One of my favorite things is getting emails from FoxValleyFoodie.com readers. Typically the email revolves around a question, a request, or a suggestion and requires some sort of action on my part. Today however I received an email titled “Eating Appleton” that had no such requirement. I still don’t know why it was sent to me, but it was really well written and an enjoyable read. So much so that I figured Fox Valley Foodie readers may enjoy it as a mysterious guest blog post. Any guesses on the establishment being referenced at the end?
Here is the email in its entirety.
I’ll always remember my parents coming “out east” to visit us. She would order a “brandy” and was served a beautiful snifter of XXXX Cognac! Twenty Dollars”!? Yes, Mom, the bottle costs $95.00, even in Appleton.
Coming “home” to Appleton has been a culinary trial to say the least. Imagine longing for a non-fattening salad! Doesn’t exist! “What kinda cheese you want on that salad” is the common question.
The “garbage” at the bar-tenders stations was disgusting! And hearing the bartendresses ask; “What kinda garbage you wan on at” makes it worse! Try ordering an “Old Fashion” (as in bourbon or rye/bitters/soda) in Appleton! I dare you! You’d end up like a squirrel trying to cross College Avenue at 2AM on a Sunday morning!
There is great and honest food being prepared and served in Appleton Wisconsin. In one place only. And I won’t tell, because it’s already too crowded … with people spending two hours on their Brandy Ol’ Fashions and twelve to Eighteen minutes on their dining experience.
Michelle says
Hmm….is it Mark’s East Side? They serve lots of old fashioneds (I should know!), it’s usually crowded, and I’ve never had a bad meal there – the pork schnitzel, potato dumplings and kraut are the best I’ve eaten…and I can’t forget the homemade hot bacon dressing. The service is awesome. Probably our favorite place in Appleton, especially for birthdays and celebrations.
Bill says
You got it! Mark is probably the most honest, hard-working and talented chefs in the Valley. He buys fresh as much as he can. You don’t see the food service trucks pull up to Mark’s Eastside. Nobody can get sauerbraten out of a thaw-heat-and-serve packet. He makes it! From fresh real ingredients.
Try going into other restaurants and asking the server, “Is this made in house?” Or “are these pre-breaded?
I won’t eat anywhere else. Just wish it weren’t so crowded! There is nothing worse than sitting down to a meal and attempting to dine in leisure, when there is a flock in the vestibule staring at you and looking at your watches. I meant it when I said “teo hours on cocktails and 20 minutes fir dinner”! That’s not only uncool, it causes obesity! Eat slowly. It’s healthier.