The Laurel Supper Club is located nearly midway between us and our friends, Mike and Mary – about 40 minutes away. It is such a good place to meet and catch up and eat the steak for two (times two). Mike’s birthday was earlier this week – but the Laurel is closed SunMonTues – we think because of staffing issues. We made a reservation for 5:00 (on a Wednesday), expecting to be alone. Who goes out for a big dinner on a Wednesday night? Apparently, quite a few people because the dining rooms was full.
I looked supper club up to see what the actual definition is. According to Wisconsinsupperclubs.com Wisconsin’s supper clubs started as taverns, resorts and dancehalls where fried chicken and perch (I loved perch as a kid. I now think it was because perch are quite thin and there was less fish to fried ratio. I don’t like fish. I like fried) were served along with a beer. Eventually these places transformed their food and decor, and as a result, the classic menu we know and love came into being: Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, Sunday broasted chicken and ribs. Plus relish trays, cheese and crackers at the bar and the undisputed cocktail: a hand-muddled brandy old fashioned (I like brandy old fashioneds because my parents let me eat the cherry from theirs and I learned that that taste was good).
Tonight was a good meal and fun conversation with great friends. Win win win!
One of the things we miss about Wisconsin….. and wonderful to see Mike and Mary!
We have a supper club between here and rehearsal for brass band in Red Wing – we take every opportunity to stop on our way to rehearsal. Delightful. Maybe there is a rouge one hiding in the Michigan countryside…slightly obscured by cherry trees!