Fox & Hounds in Hubertus never lived up to the billing

I've been dreading writing this blog since Friday. I have not been put in a predicament like this since I started the blog last year, but it happened, and I knew some day I'd have to suck it up and write my first crappy review.

This week my friends Mike and Shannon joined me at the Fox & Hounds, 1298 Friess Lake Road, Hubertus, WI.  I was told how great the fish fry was and even though it was outside the Waukesha County/Lake Country radius, I was excited to try it.  It was recommended by a few friends and some reviews online suggested we were in for a real treat.  I was seriously disappointed.

First of all, let me say something positive, the setting in the middle of nowhere with the rustic decor and living room atmosphere was pleasant, even though this place is huge, it still felt like you were in a comfortable atmosphere. My glass of Pinot Noir was excellent and we were ready to head to our table.  This is where the fun ended for me.

Mike and Shannon opted for the all-you-can eat deep fried cod and shrimp for $9.99, I decided to have the baked cod for $14.99.  This is my first real disconnect with pricing.  I realize that baked fish is normally priced higher, but usually a dollar or two, but FIVE dollars? I would like every restaurant to know that I KNOW it doesn't require $5 dollars worth of work to put loins of cod into a broiler with water/butter, rarely is baked fish prepared to order, and I'd challenge anyone to correct me if I'm wrong. (Along with your fish you are given a side of french fries (baked potato for $1 extra), creamy cole slaw and a slice of rye bread.  You were not treated to any potato pancakes at the Fox & Hounds and again, to charge $1 extra for a baked potato is absurd.)

There is only one way to describe my baked cod, BLAND.  While the fish was perfectly cooked, it was grossly under-seasoned with a hint of paprika. It seemed like there was nothing else, and I definitely gave my own healthy dusting of salt and pepper before I doused it in butter.  I had about half of my dinner and decided to stop trying.  I figured the meal Shannon and Mike ordered had to be better.  I was wrong. Their shrimp was nothing more than a Vande Kamps frozen fish stick shaped like a shrimp (with a tail) and thrown into the fryer and the cod pieces were small, over-cooked and the breading, again, was under-seasoned. 

I will keep this blog on the shorter side, as I hate to harp on imperfection, but when you boast a Friday Fish Fry special, I believe you're obligated to provide the best meal possible, because it's your "special." I also realize we might have just got the one bad meal that night, but unfortunately it's all I have to write about.

The rest of the menu at Fox & Hounds looked intriguing and I think I'll definitely stop out again to try a two-for-one weekday meal, or a two-for-one Prime Rib "special" on Saturdays. I also recommend you call ahead for reservations, as the wait was over an hour when we got there (which I know is typical).

I'm not going to come out and say "don't go to the Fox & Hounds" -- but if you're in the mood for a fantastic fish fry, I would opt for a different location.  Perhaps, The Phoenix in Hartland (I know I'm obsessed, but folks, it's that good).

The Fox & Hounds gets a solid 2 out of 10 this week, those two points are solely based on good service and halfway decent cole slaw.

Next week is a toss up, we have no idea where we're going, so stay tuned to the facebook page to find out where we decide to dine.

In the meantime, have a great week -- enjoy these last bits of sunshine and warmth this fall, it's absolutely gorgeous.  Have a great weekend, and as always, do not forget to let those important people in your life know how important they are.

I'd also like to wish my dear friend Karen a Happy Birthday on the 10th.  What an incredible person, I hope you have many more healthy and happy birthdays in the future.  Love you!