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Don't let the outside fool you, we almost did. We saw an blip about this restaurant on the Internet and decided to drive over there one night. From the outside it looks like a local bar. We almost did not go in. Once inside it looks more like a small seaside inn. With a nautical atmosphere and some cozy booths it is warm and inviting.
The food was exceptional and the service staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The spicy crab salad and the filet medallions with gorganzola sauce are high on our list of things to get.
We have been to this restaurant at least ten times now and we have run into a few kinks now and then. One time we sat for 15 minutes waiting for someone to serve us. We actually had to get up to get our server. She thought we were waiting for a third person, but either way, shouldn't we be offered something to drink while we wait? Once we got that taken care of the service was fantastic.
Another time someone kept opening the back door of the restaurant behind the kitchen and the entire restaurant smelled like rotting garbage. I think something was said and the smell cleared up.
If you drink wine, I would recommend getting a bottle. Their pours are small.
Even with these little complaints we love this place. We do recommend you get a reservations, they fill up fast.
107 4th St.
Racine,WI
53403
(262) 634-7668
http://www.wavespub.com/
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The Immigrant Restaurant, The American Club, Kohler, WI
We ate two nights in a row here. Friday we had a cozy dinner for three and on Saturday we had a company Christmas party with 18 people in attendance. Each night was fabulous.
The American Club is not only a wonderful place to stay and enjoy any holiday, but it is a great place to enjoy fantastic food at any of their restaurants.
The Immigrant Room is the top end restaurant at the hotel and we have been here many times and have never been disappointed.
On Friday everyone in my party enjoyed the Chef's Prix Fixe menu with wine. I don't remember when I had a more enjoyable meal or evening. The service was exceptional, and the wine and food were perfectly matched. The price is high if you don't have the budget, but for a once in a year meal it is well worth it.
On the second evening they wanted to give us a limited menu because our party was so large. We were disappointed, so the Chef accommodated us and let us choose off the regular menu. It was a night to remember. If you go up to Kohler, don't miss this restaurant.
If you are staying for the night, we recommend you pay the extra money to get in and go to The River Wildlife. This is a private club, and you can't eat there unless you pay the daily fee. They have a great rustic restaurant. We've gone there for breakfast and lunch, we recommend both.
The American Club is not only a wonderful place to stay and enjoy any holiday, but it is a great place to enjoy fantastic food at any of their restaurants.
The Immigrant Room is the top end restaurant at the hotel and we have been here many times and have never been disappointed.
On Friday everyone in my party enjoyed the Chef's Prix Fixe menu with wine. I don't remember when I had a more enjoyable meal or evening. The service was exceptional, and the wine and food were perfectly matched. The price is high if you don't have the budget, but for a once in a year meal it is well worth it.
On the second evening they wanted to give us a limited menu because our party was so large. We were disappointed, so the Chef accommodated us and let us choose off the regular menu. It was a night to remember. If you go up to Kohler, don't miss this restaurant.
If you are staying for the night, we recommend you pay the extra money to get in and go to The River Wildlife. This is a private club, and you can't eat there unless you pay the daily fee. They have a great rustic restaurant. We've gone there for breakfast and lunch, we recommend both.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wine Knot - Kenosha, WI
Last night was the first time we ate here in a while. We had kind of written them off our list. I loved the idea of this restaurant when it first opened. For anyone who does not know, they have a menu that has what they call "Small Plates" and "Big Plates". When they first opened, the small plates were actually small. But based on most people I know from Kenosha, they want to feel like they get their money's worth, so their plate has to be overflowing with food. So, after a few months of being open, it seemed like their small plates got really big! Sometimes their dishes didn't quite match the description. One of our favorite appetizers used to be the "Fried Shrimp and Grilled Scallops". The fried shrimp is supposed to be tempura battered and they used to be. The last time we ordered this appetizer, the shrimp was not tempura battered, but they were just like the fried shrimp you can buy at the store. That's when we decided we were done.
But yesterday I looked at their menu online and there seemed to be some new items, such as lamb, so we decided to go.
We ordered a bottle of wine, which was very reasonably priced (their pours are small, so we always order a bottle here). We started with something we've never had before - the Portobello, Carmelized Onion and Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta. My husband is not big on bruschetta, but I convinced him to try it because nothing else really interested us. It was pretty darn good, he was pleasantly surprised. There were 4 pieces, so it really was a small plate! Just enough to share.
My husband ordered the lamb and I ordered the Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut. I am leary of fish that is a constant on the menu, but nothing else really sounded good, so I thought I'd take the chance. Let me restate that, many things are good on the menu, I was just looking for something more on the heathy side. Otherwise I would have ordered the Lobster ravioli - that sounded really good.
Several minutes after we ordered, the server came out and said they were out of lamb and she apologized for not telling us from the beginning. He settled for the halibut, but was disappointed. Just goes to show, phone first. The lamb was the main reason we decided to give it another chance. We both enjoyed the halibut, not fishy at all. The sauce was really good. My only complaint is that it was served next to a HUGE pile of mashed potatoes. I'm not a big fan of mashed, I'd rather have something a little more creative, but they did taste good.
This restaurant is always worth trying at least once or twice.
http://www.wine-knot.com/
But yesterday I looked at their menu online and there seemed to be some new items, such as lamb, so we decided to go.
We ordered a bottle of wine, which was very reasonably priced (their pours are small, so we always order a bottle here). We started with something we've never had before - the Portobello, Carmelized Onion and Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta. My husband is not big on bruschetta, but I convinced him to try it because nothing else really interested us. It was pretty darn good, he was pleasantly surprised. There were 4 pieces, so it really was a small plate! Just enough to share.
My husband ordered the lamb and I ordered the Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut. I am leary of fish that is a constant on the menu, but nothing else really sounded good, so I thought I'd take the chance. Let me restate that, many things are good on the menu, I was just looking for something more on the heathy side. Otherwise I would have ordered the Lobster ravioli - that sounded really good.
Several minutes after we ordered, the server came out and said they were out of lamb and she apologized for not telling us from the beginning. He settled for the halibut, but was disappointed. Just goes to show, phone first. The lamb was the main reason we decided to give it another chance. We both enjoyed the halibut, not fishy at all. The sauce was really good. My only complaint is that it was served next to a HUGE pile of mashed potatoes. I'm not a big fan of mashed, I'd rather have something a little more creative, but they did taste good.
This restaurant is always worth trying at least once or twice.
http://www.wine-knot.com/
Tramonto's Steak & Seafood - Wheeling, IL
This is Rick Tramonto's restaurant in the Westin Hotel in Wheeling. For anyone who does not know, he is better known as the chef of Tru http://www.trurestaurant.com/ in Chicago. Great restaurant! One of our favorites.
It used to be very difficult to get reservations here at the last minute, but this past Friday, we had no trouble. Maybe it's because it was the day after Thanksgiving.
Our nephew accompanied us. This was our third visit here and his first. We were anxious to see what he thought of it, because we had taken him to Tru a couple years ago and he loved it.
For appetizers - he had the Beef Tartare, which we all tasted. It was unbelievable and the presentation was really nice. I had the Tempura Rock Shrimp, which I've had every time. It's a little spicy, but so good. The portion size is huge and I always consider getting it as an entree, but everything else looks so good, I have to do both. My husband got the Crab Cake, which was good, but nothing spectacular.
We skipped salads this time, but I have had the Chopped Salad before, which again, the portion size is big.
This being a steak house, it works pretty much the same way as others. You have choices of meats, toppers for your steak and sauces. My nephew had the Bone-in Ribeye with Sliced Bone Marrow on top. It was his first experience with bone marrow, but he really liked it. I got the Filet with a Horseradish crust and the red wine sauce. The crust was excellent. My husband also got the bone-in ribeye, but with a truffled egg on top. He really enjoyed that preparation. For sides, we shared the truffled mac & cheese and the sauteed mushrooms. Both were unbelievably good. The mushrooms included some croutons, which just soaked up the butter that the mushrooms were sauteed in. They were so good and the portion was huge, that I was still eating them today for lunch!
My only complaint is the wine selection by the glass, there was only one chardonnay. They have a good bottle selection, but not many medium priced. They do have a good-size pour, though.
http://www.cenitare.com/
It used to be very difficult to get reservations here at the last minute, but this past Friday, we had no trouble. Maybe it's because it was the day after Thanksgiving.
Our nephew accompanied us. This was our third visit here and his first. We were anxious to see what he thought of it, because we had taken him to Tru a couple years ago and he loved it.
For appetizers - he had the Beef Tartare, which we all tasted. It was unbelievable and the presentation was really nice. I had the Tempura Rock Shrimp, which I've had every time. It's a little spicy, but so good. The portion size is huge and I always consider getting it as an entree, but everything else looks so good, I have to do both. My husband got the Crab Cake, which was good, but nothing spectacular.
We skipped salads this time, but I have had the Chopped Salad before, which again, the portion size is big.
This being a steak house, it works pretty much the same way as others. You have choices of meats, toppers for your steak and sauces. My nephew had the Bone-in Ribeye with Sliced Bone Marrow on top. It was his first experience with bone marrow, but he really liked it. I got the Filet with a Horseradish crust and the red wine sauce. The crust was excellent. My husband also got the bone-in ribeye, but with a truffled egg on top. He really enjoyed that preparation. For sides, we shared the truffled mac & cheese and the sauteed mushrooms. Both were unbelievably good. The mushrooms included some croutons, which just soaked up the butter that the mushrooms were sauteed in. They were so good and the portion was huge, that I was still eating them today for lunch!
My only complaint is the wine selection by the glass, there was only one chardonnay. They have a good bottle selection, but not many medium priced. They do have a good-size pour, though.
http://www.cenitare.com/
Friday, November 23, 2007
Grandview Restaurant at the Geneva Inn - Lake Geneva, WI
This is another restaurant we go to regularly. The view of the lake and the sunset during the summer is just breathtaking. We've had good service here and sometimes very bad service. In fact, there is a waiter who wants to argue your choices with you. Very annoying.
This outing was because of a birthday, so we were 8 people. We were with most of the same people we went to Gilberts with (see 2006), so we were worried we would disappoint them again. The time my husband and I ate here last, we had a great server - female - I don't know here name, but she was unbelievably good. Well, we got this server again and she even topped herself. It's very hard to take care of a large group, but she did a great job. We never wanted for anything.
The table shared some appetizers, all were very good. There is one appetizer that's been on their menu for a while now, the Hong Kong Style Salt and Pepper Fried Calamari and I understand why they don't remove it. I typically don't like calamari, so initially I was skeptical, but it's really one of the best. It doesn't really seem deep-fried, if it is, the batter if very light. It is served with sauteed onions in a sweet chili sauce. I think it's the sauce that really makes the dish. We also shared the Hot Crab and Artichoke Fondue. It was good, but nothing special.
Moving to the entrees - I got the Yuppie Hill Farms Chicken "Coq au Vin". I was not impressed at all. In fact, I could not even finish it. First, it wasn't a traditional Coq au Vin, but it could have been good nonetheless. The problem was with the chicken breast. It was stringy, almost impossible to cut. It's a problem I notice with organic chicken sometimes. I'm just not a fan and will probably avoid anything made with organic chicken again. The root vegetables were excellent though. Don't let this deter you from the restaurant - it's rare to be dissatisfied.
Most everyone else got the fish special and everyone was extremely happy. One got the beef tenderloin and he was very happy too.
This place is worth checking out, if only just for the view.
http://genevainn.com/Pages/Dining.html
This outing was because of a birthday, so we were 8 people. We were with most of the same people we went to Gilberts with (see 2006), so we were worried we would disappoint them again. The time my husband and I ate here last, we had a great server - female - I don't know here name, but she was unbelievably good. Well, we got this server again and she even topped herself. It's very hard to take care of a large group, but she did a great job. We never wanted for anything.
The table shared some appetizers, all were very good. There is one appetizer that's been on their menu for a while now, the Hong Kong Style Salt and Pepper Fried Calamari and I understand why they don't remove it. I typically don't like calamari, so initially I was skeptical, but it's really one of the best. It doesn't really seem deep-fried, if it is, the batter if very light. It is served with sauteed onions in a sweet chili sauce. I think it's the sauce that really makes the dish. We also shared the Hot Crab and Artichoke Fondue. It was good, but nothing special.
Moving to the entrees - I got the Yuppie Hill Farms Chicken "Coq au Vin". I was not impressed at all. In fact, I could not even finish it. First, it wasn't a traditional Coq au Vin, but it could have been good nonetheless. The problem was with the chicken breast. It was stringy, almost impossible to cut. It's a problem I notice with organic chicken sometimes. I'm just not a fan and will probably avoid anything made with organic chicken again. The root vegetables were excellent though. Don't let this deter you from the restaurant - it's rare to be dissatisfied.
Most everyone else got the fish special and everyone was extremely happy. One got the beef tenderloin and he was very happy too.
This place is worth checking out, if only just for the view.
http://genevainn.com/Pages/Dining.html
Thursday, November 22, 2007
"8" Hyatt Regency, Incheon, Korea
This is where I spent my Thanksgiving.
I have been to this hotel several times and I always really liked this restaurant, that is until this trip.
The restaurant is unique because it is what they are calling a "Theater Experience" with multiple open kitchens where you can observe the chefs cooking while you eat.
It is a fun place to eat, but to be truthful the huge menu, which covers Italian, Korean, Japanese a cafe and the list goes on, is very confusing. I ordered a caesar salad from the Italian restaurant, expensive Korean steak from the Korean restaurant and vegetables from the grill. I was disappointed in most of it. The caesar salad was bland and the bacon that was put on it seemed fake. My special steak was very tough, I think I got the end of a tenderloin.
If you go here, sit and watch the chefs for awhile and see what looks good. I was in front of the Italian kitchen and the Gnocchi looked really good. I was sorry I bought the steak.
http://incheon.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp
I have been to this hotel several times and I always really liked this restaurant, that is until this trip.
The restaurant is unique because it is what they are calling a "Theater Experience" with multiple open kitchens where you can observe the chefs cooking while you eat.
It is a fun place to eat, but to be truthful the huge menu, which covers Italian, Korean, Japanese a cafe and the list goes on, is very confusing. I ordered a caesar salad from the Italian restaurant, expensive Korean steak from the Korean restaurant and vegetables from the grill. I was disappointed in most of it. The caesar salad was bland and the bacon that was put on it seemed fake. My special steak was very tough, I think I got the end of a tenderloin.
If you go here, sit and watch the chefs for awhile and see what looks good. I was in front of the Italian kitchen and the Gnocchi looked really good. I was sorry I bought the steak.
http://incheon.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp
Monday, November 19, 2007
Japan Airlines, somewhere over Canada
Using the miles we collect with all our dining out I was able to fly first class on JAL on my way to Korea.
I have got to tell you, if you get the opportunity to do this it is quite the experience. The service is impeccable.
What I am most impressed about was the food. First you are served with real silverware and glass plates that are custom designed for JAL. The fist course was a Chawanmushi with a black truffle. The flavors were remarkable and if there had been a chef on board I would have sent him my compliments.
The second course was a crab stuffed tomato which was served with a lemon olive oil. I am not a big fan of lemon, but I figured it was what the chef wanted me to do, so I tried it. Just so you know, I am going to run out and buy some just as soon as I get back home.
Next I was served a watercress soup which was very light and flavorful. I do not think there was any cream, but it was hard to tell and I didn't feel like asking.
My main course was a Fillet of Beef Forestiere. This was a disappointment, I should have ordered the Guinea hen. The meat was very tough, even though it was perfectly cooked.
Overall, it was worth all the miles I used up.
I have got to tell you, if you get the opportunity to do this it is quite the experience. The service is impeccable.
What I am most impressed about was the food. First you are served with real silverware and glass plates that are custom designed for JAL. The fist course was a Chawanmushi with a black truffle. The flavors were remarkable and if there had been a chef on board I would have sent him my compliments.
The second course was a crab stuffed tomato which was served with a lemon olive oil. I am not a big fan of lemon, but I figured it was what the chef wanted me to do, so I tried it. Just so you know, I am going to run out and buy some just as soon as I get back home.
Next I was served a watercress soup which was very light and flavorful. I do not think there was any cream, but it was hard to tell and I didn't feel like asking.
My main course was a Fillet of Beef Forestiere. This was a disappointment, I should have ordered the Guinea hen. The meat was very tough, even though it was perfectly cooked.
Overall, it was worth all the miles I used up.
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