Tag

Wisconsin

Browsing

Lake Michigan Fishing Charters

We were fortunate to be the guests of the Kenosha Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Kenosha Charter Boat Association for one of their Lake Michigan fishing charters in Kenosha Wisconsin. It certainly opened up our minds about the many things to do in Kenosha, especially if you like the outdoors and hope to catch some Great Lakes fish.

We headed up to Kenosha the night before and stayed overnight at the  Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside Hotel, just a few minutes away from the harbor where we’d catch up with our charter boats. One of the terrific things about Kenosha is that it’s so close to Chicago. It’s only about an hour’s drive so it’s perfect for a quick getaway.

Sunrise in Kenosha
Sunrise in Kenosha

Sunrise Over The Harbor

After a good night’s sleep, we got up early enough to see the sunrise over the water. This morning it was cloudy and we expected a bit of rain but the sun came up a bit casting a beautiful pinkish glow in the sky. We put on our famous Food Travelist coats, perfect for all kinds of weather rain or shine, and made our way over to the dock. We started with cups of coffee and tea to warm us as we embarked on our exciting first experience with Lake Michigan fishing charters. Neither one of us does much fishing, but we were in it to win it, so we climbed aboard and prepared to meet the challenge.

Morning Fog In Kenosha Harbor
Morning Fog Kenosha Harbor.

As we drifted past the Kenosha North Pier Lighthouse through the fog it sure seemed we were going to be in for a big blast of wind and rain. Fortunately, the storm stayed to the west of us and soon the sun was breaking through the clouds. Lake Michigan was so clear and calm that it looked like a sheet of shiny glass. The worst of the weather had quickly passed and it looked like we were going to get a great day for our introduction to Lake Michigan fishing charters.

Lake Michigan Calm After The Storm
Lake Michigan Calm After The Storm

There Will Be Eating

Since the folks from Kenosha know us pretty well, they made sure to bring plenty of snacks aboard our charter boat. Along with the warm beverages already in our hands, they opened a box of what looked like the world’s largest cinnamon rolls from Elsie Mae’s Bakery and Cannery. Freshly baked, sweet, and delicious, these babies were humongous. Saying you can only eat one of these is an understatement. They also brought delicious handmade sandwiches, chips, and, of course, French macarons from The Buzz Cafe for dessert. Because everyone we know has macarons while fishing on Lake Michigan, right? Right! We protested that they were far too thoughtful and kind, then proceeded to try just about everything they brought. It was downright great having a picnic on the boat.

Tip #1 Bring Plenty Of Snacks

Now that we’re experienced charter fisherpeople we feel confident enough to offer some insider tips. The first tip is that when you go on a fishing charter you have lots of snacks and drinks. No matter whether the fish are biting or not, you’re bound to get hungry, thirsty or both. Most fishing charters have morning or afternoon. Morning means early morning like 5 am. Afternoon times vary but often use noon as a start time.

Elsie Mae's Bakery and Cannery Giant Cinnamon Roll
Elsie Mae’s Bakery and Cannery Giant Cinnamon Roll

Sweet treats are a great thing to have. Whether huge cinnamon buns or bite-sized macaroons, you can enjoy local goodies from the many delicious Kenosha bakeries, restaurants, and grocers that are ready to make your mouth do a happy dance.

Buzz Cafe Macarons
Buzz Cafe Macarons

Once fortified with tucker for our tummies, now was the time to get serious. With plenty of poles at the ready and the sun coming out, we headed for open waters and prepared to catch some fish. Because this was our first such adventure, we didn’t know what to expect. The great thing is, we didn’t need to know or do much. Our fabulous Captain Russ was a one-man wonder. He pulled out of the harbor, found the best spot for us to hang for a while, got all the rods ready and even cast them out on the water. Our big job, for the time being, was to wait eagerly with anticipation.

Tip #2 Beginners And Pros Alike Can Have A Great Time

We had no idea what we were doing, so our captain took care of all the work and did the heavy lifting. He chose the location, prepared the gear, cast the lines, and talked us through all of the details of what he was doing. If you have experience fishing, you can help get the gear ready and launch the lines yourself. We’re sure Captain Russ would have loved for us to help. But he kept us entertained with jokes and stories even though we were serious dead weight in the boat. Even more weighty after all those morning treats!

A Great Day Of Lake Michigan Fishing Charters
A Great Day Of Lake Michigan Fishing Charters. Photo credit Kenosha News Photo by Kevin Poirier.

Fish On!

Let's Get Fishing!
Let’s Get Fishing!

With over a dozen lines out in the water, we didn’t wait long until the fish started hitting. When someone noticed a pole bending hard, we’d all get excited and point or shout that there was a fish on the line. We all took turns reeling them in and seemed like we were catching one right after the other. Captain Russ stood by ready to help if we got tired and he was always right there with the net ready to bring the catch onboard. There was no pressure from the captain to do anything we didn’t want to do. Our companions, ranging from chefs to teachers to local journalists, were more competitive. Fortunately, it was all in good fun and we all did the best we could, with a little help from our friends.

Tip #3 Do As Much Or As Little As You Want

This is intended to be a fun excursion. You can learn by doing, watching, or a combination of both. The more experienced you are, the more you’ll probably want to do. But since we were not used to reeling in heavy fish on endless lines, we wimped out from time to time. Captain Russ was happy to give us a breather. We could cheer our colleagues for their triumphant catches or reel one in ourselves. Don’t be intimidated or think you have to do it all. Your crew is there to help however much or little you like.

Biggest Catch Of The Day
Biggest Catch Of The Day

Captain Russ impressed us with his super skills. He set up all the fishing poles, picked out the lures, and watched the poles for any tug he saw. Sometimes we’d see it too, and sometimes we were to busy chatting and laughing or eating and drinking to notice. He’d shout, “Fish on!” and whoever wanted to take on the fish would jump up and reel one in. Some were a bit more difficult to get in the boat and some got away (this one monster fish, the biggest one in Lake Michigan, we bet, of course).  Eventually,  most of us gave it a go and we managed to feel like sport fisherpeople by the end of the charter.

There are lots of fish in Lake Michigan. Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, King Salmon, Yellow Perch, Walleye and more. We caught trout and salmon.

Sue Catching Coho Salmon Fishing Lake Michigan In Kenosha
Sue Catching Coho Salmon Fishing Lake Michigan In Kenosha

Heading Back From Lake Michigan Fishing Charters

Once the time has come to head back, the Captain pulls in all the rods and prepares the boat to take you in. There’s something special about relaxing on a boat in the sun heading back from fishing.  Once we were back at the dock Captain Russ and the other skippers took it from there. They cleaned all the fish, filleted them and got them ready to cook. They cleaned the boat and did everything quick as a wink. It was quite impressive. We didn’t need to worry about a thing. We had special plans for our fish, but we’re sure that if you wanted to take your fish home whole or clean and prepare them yourself, you’d be able to do as you choose.

Kenosha Fishing Dock
Simmons Island Marina
Good Day of Fishing in Kenosha
Good Day of Fishing in Kenosha

Boathouse Kenosha

As you can see above our crew did quite well in the time that we were out on Lake Michigan. We caught 19 Coho Salmon and a couple of Lake Trout.  Now for the best part. The captains took our catch up to the Boathouse Pub and Eatery, which is just a couple minutes away from the dock The Boathouse Kenosha was ready to create a wonderful lunch for us all with our fresh catch.

Fresh Fish Cooked at The Boathouse
Fresh Fish Cooked at The Boathouse Pub and Eatery.

The Boathouse offers to create a “Shore Lunch” with any fresh catch that fishers bring to the restaurant. They will prepare up to one pound of fish per person. You can have your fish fried, blackened or lemon pepper broiled. Side dishes of fries and coleslaw come with lunch all for only $9.99 per person. It’s quite a deal and the view from the deck is great.

Tip #4 Go For A Shore Lunch

We had our fish prepared all three ways and each one tasted better than the next. All the preparations were delicious but surprisingly, our favorite was the very lightly breaded fried salmon. We sat at a table with our fellow shipmates and told fish tales while we enjoyed a delicious meal overlooking the harbor. Kenosha has a great view of the water, Harbor Park, and the boats and people having fun on or near the water. If you get the chance to have your catch prepared for you right after you return, don’t miss the chance. You won’t find a fresher seafood meal anywhere. It also makes the perfect way to end your experience with good cheer and tasty food. Isn’t that one of the things we love best? Why yes, yes it is.

The Shore Lunch at The Boathouse
The Shore Lunch at The Boathouse

Done For Now, But We’ll Be Back

As we often do, we checked out the Boathouse menu and noted many other specials that we can’t wait to try. The all-you-can-eat Blue Gill Dinner on Fridays, burgers, full breakfasts, and 32 oz. Long Island Iced Teas will have us returning soon.

With all this good fishing, good food, and good fun, we’d recommend taking a fishing charter as one of the best things to do in Kenosha. If you like Great Lakes fish, hanging out with friends, catching a little sunshine along with your fish, we think you have as much fun as we did.

Tip #5 Check It Out And Make Plans To Go

We had a blast on our great expedition. There are lots of wonderful things to do in Kenosha and we’d rank Lake Michigan fishing charters right at the top.

If you’re looking for a fun fishing charter for you and your friends check out the website of Kenosha Charter Boat Association for details on organizing a fishing trip.

Pin It to Your Kenosha Vacation Planning Board on Pinterest

Kenosha Fishing Charter Kenosha Fishing Charter

Book now on Viator

 

Beautiful and Tasty Grand Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva Wisconsin is a longtime favorite with locals and visitors alike. Especially for folks looking for a quick getaway from  Chicago and the surrounding area. When Memorial Day comes around this year, foodies will be flocking to taste the fresh and exciting flavors of chef Nelly Bujele. Combining his Latin American heritage and Midwest upbringing, Chef Nelly is launching a new menu that is sure to please.

Chef Nelly Bujele Grand Geneva Resort
Chef Nelly Bujele Grand Geneva Resort

Known for its idyllic beauty and easy access to fun activities year round, the expansive Grand Geneva Resort also has many options to thrill food lovers. Chef Nelly’s enthusiasm for sharing his culinary passion is undeniable – and infectious. This joy fills every nook and cranny of the dining experience.

Midwest Roots and Latin Influence

Part of the fun for Chef Nelly in launching the new menu is because he had his first kitchen job as a teenager at the resort. Now he serves as Executive Chef. His love for the place and the flavors of his roots add excitement and modern approaches to the menu.

Chef Nelly’s heritage with roots in Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico play a part in his culinary creativity. He was born in Chicago and moved to Wisconsin as a youngster. Preparing tasty food was also a part of the culture that surrounded him and makes him happy to this day.

Grand New Tastes To Try

The flagship ChopHouse at Grand Geneva is one of Chef Nelly’s playgrounds for showing off his culinary flair. We had the opportunity to try out some of the magic he’s making in the kitchen at a 5-course tasting menu. His creativity and imagination made the dishes not only delicious to eat but full of stories and fun as well.

Seafood

No indulgent meal would be complete without a giant seafood platter. While lobster, king crab, and oysters might required occupants, other elements were surprising and delightful. The shrimp lobster deviled eggs, caviar & umami smoked salmon collars with charred scallion salsa verde tell another story.

Seafood platter at Grand Geneva Food Travelist
Seafood platter at Grand Geneva

Chef Nelly also thrills with a gorgeous bit of wrapped sea bass. Now, very often you’d see a piece of salty prosciutto enrobing the delicate fish. But Chef maintains the delicate flavor of the fish while setting it off with the more subtle saltiness of the paper-thin country ham. Roasted mushrooms, ham broth peas, and pistou add a refined finish to a dish that satisfies those who don’t enjoy strong “fishy” flavors.

Sea bass wrapped in country ham at the Grand Geneva
Sea bass wrapped in country ham at the Grand Geneva

 

The impressive platter shows off the classic style you will see all over the Grand Geneva. It’s grand but not showy. And everything is delicious.

Meat

If you’re a meat lover, you’ll want to get in your car and head to Grand Geneva as soon as the new menu arrives. Chef Nelly has devised a gorgeous dry aged cowgirl ribeye that is out of this world. Part of the reason is that Chef Nelly and his culinary team have built a custom art box for the resort to create special whiskey-aged rib steaks. Dry aging breaks down the connective tissue in the beef making it incredibly tender and developing a rich flavor. Smoked marrow butter, loaded marble potatoes and brussels sprouts complete the perfect plate.

Cowboy Ribeye at the Grand Geneva
Cowboy Ribeye at the Grand Geneva

 

Vegetables

Whether you are vegetarian or just want to start your meal with something a bit different, look to some of the vegetable offerings for a wonderful way to get your vitamins. Sweet potatoes, rainbow carrots, cauliflower, beets and other picks of the harvest play a prominent role. Finished with delicate accents such as aromatic salt, pumpkin seed oil and chermoula, the veggies stand with something different to savor in every bite.

 

Vegetables at the Grand Geneva
Vegetables at the Grand Geneva

Dessert

If you’re going to enjoy the full pleasure of a night out, you simply have to save room for dessert. And what better way to indulge than with a truly classic dessert – Baked Alaska. We love this dessert in its original form, with ice cream and cake surrounded by browned meringue. Chef Nelly takes this already tasty dessert to a whole new level. Creating personal sized domes of deliciousness, he combines chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake with a lovely splash of cherries before enveloping this perfect blend of flavors in an igloo of meringue. Warm on the outside, cool on the inside, Chef Nelly’s interpretation of Baked Alaska adds grand to the Grand Geneva’s sweet ending.

Baked Alaska at the Grand Geneva
Baked Alaska at the Grand Geneva

Beverages

While the new menu stimulates the senses, the Grand Geneva’s beverage program is also kicking it up a notch. Wine pairings cover a wide swath. We enjoyed a lovely Sonoma County Belle Glos rosé, Orin Swift Papillon from Napa Valley, and a Chardonnay from Sonoma-Cutrer in the Russian River Valley. The Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley complemented Baked Alaska perfectly.

Creating Special Cocktails at Grand Geneva
Creating Special Cocktails at Grand Geneva

Grand Geneva not only has a fabulous wine program, but they have some pretty tasty amped up cocktails as well. One that we tried paid homage to the classic Wisconsin Old-Fashioned that we love so well. But it did so with some high-level Bulleit and a smoked glass rim. We had fun watching the preparation, so not only did we get a fabulous cocktail, which went perfectly with the dry aged ribeye, but we got to enjoy a bit of entertainment as well.

A Creative Old Fashioned at the Grand Geneva
A Creative Old Fashioned at the Grand Geneva

High Energy And Unwinding

Chef Nelly’s new menu is infused with his high energy, infectious love for culinary creativity and brilliant flavor blending. He creates dishes that are fun to see and even more fun to taste and enjoy. We just got a sampling of the items that will be coming out of the Grand Geneva ChopHouse. We’re sure that there will be much more to come all around the many kitchens at the Grand Geneva Resort.

Breakfast at the Grand Geneva
Breakfast at the Grand Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a great place to take the family, enjoy the many restaurants, the local attractions and the many amenities of the resort itself. Remember that if you’re looking to pamper yourself a bit, Grand Geneva has a spa that offers some great services to help you unwind. You’ll discover a number of unique massage services such as the farmhouse fresh massage incorporating seasonal ingredients, the lava shell massage, the hydration ritual and more. You can also go for a full body treatment, facials and skin care, whatever your mind and body would like.

More To Love At Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

We just touch on two of our great loves – eating and unwinding. But the Grand Geneva offers so much more no matter the season. Skiing and golfing, swimming pools and waterparks, salons and fitness centers are just the beginning. You could easily immerse yourself in this tasty retreat and have plenty to see, taste and do.

Many luxurious spa services at the Grand Geneva
Many luxurious spa services at the Grand Geneva. Photo courtesy of Grand Geneva.

If you visit Grand Geneva, you will definitely want to try the delicious new offerings from Chef Nelly Buleje. Not only will you taste the freshness and quality of his ingredients, but we’re betting you’ll also taste the love and excitement he brings to every dish. We know we did. It was really fun to meet him and share the vision and passion of a chef coming back home to share skill and inspiration gathered during his culinary journey. We think you’ll have fun there too. We expect even more great tastes to come out at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa restaurants, and we can’t wait to try them.

To find out more about Grand Geneva and to make reservations for a stay or for dining check out grandgeneva.com.

We were hosted at Grand Geneva, as always all opinions are our own and reflect our personal experiences.

When you think of Milwaukee, Wisconsin you immediately think of beer, sausage and cheese. While all these delicious things are certainly a big part of Milwaukee they are far from the only tasty treats in this up and coming Midwest all-American city.

Milwaukee Favorites
Milwaukee Favorites

Avid Food Travelist readers know that I’m a tea drinker. Somehow I never picked up the coffee habit. When I was growing up my Mom and Grandmother drank a lot of tea and passed their passion along to me. I have to admit that much of my early tea was the yellow label Lipton (which still brings back good memories  every time). As I grew up and started sampling other teas I was quickly hooked and now have several cabinets loaded with teas from around the world.

Imagine my surprise when we were visiting Milwaukee and I discovered how many teas originate from our Chicago neighbor. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the tea choices brewing in Milwaukee.

Tea Is Brewing In Milwaukee

Whether you’re looking for a spot to have a delicious cup of tea, a place to buy tea to take with you or a site for a tea tasting Milwaukee has you covered.

Rishi Tea 

Rishi means “one who is a seer, sage, or seeker of truth” in Sanskrit.  At Rishi they take tea to another level with all their organic teas. Rishi Tea was born in Milwaukee in 1997 when it dawned on entrepreneur Joshua Kaiser that the interest in coffee and wine might just mean that Americans would also find the fine flavors of tea alluring as well. It turns out he was right. Joshua’s interest in travel and culinary classics make him a great friend of Food Travelist. He travels around the world to source the best organic ingredients and teas.

Rich Tea in Milwaukee
Rich Tea Tasting Room in Milwaukee

We had the chance to visit Rishi’s state-of-the-art 32,00o square foot world headquarters and tasting room in Milwaukee and were really impressed. The facility is organized to ensure that the tea storage meets very stringent organic food safety standards and protects aroma segregation. It’s quite an involved production. Who knew?

Rishi Tea at Story Hill BKC Milwaukee
Rishi Tea at Story Hill BKC Milwaukee

You may have seen Rishi teas in fine dining establishments, cafes, coffee shops, and retailers like Whole Foods. What we found really inspiring are the local Milwaukee restaurants that serve Rishi too. One of our favorite breakfast spots BKC Milwaukee carries a full line of Rishi Teas.

Rishi carries loose tea and bagged tea. Many serious tea drinkers only drink loose-leaf tea but Rishi’s new filter mesh bags made from plant-based resources are definitely worth a try. The looser weave of the bag raises the infusion quality and makes for an excellent cup of tea.

Watch the super short video below for more explanation.

My favorites from Rishi are Tumeric Ginger, Tangerine Ginger, Sencha Green Tea, and Green Tea Jasmine. They also have a full line of Matcha tea if you’re like me and have to have your cup of Matcha every morning.

You can also purchase Rishi through their website rishi-tea.com

Rishi Organic Green Jasmine Tea at Locavore
Rishi Organic Green Jasmine Tea at Locavore

Urbal Tea 

When you first meet Nick Nowaczyk you immediately understand why he’s in the tea business. He loves tea and he loves the benefits of tea. Even as a small boy Nick was picking flowers, berries, and mushrooms at the family cabin in northern Wisconsin.

In a search to discover a cure for a cold he was suffering from Nick began experimenting with natural remedies and healing. Shortly after, he began selling his tea blends to friends, family, and at farmers’ markets.

What makes Urbal Tea really different is that it’s made from dried herbs. All “teas” are caffeine free and loose, not in bags.

Urbal Tea Tasty & Good For You
Urbal Tea Tasty & Good For You

Urbal Tea has three lines – Apothecary Blends, Herbal Selects, and Wellness Blends each carefully designed for a different purpose. For example, Free Flex is an herb mix that helps bring moisture and flexibility to joints and enhances the range of motion. After Dinner aid in digestion with a mix of peppermint leaf, ginger root, fennel seed, raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, orange peel, rosemary, and licorice root.

Whether or not the herbs actually help with any conditions, the FDA won’t say. But we can say that enjoying a warm cup of herbal ingredients is a calming and relaxing habit at a minimum.

Beans & Barley carries Urbal Teas
Beans & Barley carries Urbal Teas

Urbal Teas are sold in several retail stores in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin including Beans & Barley, which we just love. Stop in pick up some Urbal Tea and check out their fun store and cafe while you’re there.

You can also order Urbal Tea products on their website urbalhealth.com.

Colectivo Letterbox Teas

Many coffee drinkers may know Colectivo for their hand-roasted award-winning coffee and scratch-baked taste treats from their own Troubadour Bakery.

Their name might sound familiar to travelers of Latin America. “Collectives” are the multi-color creatively decorated public transportation buses used throughout the region. The buses represent a regular part of life, which is what Colectivo Coffee wants to encourage for its customers. They strive to build enduring relationships with their customers with quality products and relaxing comfy places to enjoy life.

Collective Teas in Milwaukee
Colectivo in Milwaukee grinds its own coffee on-premise.

If you’re a tea drinker you need to check out their Letterbox teas. All are hand selected and crafted especially for Colectivo. Black teas, green teas, white teas, herbals, and organic teas are all available for the tasting.

Lots of tea to choose from at Collectivo
Lots of tea to choose from at Colectivo.

You can enjoy your beverages in one of their stores or cafes, or take tea and coffee home or for gifts.

Collectivo LetterBox Tea Look What Teas They Are Brewing in Milwaukee
Colectivo LetterBox Tea

There are Collectivo locations throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Check out their website for locations and hours ColectivoCoffee.com.

As I mentioned in the beginning this is just the tip of the iceberg of tea tasting in Milwaukee. If you’ve got a favorite tea maker or place to have the perfect spot of tea please let us know.

Many thanks to our friends at Visit Milwaukee for helping us plan our trip to Milwaukee to meet these fine tea purveyors. Check out their site visitmilwaukee.org for lots of ideas on what else you can do in Milwaukee.

THE QUICK BITE: Teas Brewing in Milwaukee. Beer is not the only thing brewing in Milwaukee there are many teas brewing in Milwaukee too. Take a quick look at just some of the teas we discovered in Milwaukee!