July 2010
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Firehouse Bar & Grill settles in downtown for long term
Advertising Hot Spots
Upcoming events in Downtown Fond du Lac
Lotta Beads at Beadalotta
Mother-daughter team specializes in supplies, ideas Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter
You just bought that new outfit to wear to your class reunion and have been hunting for just the right beaded necklace to go with it. Look no more! Take the outfit into Beadalotta and they’ll make you one to match. The downtown shop, located at 21 E. Second St. (but with their main entrance and parking lot on First Street), sells beads, beads and more beads. Pat Duebels and Michelle Hein, the motherdaughter team who opened the business after returning to Fond du Lac five years ago, offer an array of beads and beading supplies as well as finished jewelry. They design and handcraft oneof-a-kind jewelry pieces for customers and teach beading classes at Beadalotta. “Mom and I both worked for a bead shop in New Hampshire,” Michelle said. “We loved it. When we moved back to Wisconsin, we decided to open our own shop.” Pat enjoys stringing and crocheting beads and making earrings. “Mom has the design eye and keeps the shop looking its best with decorating and keeping it clean. She also helps customers with their designs and will create custom finished jewelry for others.” Michelle handles the website (www.beadalotta. com), the blog, e-mails and the planning and teaching of classes. She also helps customers with design and creates custom finished jewelry. Both do repairs of costume jewelry. From fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystal beads to semi-precious stones and “miracle beads” that appear to have a smaller bead embedded inside, the selection and ideas for jewelry designs at Beadalotta seem endless. Hundreds of tiny beads and larger stones fill the store, offering mega doses of sparkle, color and glitz. “We also carry a small selection of felting goods,” Michelle said. “It is important for us to offer our customers the best quality, and it makes us very happy that we can offer products that are made in the USA.” All of the finished jewelry sold in the shop is created by Michelle and her mother Pat. They have a basement studio in their Fond du Lac home where they create class samples and work on projects that can’t be completed at the shop. At times, Michelle can be found working on jewelry in a comfy chair in the family room, while Pat strings beads at the dining room table for more natural light. Michelle has also tried making her own ceramic
Beadalotta, 21 E. Second St., in downtown Fond du Lac, offers customers a wide array of beads and beading supplies as well as finished jewelry. The Reporter photo by Patrick Flood
and lampwork beads. Pat has taken many polymer clay classes and likes all the possibilities the material presents for jewelry-making. “We teach classes in our shop so people can make their own beaded creations,” Michelle said, noting they also carry books and magazines for the selfstarter. “We have one-of-a-kind finished jewelry and can create custom pieces for everyday wear and special occasions.” “Most of our customers come from Fond du Lac and surrounding towns,” Michelle said, noting they arrive from as far as Chicago, Stevens Point, Milwaukee and Green Bay. “The other day we had a customer from Missouri.” While the majority of their customers tend to be females, men enjoy beading too – although sometimes for different reasons. “I have several men who come in to get beads and supplies for making their own fishing lures and harnesses,” Michelle said. “Fish like certain colors and they love sparkly beads.” Hours at Beadalotta are 11 to 5 Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 to 3 on Saturdays.
More information is available by calling Michelle or Pat at (920) 322-1885 or by e-mailing michelle@beadalotta.com. Learn more online at www.beadalotta.com.
July 2010
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Firehouse Bar & Grill settles in downtown for long term
‘Fire alarm’ and ‘911’ wings take flight on menu
Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter
The Firehouse Bar & Grill, 72 S. Main St., boasts a menu that goes beyond burgers, fries and typical bar food. In fact, diners would swear they were eating at one of the finer supper clubs in the area when they cut into steaks like the Cowboy Ribeye or the Tenderloin Fillet, served with a choice of potato, vegetable and soup or salad. Dinners — which come in the form of steaks, seafood and pasta selections — aren’t just meat and potato type meals. For example, customers can dress up their steak with any one of four optional toppings such as Steak Diane — a mixture of mushrooms, green onions and fresh garlic in a brandy cream sauce. Specialty dishes like Fettuccini Jambalaya, New Orleans Ahi Tuna and Chicken Alfredo add variety to the menu. In addition, a list of daily specials, including a Friday night fish fry, can be found on the Firehouse chalk board. Appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and homemade pizza, made fresh daily and sold at half-price on Wednesdays, round out the menu selection. Open every day except Monday for lunch and dinner, the Firehouse provides a full service dining room in the rear of the establishment for those who want a supper club atmosphere. Others might prefer to gather in the bar area to munch on an array of appetizers and sip a margarita. Quickly growing in popularity are the Firehouse’s signature wings, available in a choice of 18 different sauces. Names like “Fire Alarm” and “911” hint at the level of hotness. “Our wings are very popular and tend to draw customers back,” said manager Stacy Carlson, noting that a Tuesday and Thursday special spotlights “all you can eat” wings and fries. “Firefighters do come in,” Carlson said, adding that they get a discount if they show their badge. Ironically, the firehouse name and theme came about as a brainstorm of owner Bryan Perl, who opened the Firehouse Bar & Grill last fall after losing a former supper club known as Fisherman’s Cove in a fire. “After the fire, I needed to get something going right away. I had good employees and wanted to keep them working,” Perl said, noting he has retained his chef from Fisherman’s Cove. “Moving downtown was going to be a shortterm fix, but it’s now looking like it might be more than that.” As for the name Firehouse, it gave Perl a theme for developing names of menu items and specials. “This is just a low-key, relaxing place to come on a Friday night or anytime — day or night,” he said. “It’s like a hometown bar and grill.” Perl’s business ventures began in his early 20s when he was co-owner of a lodge in the Crystal Lake area. In 2003 he bought a former bowling alley in St. Peter and transformed it into Perl’s Country Inn, which he still operates. Purchase of Fisherman’s Cove occurred in 2007. A racing enthusiast, he also sets up full service food and bar tents at the bigger Road America races at Elkhart Lake. He also handles catering for weddings and other events. A
Owner Bryan Perl opened the Firehouse Bar & Grill, 72 S. Main St., in downtown Fond du Lac last fall after losing a former supper club known as Fisherman’s Cove in a fire. The Reporter photo by Patrick Flood
For more information on what’s happening in downtown Fond du Lac log on to www.downtownfdl.com
Continued on next page.
Register Today for
5001140854
August Classes!
Saturday, August 7 10:30-1pm: Basics $22 Have you been wanting to make your own jewelry? Learn how to properly crimp and make a bracelet of your design in class. Then learn how to make a pair of simple earrings by practicing (over and over) how to make a wrapped loop. Beads and clasp are not included in the class fee. Beading wire, crimps, practice wire, sterling silver ear wires and sterling silver headpins are included in the class fee. Saturday, August 14 10:30-1pm: Shimmering Peyote Cuff $22 NEW CLASS! Learn how to do peyote stitch and make this stunning cuff! Create a fade of 3 colors and embellish the sides to finish it off. No weaving experience necessary. Beads, clasp and needle are not included in the class fee. (Project will not be completed in class.) Saturday, August 21 10:30-1pm: Wire Herringbone Bracelet $22 Leam this addictive wire technique to make a bracelet. This is an addictive technique--you’ll want to make matching earrings and a pendant! Wire, beads and clasp are not included in class fee. Pre-requisite of Basics is required to have a comfort level with wire. Saturday, August 28 10:30-1pm: Pagoda Earrings and Pendant $22 NEW CLASS! Learn how to make an increase in herringbone and make these great earrings. We will also embellish a little more and make a pendant in class. Beads & Earwires are not included in class fee. No stitching experience necessary.
5001140860
Don’t forget to book a class during the week! It’s Customer Choice classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. Class fees are the same. Class time is at 1:15. Call today to book a class you would like to take from our class list located on our website.
Same retail family at this historic location since 1916!
Real Wood, Real Value
New items arriving! Custom orders • Free local delivery
SATURDAY
6:30 a.m. - Noon City-County Government building parking lot (Western Ave. & Linden St.)
WEDNESDAY 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Hamilton Park (Division St. & Sophia St.)
21 E. 2nd St. | Suite 101 Downtown Fond Du Lac | 920.322.1885 Open: Tues-Fri 11am-5pm & Sat 10am-3pm www.beadalotta.com | www.beadalotta.blogspot.com
Experience Downtown Fond du lac is published by The Reporter, Fond du Lac. Contents of this section are published for The Reporter. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of The Reporter. For more information, contact Michael Mentzer, managing editor, at 920-907-7910 or e-mail mmentzer@fdlreporter.com.
• Handcrafted Solid Wood Furniture • Small Wood Items • Home Decor & Crafts • Many Amish Items • Children’s Furniture • Painted Pine Furniture • Curtains & Valances 116 SOUTH MAIN ST., DOWNTOWN FOND DU LAC 920-926-9663 Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-4 • Saturday 10-2 or by appointment
General Manager/Executive Editor: Richard Roesgen Managing Editor: Michael Mentzer | Contributing Writer: Dorothy Bliskey Photography: Patrick Flood | Graphic Artist: Heather Nohr Advertising Director: Joe Bembnister | Advertising Manager: Jen Memmel Circulation Manager: Greg Fyvie | Regional Ad Production Center Manager: Tina Tweedale
July 2010
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Laura Fleischman, left, of Eden, and Mark Lee of Menasha talk while eating at the Firehouse Bar & Grill, 72 S. Main St. The establishment is open for dining from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Reporter photo by Patrick Flood
Continued from previous page. recent wedding offered prime rib entrees and roving waiters carrying handdelivered hors d’ oeuvres to mingling guests. “Being downtown, I get more walk-in traffic from local businesses,” Perl said, noting many of his customers from Fisherman’s Cove and Perl’s Country Inn have followed him to Firehouse Bar & Grill. The happy hour and birthday special is a draw, with the birthday person getting free food and drinks on their birthday if they bring at least three people with them. But the selection and quality of food is what attracts customers. “If you’re looking for some good food, come on in,” Perl said. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.” Firehouse Bar & Grill is open for dining from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. It is closed Mondays.
Experience the difference Fresh Artistic Floral Arrangements
1 - Beadalotta
7 - Fox Valley Savings Bank
Tropical Floral Art Arrangements
2 - Botanicals Floral Studio
8 - Krail Jewelry
Colorful blooming plants
3 - The Clothes Line
9 - The Nailbox
Distinctive, Trendy Giftware Personalized Sympathy Arrangements
4 - Commonwealth Management Corp.
11 - Sal’s Pizza
Comfort Baskets
5 - Cujak’s Wine Market
5001140871
33 S. Main St., Downtown Fond du Lac
12 - Trinkets and Treasures
6 - Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership
Professional consultants to help with home decor, wedding and funeral arrangements.
920 906 9632
10 - Ramada Plaza
13 - The Wood Sampler 14 - Woods Floral & Gifts
Our “Advertising Hot Spots” displays the locations of our valued advertisers in this special section. You can easily find their locations on the map and then find their ads within these pages to find the great specials and deals that they have to offer you!
Tues.-Thurs. 8-5:30; Friday 8-8; Sat. 8-3 Closed Sunday Closed Mondays Memorial Day to Labor Day w w w. b o t a n i c a l s o n m a i n . c o m
Cibo Steaks & Spirits
NOW OFFERING SNOW CRAB CLUSTERS Monday and Tuesday Nights Starting at 5pm
New Expanded Lunch Menu Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm
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Featuring Fresh Salads, Sandwiches & Wraps
1 N. Main St., Downtown Fond du Lac www.ramadafdl.com • 920-923-3000
PLAZA “Located in the Heart of Downtown Fond du Lac”
July 2010
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For more information on what’s happening in downtown Fond du Lac log on to www.downtownfdl.com
Monday, July 19
“The Frog Prince” At Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac
Wednesday, July 21
Farmers Market 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hamilton Park, Corner of Division St. & Sophia St.
Thursday, July 22
Job Smart U: Resume 101 6 to 8 p.m. FDL Public Library
Saturday, July 24
Farmers Market 6:30 a.m. to noon. City-County Government Building, Western Ave. & Linden St.
Monday, July 26
Mother Goose Gets Her Feet Wet Storytelling 2 to 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. FDL Public Library
Wednesday, July 28
Farmers Market 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hamilton Park, Corner of Division St. & Sophia St. Lightning Thief Movie and Craft 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. FDL Public Library
This Month’s Shopping Special!
Friday, July 30
Battle of the Bands Kickoff 10 p.m. , JR’s Sports Bar & Grill
womens consignment
Saturday, July 31
Farmers Market 6:30 a.m. to noon. City-County Government Building, Western Ave. & Linden St.
20% off any one regularly priced item in the store
I just bought a pair of Ann Taylor slacks, J. Jill blouse and a pair of Banana Republic heels all under $43.00 Why Shop Anywhere Else…
August 2 – Sept. 26 At The Market Exhibit Windhover Center for the Arts
Wednesday, Aug. 4
Farmers Market 2 to 6 p.m. Hamilton Park, Corner of Division St. & Sophia St.
offer expires 8-14-2010
If your tired of the same old look…
Ask about our FREE In Home Consultations!
Saturday, Aug. 7
Farmers Market 6:30 a.m. to noon. City-County Government Building, Western Ave. & Linden St.
s ee this week s to in e m o C ing at specials start
August 9 – 13
YAC 10 – Youth Art Camp Workshop Windhover Center for the Arts
25% OFF010
Wednesday, Aug. 11
,2 Thru July 24
Farmers Market 2 to 6 p.m. Hamilton Park, Corner of Division St. & Sophia St.
36 N. Main St., Fond du Lac
922-6780
13 East First Street, FDL • 922-3371
Saturday, Aug. 14
Special of the Month
PLANTED MATERIALS.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
ALL CHRISTMAS ITEMS
Call today for A FREE Lawn or Landscape Estimate for home or business.
Uh-oh!
Before that turns into an even bigger problem, come see us! We’ll turn that little irritation into something beautiful!
Excludes prints and hand painted items. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Offer expires July 31, 2010
Free parking on Main Street or behind the store.
10% OFF
Does your daughter have a bigger diamond than your wife?
50% OFF
www.woodsfloral.com
5001135059
mon-fri 11-5, wed 11-7, sat 10-3
Farmers Market 6:30 a.m. to noon. City-County Government Building, Western Ave. & Linden St.
• Design Service by on-staff horticulturists • Seeding & Sodding • Warranted Plantings • Fertilization/Weed Control • Maintenance /Cleanup/Trimming • Lighting • Patios/Decks/Retaining Walls & more
Open: Mon-Thurs 8am - 5pm Fri. 8am - 8pm; Sat. 9am - 12pm
5001140107
What is WOTM?
Open: Tues 12-6 | Wed-Fri 10-8 | Sat 10-3
5001140128
47 N Main Street | Fond du Lac | 920.922.2499| cujakswinemarket.com
54 East First St • Fond du Lac
Stop In And See Our Brand New, State Of The Art Pedi Room!
LUNCH SPECIAL
Call Today For Your Appointment!
FREE SODA WITH THE PURCHASE OF 2 SLICES OF PIZZA
322-9707
AT $3.95 EACH. INCLUDES 2 ROLLS
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OFFER VALID MONDAY & TUESDAY ONLY 11AM TO 2PM. OFFER EXPIRES AUGUST 13, 2010.
08 & 2009
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If you want to learn more about red or white wines, join Wine of the Month. It’s educational & fun! Plus, you’ll receive a FREE wine carrier and a discount on all wine purchases! STOP AND SEE SARA TODAY!
www.commonwealthlandscaping.net
Grand Re-Opening!
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Wine of the Month
920-924-LAWN (5296)
5001109823
922-5667
105 N. Main St., Fond du Lac
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(920) 921-2475
47 S. Main Street, Downtown Fond du Lac
104 S. Main, Suite 212 Fond du Lac
920.923.9191 | 920.924.4400 105 S. MAIN STREET | FOND DU LAC