Schwabenhof, Menomonee Falls, WI

German Potato Salad: Yes, I know, it's only a side dish, but to me, it's much more.  It's Friday mornings spent at my grandparents supper club in the late 70s.  My parents both worked daytime prep hours at the restaurant, and my sister and I often accompanied my folks when they started their day at Blanck's.

My great-grandmother, Marcella was the master behind the german potato salad.  I would sit and "help" her as she peeled and cut potatoes for hours, if you consider help cutting one potato, while she plowed effortlessly through 10.  I also "helped" by taste testing pieces of bacon on the stove nearby (smelling so delicious, by the way).  I was filled with so much anticipation and could not wait to get that first little sampling as soon as she finished adding the sugary vinegar final touch. It's such a vivid memory, that has stuck with me my entire life. 

Why do I lead with the nostalgia?  Well, because this past Friday evening we dined at the Schwabenhof, a huge German supper club on the outskirts of Menomonee Falls.  When we sat down and ordered our fish fry, I kindly asked the waitress if the potato pancakes were homemade, and she replied "no, but our German potato salad is" -- so that's the route I took. The route back to a childhood filled with memories of a family packed into a kitchen at a supper club cooking, cutting, baking and seasoning food to be served each evening.  Looking back, it's a memory I'm lucky to have.  

Fortunately the memory still lives vividly and the potato salad at the Schwabenhof, while very good, was nowhere near the caliber of my great-grandmother Marcella.  But I would still recommend you order it!

The fish fry at the Schwabenhof is an All-You-Can-Eat Fried Cod for 10.95, you also can have the AYCE Fried Chicken or a combo of Fish and Chicken for the same price of 10.95.  With each of those entrees you get a choice of sides (fries, pancakes, baked potato, potato salad), cole slaw and rye bread. 

The fish was cooked perfectly, and the breading was flaky, but a little bland.  I'm not sure why you would need to eat the AYCE, because the first helping they give you is more than enough.  I enjoyed the fish, and while it wasn't my favorite, the Schwabenhof is a place I would definitely visit again.  The cole slaw was creamy and flavorful and even the little bit of tartar I had was good (reminder, not a huge tartar fan).  

The Schwabenhof will get a solid 8 out of 10 on this visit.  Our service was fast and friendly, the old fashions were strong and the food was great.  

I realize its' been a while since I posted a blog and I hope to get some more up in 2012.  

I wish you all the happiest of holidays, and all the best for the New Year.  May the memories you make during this season stick with you for a lifetime.