Drifted In to the Driftless Glen Distillery-Baraboo WI 03/09/2024

 It's that time of year to head up to the Wisconsin Dells for the Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin's annual "Holiday Banquet/Auction". Food, fun and friends! On our way up, we met up with another couple for lunch at the Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo Wisconsin. Quite the beautiful setting. Right on the river. Nice outdoor deck and a well designed building. Being a distillery you know they know how to mix a great drink but what about the food? They've got a decent variety of choices. I of course went straight for the burger selection.

The Driftless Burger. I did it pretty much the basic version. No extra stuff. My side was Roasted Red Potatoes. While I waited for the food, I enjoyed a Bourbon Manhattan. Delicious. The food arrived fairly quick. First impression, I'm in for something good! A pinch off the side to see how the burger stands on its own. Decent seasoning. Slice it, just a bit of pink in the middle. Could have had more but the flavor was right. Juicy, fresh veggies and just enough condiments. The roasted potatoes were a great choice to go with this burger.

I'll try not to share sticker shock because this is a re-occurring event for me. The service was great. The food as great. At least it was a decent burger.

Rate it: 4.5 of 5 The extra .5 is just to make sure it ranks above "good".

Cary Ale House serves a "Smash" Burger (and I liked it!) 09/08/23

I'm not sure if I've ever had a "smashed" burger or at least it may not have been referred to as such. No matter, I was pleasantly surprised. 

We traveled to Crystal Lake IL for an Oldsmobile car show at the Holiday Inn. We always like to get a group of Olds club members and check out some local eats. There's a place in Cary, IL that fit the bill. They've got a little of everything Fish, Ham, BBQ and Burgers. I chose the Smash Burger, A double patty pressed thin, with smashed onions, chipotle remoulade, house pickles, candied bacon, butter lettuce and American cheese. I had no idea what I ordered but man, I'm glad I did.

The whole sandwich just fit together perfect. Enough of everything listed but not of it excessive. Flavor, spot on. Juicy patties, fresh bun.

Rate it: 4 of 5 (very strong 4)

I don't know why but this really hit the spot. Overall flavor worked so well.

Cary Ale House

 

 

 

08/15/22-Cruize the Spur Elm Grove, WI

 Another gorgeous night to be in Elm Grove for a "Cruise the Spur". Cars, food and comrade. We took the '60 olds convertible to the cruise in. We decided to enjoy a sit down style dinner rather than doing the car show cuisine. They offer a less expensive smaller menu on the area where the cars are parked. Sort of nice. Otherwise, attending a car show can get expensive without even calculating in the fuel cost!

The Silver Spur has always served decent food. Not "wow, this is delicious" but, pretty decent. For some reason, maybe the cook was in a better mood, fresh spices who knows? The food was extra tasty. Not much of a story to tell. I went to the show with the intention of consuming a burger. All the toppings were fresh and flavorful. 

I'll be honest, I'm writing this some time after the fact. Details fade unless I write them down. I just remember, it was pretty remarkable. 

Rate it: 4 of 5 Decent price. Tasty.

Cars, Family and Burgers!! Georgie Porgie's Treehouse, Oak Creek WI (07.2019)

July, 2019
It's a car show destination every Saturday during the Summer. It's also a playful, fun place to grab a burger. My birthday falls on July 5th. Sounds like a perfect storm.
Celebrating made easy. We threw a birthday get together in the middle of the weekly car show. Friends and family that attended were encouraged to grab a burger etc. and join us in the show field.
I did the Shroomy. It looked to be the most straight forward burger on the menu. If you've read any of my other blogs, you will know I'm not big on flashing toppings and all that. Such distractions can take away from the burger's true taste.
The burger came fresh and tasty. Nice portion of fries too. Everything worked well together. Not too much condiments, tasty bun. The patty had enough flavor/seasoning for me.
Price and environment make it a great outing for the family. The car show is a bonus.
Rate it:
3.5 of 5
This isn't gourmet. It's decent quick food. Not fast, not sit down. Just quick and tasty.

The guys at the Treehouse Car Show & birthday celebration.

 

Kopp's (no robbers!)

Late June of this year, I found myself back at one of my favorite places of any kind. They just happen to have burgers!
Yes, I've been to Kopp's before. Kopp's goes way back for me. There was a Kopp's, the original, in my neighborhood at N 61st and W Appleton Avenue. It was Jumbo burgers and custard. They've got 3 or 4 locations plus a fancy place downtown, Elsa's named after the founder, Elsa Kopp.That's a whole different burger down there.
It was a date night and a chance to take our 1960 Oldsmobile out for a cruise. It's always cool to pull in at a burger stand with a classic convertible.
This night, I'll split a cheese burger with "the works".
The staff is hustling to get the orders ready for all the folks waiting. A separate line cranks out all things Custard. It's great to see that all the staff wear the customary Kopp's uniform, including the paper caps, aprons etc.
Our number gets called. As we step towards the counter, another of the crew brings over our custard order, fresh made for our order.
It's all I expect of the Kopp's Jumbo Cheese Burger. Some grease oozes, cheese squashes out a bit and the over the top quantity of condiments. And of course, the pickle set on top of the bun, getting warmed. (Dill) It's all good. Flavor is still great. The bun, no doubt the same or similar to what is has been for over 60 years.

Rate it: 4.5 of 5
I'm not going to claim it to be the best burger in the area but, Kopp's delivers a quality sandwich at a decent price.
Don't fix what ain't broke.

Staff at Kopp's. Black bow tie and all!