“Food Lovers’ Guide to Wisconsin”

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• Expert, Listeners Prove Wisconsin Has More Than Its Share Of Great Restaurants

  People lucky enough to live in Wisconsin know that there is a lot of good food here. From James Beard award-winning restaurants to historic supper clubs to frozen custard stands, this state seemingly has it all.

  Martin Hintz has written many books and articles on topics like history, food and travel, but his most recent book is “Food Lovers’ Guide to Wisconsin: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings,” which he co-authored with Pam Percy. He shared many of his favorites as a guest on “The Larry Meiller Show.”

  Besides Hintz’s list, there are also recommendations that listeners shared from all parts of the state and with many different cuisines.

  Comments on Facebook included:

  “My favorite restaurant is the Cheese Factory in Wisconsin Dells. We eat there every time we go to the Dells and we haven’t had a bad meal or experience yet!” — from listener Nina

  “Cafe Wren in Luck, WI is a great little restaurant – local food, organic, great coffee, homemade soups and sandwiches, local artwork displayed.” — from listener Irene

  “Here’s a great restaurant — Misty’s Menu in Wisconsin Rapids.” — from listener Cassandra

  “Just heard mention of Chuck’s Dyckesville Bowl. We think they have the best hamburgers, with congenial service. Stop there every year en route to Door Co. to pick cherries. Make sure not to go on Thursdays, when they’re closed.” — from listener Barb

  “Hartford has an awesome little ice cream shop called Scoop De Ville. Ray and Carrie make all the ice cream right in the shop, and they have a minimum of 32 flavors available every day. I think lemon poppyseed is currently my favorite! Maple bacon and sweet corn are pretty popular, too.” — from listener Diane

  “In Stevens Point, you’ll find Bernard’s Country Inn, featuring a European trained chef, Bernard. He apprenticed in Germany and creates wonderful ‘made from scratch’ food. I also like the Hunter’s Haus around Shawano, WI. Very good German food.” — from listener Judy

  “There’s a small Italian place in Silver Lake, WI, which is in western Kenosha County, called Binanti’s Taste of Italy. They have the absolute best tiramisu that I have ever tasted, even among other top-tier Italian restaurants that I have visited. My dad is a phenomenal chef here at home and has tried to recreate his own tiramisu, but even he says that he can never compete with them.” — from listener Kevin

  Adding to Kevin’s recommendation of Binati’s, listener Jackie said, “Their Italian food is fabulous, and huge servings. The little building is an old small town bank, and triangle shaped. The old bank vault is their wine cellar.”

  “All time favorite restaurant is Malhi Thai in downtown Chippewa Falls. It’s reasonably priced and absolutely fresh and delicious.” — from listener Kelsey

  “Wegner’s St Martin’s Inn in Franklin, WI. Best German food! And an amazing Fri Fish Fry. We just love that place! Casual and very friendly. It’s our neighborhood spot, but we choose to go there for the food and atmosphere. We would gladly drive far to eat there. But thankfully, we live very close.” — from listener Kara.

  “In downtown Platteville there is a little spot to get the best bowl of soup you can get for lunch anywhere! It’s the Driftless Market on Main Street, open Monday through Saturday. There are 3 options each day, and they’re always delicious.” — from listener Cheryl

  “If you get up to Bayfield, take the trip over to Cornucopia. The Village Inn serves whitefish livers, which I love … and the best chowder in the state, thanks to the added whitefish and lake trout.” — from listener William.