Historic Bluff Country
Dining & Catering Guide www.fillmorecountyjournal.com
Page 2 ~ 2010 Dining & Catering Guide
Food and life in NE Iowa & SE Minnesota Choosing your own adventure in dining and catering Isn’t food great! Who doesn’t love to eat? Our instinct to indulge in delicious edibles is a life-long pursuit of happiness, and fortunately for all us in Southeastern Minnesota and Northeastern Iowa -- we don’t have to drive far to find the best of the best. All throughout this Dining & Catering Guide, a special publication of the Fillmore County Journal, you will find a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. Whether taking on the challenge of finding the best caterer for your wedding, reunion, anniversary or birthday party, or planning a night out with long-time friends visiting from outside the area, this publication highlights the local dining and catering establishments that have accomplished storied success. Some dining enthusiasts may be looking for a fine French wine, a homemade pizza busting at the seams with meat, cheese and fresh greens, or a place to simply let down your hair with friends and family. Others may be looking for the best in fresh and locally grown produce and meats, and they’ll happy to hear that many of the establishments presented in this publication make that a primary focus of their menu. Families serving families is often a common denominator amongst these restaurants. Husband and wife teams, with incredibly unmatched and personalized service, continue to make these businesses stand out in the hospitality industry. As you dine in these establishments, or commission them to cater your event, you will feel good about being a part of local family traditions, passed down from one generation to the next. And, dining locally during these upcoming holidays circulates those dollars within the local economy tenfold. Remember this as you’re shopping for gifts and treasures. Cheers, and warm regards as you delight yourself in so many delicious adventures over the holidays. So much food, so little time. Jason Sethre
Publisher Fillmore County Journal
Dining & Catering Guide Table of Contents
Dining in Historic Bluff Country Something for every occasion, making life simple ......................................................... 4 The best view in Lanesboro ........................................................................................... 6 A wonderful restaurant for the entire family ............................................................... 10 Pizza, prime rib and weddings .................................................................................... 13 The Passion .................................................................................................................15
Advertising Directory
Real Bites ...................................................................................................................... 4 Old Tyme Cafe & Catering ........................................................................................... 4 Harmony, Preston & Rushford Foods ........................................................................... 5 On The Crunch Side .................................................................................................... 6 Riverside on the Root .................................................................................................... 7 Water Sreet Café (Oneota Coop) .................................................................................. 8 Harmony House Restaurant ......................................................................................... 8 SMG Web Design ......................................................................................................... 8 Magpie Coffeehouse ..................................................................................................... 8 Los Gables Real Mexican Restaurant ............................................................................ 9 Rhino’s Pizza & Sub Shoppe ......................................................................................... 9 Wheeler’s Bar & Grill ................................................................................................... 9 Village Square of Harmony ........................................................................................ 10 The Creamery ............................................................................................................. 11 Good Times Restaurant and Bar ................................................................................ 12 Norseland Lefse............................................................................................................13 JW Silver Grille ........................................................................................................... 14 Simpson’s A&W Drive-In........................................................................................... 14 B&B Olympic Bowl .................................................................................................... 14 Hoiland Mill Feed Room Cafe ....................................................................................15 Rubaiyat ....................................................................................................................... 16
© 2010 Sethre Media Group, Inc. P.O. Box 496, Preston, MN 55965 • 507-765-2151 • www.fillmorecountyjournal.com
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Something for every occasion, making life simple Harmony Foods, Preston Foods and Rushford Foods
From all parts of this beautiful area, when it comes to grocers who care about providing the best possible experience, nothing compares to the hospitality of Harmony Foods, Preston Foods and Rushford Foods -- located in the heart of Bluff Country. Priding themselves in fresh fruits and veggies along with select cuts of meats, a trademark of this familyowned business. A small town feel with caring employees eager to serve the needs of locals and visitors. W hether catering a family picnic or family reunion, or serving the needs of a wedding party, all three grocery stores provide fabulous service and food at a price to match any budget. In addition, as employees of various companies located in and around Harmony, Preston and Rushford seek options for an excellent lunch break selection, all three grocery stores boast a
full-service hot deli with an entree of delicious options. What’s for dinner? Look no further. Whether you’re in the mood for scalloped potatoes with ham and baked beans on Monday, beef stroganoff over noodles on Tuesday, sweet and sour pork over fried rice on Wednesdays, BBQ ribs and a baked potato on Thursday, Hamburger with gravy-covered mashed potatoes and buttered corn on Friday, or a family-sized rotisserie chicken and potato wedges any night of the week, all three grocery stores take the guess work out of home cookin’. Parents will be able to spend less time cooking and more time with their children doing homework, playing board games and tossing the ball around in the backyard. Harmony Foods, Preston Foods, and Rushfords Foods makes life simple.
YME OALFED& T CATERING C
Real Bites
By Jason Sethre I feel fortunate to live in an area where we have absolutely no corporate-owned restaurants. Every restaurant in our area is family owned and operated. Every dining establishment in the area provides something unique from ambiance to the tasty bites that keep us coming back for more. We have a great selection of restaurants right here in our own backyard, and I plan on sharing my dining experiences from one town to the next. Look for this feature every Monday in the Fillmore County Journal, along with online at www.fillmorecountyjournal.com under the Real Bites section. ~ Jason Sethre Page 13 RNAL a even purchase Gables, you can r logo. T-shirt with thei www.invisibledAccording to ne restaurant onli iner.com, an a person driving review website, Cities area to a n from the Twi a, had this to Iow wedding in dining experience r say about thei “If you are ever at Los Gables;ugh Southeastern traveling thro the area, it would By or live in MN on th a visit. I even Jas definitely be wort-shirt.” Sethre a opted to buy rested in learning If you’re inte Gables, you can bag toss, bean ol), mentary scho outdoor seating more about Losr menu at www. plenty of re check out theior give them a call By Jason Seth untyjournal.com and ic style. losgables.com 0. By the way, y -- picn jsethre@ fillmoreco rs of Mexican down Highwa The loud colo building inside at 507-268-102they cater events? As you stroll miles south of the n and ador s e are ten I mention bean fanf 52, about g you the sens of rice, refried Los Ga- did they do it all. ll pass through and out, givin combination Yes, . on the Chatfield, you’ to live in an o n of Fountain, that this is the real deal etimes This delicious and healthy ed with veggies is #37 ican tow Mex I feel fortunatehave absolutely little o Poll ksom mix the neat ed as the “Sin s the kitchen, (the owner tender chicken breast otherwise referred to as where we gniz In reco area n., u, restaurants. Min srud the U.S.A.” Thi orate-owned ll see Julie Kul other times bles Restaurant men corp you’ no e ich our area is hole Capital of fajita). Gables) and seeing the sam 343 people (wh restaurant in little town of a set of twins, as of Lossee Margareta Gomez. No (chicken food, I enjoy n I dine at Los Every owned and operated. Every ly faces whe fami dly the in the area just grew by 12), boasts a small you’ll who is behind the wheel, customer. frien of ent ons ng from Whether patr dining establishm most interesti u- matter is always fantastic. noted on page One of the red when I first Gables. t or the wait staff, you provides something unique that store, three resta uran town grocery ches, a large fur- the food particular dinI encounte e to the tasty bites ly welcome. les was resta During this wife (the kids things les the ambiancing back for more. We ng at Los Gab nine feel like complete rants, two chur trail head access dini Gab my ed Los with start fact, com ner date As a matter of t crowd, since keep us niture store and r Trail. nt’s house in their drink special, “buyh one of restaurants pare tion selec my t at kfas grea o tent Rive a the yard, a large brea n” have to the Root avoid blinking as were er), I ordered the Poll our own back ng margaritas, get up “America my wife, has right here in dini If you can town Rochest o, a blend of healthy free.” Wow! I asked get-out- they also serve s, pancakes, and I plan on sharing my to the ugh the little Mexican n and e with a like omelette grav y. you pass thro ll see a bright chicken breast slices, greece and “Does that com?” Well, it turns food from one town and ces you’ uits n, rien bisc ntai expe les lettu of Fou of-jail-free card get that 10-mar- sausage,, if you’re in a hurry, trav next. says Los Gab peppers, rice, ro And yellow sign that k means “let’s red re every week out that you can a period of time. off to Lanesbo n, thin ed beans. Look for this featu ounty Jour-- which I ented with so al over eling from Wyk e, since refri atio ust 30, Monday, Aug
Real Bites
2010
FILLMOR E
219 South Main St. Chatfield, MN
Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
507-867-1633
JUST 18 MILES SOUTH OF ROCHESTER ON HWY 52
Ask us for details on all your catering needs! Full Menu available including: lighter appetite, sandwiches & kid’s menu.
Friday Night Walleye Special
COUNTY JOU
Mon-Wed Nights All-U-Can-Eat STEAKS, RIBS, FISH & SHRIMP
Saturday Night Alaskan King Crab Special We feature the BEST Seafood, Steaks, Ribs & Service in southeastern Minnesota!
2010 Dining & Catering Guide ~ Page 5
APPETIZERS TO DESSERTS…. WE Have The Key Ingredients For Your Successful Party, Church Supper, Family Reunion Or Celebration!
Getting Started – Appetizers • Party Trays
Need Refrigeration?
√ Veggie Tray with Dip √ Fresh Fruit Tray √ Fresh Fruit Kabobs √ Meat & Cheese with Crackers √ Shrimp & Cocktail Sauce Tray √ Taco Dip or Seafood Dip Tray
Rent our Refrigerated Trailer for your event. Call for details and Availability 507-864-2878.
The Main Event – Entrees • Chester’s Fried Chicken • Pulled Beef or Pork
(Serve in natural juice or with your favorite BBQ sauce)
• Scalloped Potatoes & Ham • Variety of Sandwiches
√ Ham or Chicken Salad on Croissant √ Sub Sandwich √ Bread & Bun Sandwiches with Deli Style Meats & Cheeses
The Best for Last – Desserts • Decorated Cakes
(Quarter Sheet serves 24, Half Sheet = 48, Full Sheet = 96)
• Ice Cream Cakes • Gourmet Cheese Cakes • Decorated Cup Cakes • Cookies • Dessert Bars
Pumpkin, Brownie or Lemon (We can also make your favorite recipe) We know the KEY ingredients to successful parties are happy guests, so let us take the stress out of your next big event. We’ll help you plan your menu, determine the portion costs and help you host a party your guests will be talking about for months!
507-886-2225, Rita, Harmony Deli www.myharmonyfoods.com
507-765-2465,Terry, Preston Deli www.myprestonfoods.com
507-864-2878, Danielle, Rushford Deli www.myrushfordfoods.com
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The best view in Lanesboro Riverside on the Root of Lanesboro, MN
Riverside on the Root is a full service restaurant overlooking the Root River and downtown Lanesboro’s old railroad trestle bridge. It is easily accessible from the Root River State Trail. With indoor seating for fifty people and outdoor seating for one hundred, Riverside on the Root can accommodate almost any group. Their extensive menu includes delicious grilled meats, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, appetizers, desserts, beer and wine, and much more. Dirty Martini Lounge - Enjoy a relaxing time with great music and atmosphere. This new martini bar is one of a kind in Southeastern Minnesota, featuring 14 signature martini’s and full liquor with margaritas, daiquiris and mojitos. By visiting www.riversideontheroot.com and clicking on “Dirty Martini Lounge,” you can see the entire martini menu while also watching a YouTube video that showcases the ambiance -- an experience like no other. “Riverside” at your event - Are you wishing to make a memorable impression for an upcoming wedding, birthday, or anniversary? Riverside on the Root can bring their restaurant to your door. Anniversary Specials - Celebrating ten years together, Riverside on the Root has partnered with Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn for a Fall Color & Bike Package perfect for any couple hoping to escape for an evening or even a weekend. To make a reservation, visit www.riversideontheroot.com.
on THe CrUnCHY SiDe AMeriCAn BAr & eATS
THe BeST 20 fT of BAr in Se Mn
Let US Serve YOU:
Munchies & Salads Burgers, Pastas & Steaks Pizzas & Sweets (get your order to go)
30 types of bottled beer & 30 flavors of wine full bar for Cocktails Come relax with friends & family • Make new friends Where a steak is still a steak!
31 Main Ave., Harmony 507-886-5560
2010 Dining & Catering Guide ~ Page 7
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Water Street Caf é f r e s h .
o r g a n i c .
l o c a l .
Hot lunch buffet • Organic salad bar Cold sandwiches • Hot Panini sandwiches Homemade soup • Organic espresso
Family Dining
Open rmon y Daily a H H ous e restaurant Open Sun. thru Sat. • 5:00am-1:30pm
Main Ave. N., Harmony, MN ~ 507-886-4612
Serving Breakfast & Lunch • Daily Specials HOMeMADe ROlls, Pies & PAstRies
Check us out at www.eatatharmonyhouse.com
Café Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30 - 7:00 Sunday 11:00 - 6:00
SMG Web Design We Design Your Success
See our full catering menu online www.oneotacoop.com for fresh and delicious platters, appetizers, desserts and more! 312 West Water Street • Decorah 563.382.4666 • www.oneotacoop.com Mon-Sat 8:30-8:30 • Sun 10-7
www.smgwebdesign.com • 507-765-2704 or 877-282-0647 Are you looking for something fresh and delicious? Let our web design team wet your appetite with a tasty online presence, just like we did with some of the restaurants advertising in this magazine.
www.AwesomeAWdrivein.com www.losgables.com www.onthecrunchyside.com www.norslandlefse.com
Serving Full Breakfast
Pastries • Muffins • Scones • Eggs Wraps • Burritos • Panini French Toast • Biscuits & Gravy
Lunch
Cold Sandwiches, Wraps, Grilled Panini, Vegetarian and Salads Friday Night - Baja Tacos 118 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA 563-387-0593 Specialty Coffees Mon-Fri 7am - 8pm Sat 8am - 8pm Sunday 8 am-1:30pm, Brunch Only Proudly serving local produce, eggs and meat from grown locally, Canoe Creek Produce, and Grass Run Farms
2010 Dining & Catering Guide ~ Page 9
r HINO’S
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full Bar
Pizza & Sub Shoppe 111 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro, MN Carryout available call (507)467-2200
Real mexican restaurant
WiNTer -Sun-Thurs 11-8 • Fri-Sat 11-9 SuMMer - 7 Days a Week 11-9
On Highway 52 • Fountain, MN
Soft Serve & Famous Broasted Dipped ice Chicken ••• Cream Cones, Burgers, Fries & Sundaes & Flurries Appetizers ••• Fresh Subs, Wraps, and Salads ••• Homemade Pizza
New Fall & Winter Hours Starting Nov. 1, 2010 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Open: 6:30am thru 8:30pm Open for private parties and catering 7 days a week
507-268-1020
Check Website: www.losgables.com
Tuesday: 1/2 Price Burger Night
Wednesday: Taco Night, All U Can Eat
eeler hBar AND GRILL on and off sale
s
W
mon-wed 3:00pm-Close Thurs-Sun Noon-Close
including
Take-N-Bake
Hwy 52 N • HarmoNy, mN Call • 507-886-4444
Banquet, wedding, reception Facilities on Site Catering
Thursday: 12” Pizza (1 topping) & Pitcher (Beer Or Pop) $9.99
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A wonderful restaurant for the entire family The Creamery of Rushford, MN
Subs
a Pizz
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dwi
San
ds
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chocolate, maple nut, strawberry, turtle, vanilla, and rainbow sherbet. Then between May 1st and September 30th, they carry 30 different premium ice creams. All year round, they offer daily-made fresh waffle cones and dishes, with chocolate or white chocolate dipped. From hand-tossed pizza to homemade ice cream, they have got it all under one roof. You can stop by their restaurant or contact them at 507-864-7214 to find out more. They are conveniently located off the Route River bike trail, so, after a long bike ride, visitors can come in and enjoy a good m e a l , a cold drink, and some mouthwatering ice cream.
Soup
me m Pie ade s
With over 13 years of success, The Creamery promotes their business on the Web at www.the-creamery.com “as the very best in food and customer service in Rushford, Minnesota, and surrounding area.” They have a casual familytype atmosphere, so they encourage you to bring the kids and enjoy their fresh and delicious menu items without spending an arm and a leg. While browsing The Creamery’s website, you’ll also notice they offer clip-and-save coupons that you can print out at home and bring with you when you are planning your next family outing in Rushford. Homemade Ice Cream - Between October 1st and April 30th, The Creamery has 15 great flavors of ice cream. This includes Almond Joy™, cookies and cream, cookie dough,
You can’t miss this quaint restaurant with its red & white stripped awning on Main Street in Harmony • Convenient Pickup Window • Fast, Friendly Service • Large Group Seating • Specialty Salads • Noon Specials • Homemade Soup • Delicious Sandwiches • Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Julie’s Famous Homemade Pies
New!
“Julie’s” Catering
I make it! You take it!
Village square of harmony Open 7 days a week
Harmony, MN • 507-886-4406
2010 Dining & Catering Guide ~ Page 11
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Good Times ResTauRanT BaR and
118 Bissen Street Caledonia, MN 55921 507-725-3839
Full Menu Available Including Homemade Pizza, Best Hamburgers in the Area, Steaks & Chicken
largest display of wildlife prints in Se Minnesota
Daily lunch Specials Catering on and off premises. Banquet room on lower level with full bar.
DInner SPeCIAlS Mon - French Dip Tues - Mexican/Margaritas Wed - Pasta night Thurs - 16 Oz ribeye Fri - Fish Fry Sat - Prime rib & Seafood
Open seven days a week at 11:00am email: goodtimes@acegroup.cc • Web: goodtimescaledonia.com
Pizza, prime rib and weddings
2010 Dining & Catering Guide ~ Page 13
Good Times in Caledonia, MN
It’s always a good time at Good Times in Caledonia, Minnesota. A log cabin establishment built in 1977 at the top of the hill on Bissen Street in the scenic town of Caledonia, coowners Dave and Kris Wedl are part of something special. Building a reputation on a custommade pizza born of handmade dough, fresh veggies, a homegrown sauce and tantalizing meats, Good Times has created a following of loyal customers from here to St. Paul, Minnesota. Pizzas may have been part of humble beginnings, but Good Times has grown into so much more. They have a storied success with cater weddings, class reunions and many other types of events, on-site for groups up
to 150 people and off-site within a wide range -- such as Caledonia, Mabel, Eitzen, Spring Grove, Rochester and St. Paul. Kris Wedl shared, “People come here just to have our prime rib!” On Saturday nights, guests will enjoy a spectacular steak and unique seafood specials -- offering a variety of the best selection in the area. Whether seeking a place to relax with family and enjoy a fine dining experience, or in the planning stages of a major event, Good Times presents so many options, you’ll just have to see for yourself. For a welcome invitation to some ‘good times’, please visit www.goodtimescaledonia.com.
Making and serving Fresh Lefse, Scandinavian treats, and great food with the best and freshest ingredients.
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Cruisin’ since 1956
Dine In, Carry Out & Catering Available
Simpson’s
A&W
Drive-in
Hwy. 16 & 63 North Spring Valley, MN
now Open Year ‘round!
207 Main Street S., Chatfield, MN 507-867-2941 All You Can Eat
Broasted Chicken
DAILY ! SPECIALS
Thursdays 5-8pm All You Can Eat
Fish & Shrimp
NEW INdoor 50’S dININg room ••• Carhop Service, Large outdoor Picnic Area! A&W uses “Transfat Free” cooking oil.
NE W mE NU ITE mS : • New Texas Toast BLT & Chicken BLT • BBQ Bacon onion Crunch Burger • Sweet Potato Fries • Blendrrrs • Limeades • Smoothees • Slushees • 3 Wraps: Papa Wrap Chicken & BLT
Try Our Chili and Soup of the Day in our New 50’s Dining Room 507-346-7486 Full Service With Carhops
Fridays 5-9pm
www.AWsomeAWdrivein.com
Don’t Miss our 15th Annual Cruise Night, August 18, 2011
pi c B o w lym
Supreme, All Meat, One Topping, Three Topping
Taco Salad, Grilled Chicken Chef’s Salad, Chef’s Salad, Dinner Salad
l
O
B & B
PIZZA
SALADS & SOUPS
SANDWICHES
Served with French Fries, Seasoned Fries or Onion Rings Chicken Salad Club, Tenderloin, Chicken Bacon Melt, BLT, Chicken Breast, Ham & Cheese, Chicken Salad, Philly Cheesesteak, Fish, Grilled Cheese
BURGERS
Served with French Fires, Seasoned Fries or Onion Rings Patty Melt, ‘Falcon’ Burger, Mushroom/Swiss Burger, Classic Burger, California Burger
The Place to “BE” Highway 52, Preston, MN
(507) 765-2522
SPECIALTIES KID’S MENU
Served with Smiley Potatoes Chicken Strips, Grilled Cheese, Hamburger, Ham & Cheese
APPETIZERS
Onion Rings, Mushrooms, Mozzarella Sticks, Poppers, Mini Tacos, Cheese Curds, Combo Basket, Chicken Fries
Sirloin, Hamburger Steak, Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken Strips
DESSERTS
Giant Cinnamon Roll, Pie, Brownie
BEVERAGES
Pop, Bottled Pop, Ice Tea, Hot Tea, Coffee, Punch, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, Shirley Temple, Juices
BREAKFAST
Served until 11:00 am Omelets, Eggs, Hashbrowns, Toast, Biscuits & Gravy, Meats, Pancakes, Oatmeal, French Toast
2010 Dining & Catering Guide ~ Page 15
The Passion
Rubaiyat of Decorah, IA The name “Rubaiyat” derives from a collection of poetry written over 1000 years ago by a Persian gentleman named Omar Khayyam. The poems are a testimony of living life to its fullest with the help of good food and great wine and together, the joy that they can bring to life. Originally written by Khayyam in Persian, the book was translated into English in 1859 by Edward Fitzgerald. Andy and Kim Bonnet, owners of Rubaiyat, welcome the chance to share their love of food and wine with you and invite you to experience that joy right there at their restaurant in downtown Decorah. At Rubaiyat, they feature a seasonal American menu, emphasizing straight - forward, approachable cuisine that both looks and tastes clean and composed. This means simply but skillfully prepared ingredient - driven dishes that reveal their commitment
to using the highest quality products, in season, and local when available. The inspiration behind Rubaiyat’s menu reflect Chef Andy’s classic and diverse culinary influences. Yet he’s consistently led back to creating food that is distinctly contemporary, and as their name would have it, dishes that are “food for thought.” As a result, Rubaiyat’s refined seasonal American dishes combine four of the qualities that owners Andy and Kim value most: integrity, style, restraint, and playfulness. That is found in their personal mission to shape the dining experience around culinary delights from beginning to end. They insist on honoring the smallest details underlying the very rhythm of the restaurant, including their service. They invite you to come find out for yourself just why their staff is second to none.
Experience our Historic Atmosphere & Appetite Delights
Iowa’s Most Extensive Wine & Beer List.
LuncH Hours: Wednesday-Friday 11:00am-1:30pm (Seasonal)
DInnEr Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 5:00pm-8:30pm Friday and saturday 5:00pm-9:30pm Lounge opens at 5:00pm sunDay BruncH: 9:00am-1:00pm
Private dining room available, seating up to 50 people. Great for rehearsal dinners, reunions, birthdays, holiday parties.
food for thought 117 West Water St., Decorah, IA • 563-382-WINE (9463) www.rubaiyatrestaurant.com • Reservations appreciated
Voted Best of the Bluffs