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.
