would have preferred a different outcome.  It amazes me how the Olympics seem to become more and more of a spectacle, but I love it.  Vancouver did a great job, although the closing ceremonies were a little weird. 

Enough of that, let's talk fish!

I did want to say very quickly that after being sick last week and with Ann being in Costa Rica, the blog was a little bit different, I want to give Dionne and Andy Groth a huge thank you for filling in last week, as it is really important to keep this going.  Also, to all of you who comment, thank you, it's awesome to know that my little opinion is getting some attention.  I hope you continue to enjoy the blog and visit the restaurants we love!

This past Friday we ventured to Merton (just outside Hartland) to On the Rocks Pub and Grill.  I've been to this place once before, but just for drinks, so I was excited to check out their dining room and have heard great things about their food. I am going to stop rambling for a moment to give you Ann's addition to this blog and I will follow up!

 I was glad to be back to Fish Fry Friday…I must admit I was feeling a little empty not having enjoyed the company of my friends and fish fries for TWO WEEKS.  After deciding to spend our Friday workout night at Yoga we went to Merton for our fish fry.  I realized as we pulled into town that in the 28 years I have lived in Hartland I can’t remember ever eating dinner in Merton!?!?!?  Well, I hope that all places in Merton serve up as good of a meal as the one we had on Friday!  We each started with a bowl of clam chowder which was delicious...I am sucker for chowder ☺  The fish fry we ordered was the Potato Crusted Chive and Cheddar Cod.  I opted for the potato pancakes because I love potato pancakes, especially good ones!  When our food came not only did it look delicious but it tasted fantastic too!!!!  It really was so good that it did not take long for it to be off our plates and in our bellies.  The potato crusted chive and cheddar part of the fish was simply brilliant.  It added a flavor to the fish that was unexpected…We really enjoyed our fish fry and I think I speak for all we I say we will visit this fish fry again!!!  9.5/10

 I have to agree with Ann's sentiments about the Fry at On the Rocks. The front door gave way to a pretty crowded bar and we were a little apprehensive to stay barring the amount of people, however, as we ventured back the dining room was free and clear (one of the advantages of going out to eat late).  We were immediately greeted by a smiling face offering to take our drink order. Upon receiving our cocktails, we immediately ordered.  

I know I have taken a little bit of flack for not ordering the "traditional" fish fry, but this Potato Crusted Cheddar and Chive Cod ($12.95) looked way too good to pass up. Any time there is a unique flavor combination in breading, I want to try it and I'm sorry if that is troublesome to a few readers, but boy, am I glad tried this entree.  Side note: On the Rocks also offered Fried/Baked Cod ($9.95) and Fried/Baked Perch ($11/95).  

 

We started the meal with some average clam chowder, my guess it was a food service brand, and while it was served hot, was lacking a bit in flavor.  Shortly after finishing our cups of soup, the entrees arrived.  And like Ann had said prior, this dish was amazing.  I decided to get the baked potato with my meal, and like most frys, this dish was complimented by a piece of rye bread and coleslaw.  The sides, again were average, but this is the last time I'll use that word to describe our dinner.

The crust on this fish was a superbly blended mixture of potato, cheddar and chive. Although the breading was a little heavy, it wasn't too much, probably because the flavor was  unique.  After breaking through the crust with my fork I was greeted with a perfectly cooked piece of cod, which is difficult to master when your breading is a little thick.  The combination was amazing and I certainly would recommend On the Rocks for your Friday dining excursion.

I will give the meal an 8 out of 10 (just because of the lackluster sides and soup).  

Next week Ann and I will be out of town, and the blog will continue after our March 12 fry!  I'm heading to a family weekend, so you might get a peep out of me after I go to dinner with my parents at Blanck's.  I cannot wait for some yummy haddock again!

Until the next blog, I hope you all have a great week.  Eat well and hug someone you love!