Plenty of fare to please all palates
By ROSE NEMUNAITIS - editorial@nwherald.com
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| Popeye's employee Antonio Valedez adds more coals to the chicken rotisserie. The chicken is cooked with Popeye's own blend of spices and seasonings for several hours.
(Lauren M. Anderson - landerson@nwherald.com) |
Are you hungry after soaking in all of the natural scenery?
Whether you plan on staying for hours or days, finding one of the best places to eat is as simple as appreciating Lake Geneva’s beauty.
More than 40 restaurants and cafés are located throughout Lake Geneva. Nestled on the shore of Geneva Lake, one in particular stands out.
“Popeye’s has been a Lake Geneva landmark for many years,’’ said George Hennerley, executive vice president of the Lake Geneva Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “The quality, value, and location make Popeye’s a Lake Geneva institution.”
With undeniably one of the best views of the lake across from the Riviera Docks at 811 Wrigley Drive, this family favorite offers a great casual dining experience. From flame-roasted chicken to their No. 1 selling Reuben sandwich and homemade soups and pies, Popeye’s patrons generally leave satisfied.
Popeye’s is a family-owned business purchased in 1972. Michael Anagnos said his family’s dedication, day-to-day commitment to excellence, and people are part of the recipe for a Lake Geneva landmark. It opens daily at 11 a.m.
“We’re serving great food with a smile and a nice atmosphere,’’ Anagnos said.
With such an assortment of restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between offering everything from mouth-watering cheeseburgers to ethnic specialties and full-course dinners, Lake Geneva pleases all palates.
“I have a problem with ‘best,’ because everyone’s tastes are different,’’ Hennerley said. “But, let me say this, the variety of restaurants in Lake Geneva is outstanding and sure to please everyone from fast to fancy.’’
Other patrons and Lake Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce members include: Bistro 220, Carvetti’s, Champs Sports Bar & Grill, Fischer’s, Foley’s Irish Woods, Georgy B’s, Hawk’s View, Hemingways, Kirsch’s, Lake Geneva Pie Co., Red Geranium, and Scuttlebutts.
Interested in taking in the scenery at the other end of Geneva Lake? Arriving by either boat or car, Gordy’s Boat House at 336 Lake Ave. on Geneva Lake in Fontana is Lake Geneva’s premier west end waterfront bar and restaurant, offering casual dining in a fun, family-friendly, nautical setting.
This heart of Fontana’s lakefront gathering spot is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer for food. The bar stays open later.
Offering an extensive menu, it’s a wonderful place for kids and all ages. There’s unique sandwiches and wraps, salads, seafood, steaks and pasta, and a “great”’ fish fry, complete with potato pancakes. Gordy’s is a bustling feel-good place with their famous boating memorabilia adorning the walls.
When you’re ready to venture off the beaten path a bit, overlooking scenic Williams Bay, Café Calamari is a gem waiting to be discovered. Combining lakefront scenery with old-fashioned Italian cuisine, tucked away is a dining experience worth driving the extra mile.
In 2004, the family-owned restaurant undertook a major renovation to add the Tuscan Room for parties and events and an outside patio for dining.
“Chef Bryan Baldi is a chef and much more,’’ Café Calamari’s Kim LaCroix said of the LaCroix family-owned business. “He takes pride in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.’’
Café Calamari is open at 5 p.m. for dinner every day in the summer. Menu highlights include: a Sicilian Filet, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass served with Fettuccine, and Tortellini Alla Crema Con Funghi – cheese tortellini tossed in a basil cream sauce with portabella mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and prosciutto.
“Each guest that comes through the door is guaranteed a smile, consistent flavorful food, and exceptional service,’’ LaCroix said.
