The Exception to the Wisconsin Dining Rule
With few exceptions – at least restaurant-wise – our several-month romp through Wisconsin this past year was somewhat more than a bit disappointing. One of the most notable exceptions though, was found in the Wisconsin Dells area – a place called Field’s at the Wilderness Restaurant.
Setting the Scene: Arrival in the Dells
Don’t get me wrong. Both Lauren and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of Wisconsin we visited. The air was clean and fresh (except this past summer, during the “air quality alerts” caused by Canadian wildfires), and the people were genuinely friendly. While sampling the fare at numerous dining venues along the way, we found the food to be, in general, quite good. But what I said years ago in the Fox Valley of Illinois still applies (even in Wisconsin): “you need to get out more…”
A Frank Lloyd Wright Connection: The Architecture of Field’s
But back to Field’s at the Wilderness. Actually, staying in the Dells is not my favorite thing to do, but there are plenty of really nice hotels and resorts there. We did find a delightful IHG property. Check out the “Staybridge Suites”. It’s worth a look if you are in the Dells area… In any case, we checked in at approximately 2:30 p.m. After a beverage and some relaxing – the trip south is always a typically anxious drive – Lauren informed me that she made reservations at Field’s for dinner. We had never been there.
And she was particularly excited because the architect of Field’s – James Dresser – was an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright (he also designed the nearby Del-Bar). The wife of my best friend from California recently wrote an article that resides on her special website, FrankLloydWrightSites.com. Field’s – as well as the Del-Bar – is drop-dead gorgeous!
A Look at the Menu: More Than Just a Steakhouse
Importantly, Field’s prides itself on being a premier steakhouse. They feature prime steaks, chops, prime rib, New York Strip, Veal, Lamb, Barbecued Baby Back Ribs and Filet. But one look at their menu and its offerings will tell you all you need to know about fine dining!
There are truly excellent appetizer selections, well- imagined Poultry offerings, mouth-watering Lobster Bisque, savory Seafood selections (like Scallops, Salmon, Shrimp Scampi, Ahi Tuna, Lobster, a Shellfish Medley… and more!). They even have several Pizza choices, as well as a special kids’ menu. And did I mention some incredible and delectable desserts to top things off? Consider them mentioned!
Service and More: Off to a Great Start
It seemed as though this would be yet another night where our appetites did not quite match the marvelous offerings that were available. Lauren and I were once again too tired. But even the appetizer section made me – almost – start to drool. Time to get this evening started!
One server came around to take a beverage order (as was our habit, one Grey Goose up for Lauren – with Bleu Cheese-stuffed olives! and a Templeton Rye Old Fashioned on the rocks for me). Another stopped by with warm rolls and soft butter. They were barely noticeable, but as we looked around the dining room, we observed many nicely uniformed servers circumnavigating the tables, and looking for any small need the diners might have. The evening? Off to a great start!
Appetizer Perfection: The Baked Goat Cheese
When our server returned, we decided to order the Baked Goat Cheese (12.95): Roasted red bell pepper, basil pesto & warm olive medley served with toast points. Eye candy for sure and plated perfectly, the 1st appetizer was exquisite to behold and almost too good looking to ruin with the insertion of a fork. But alas, our hunger and taste buds got the best of us… Trust me, we were not disappointed! After Lauren snapped a few photos, we dug in and savored every bite.
Succulent Seafood: The Prawn Cocktail Compliment
Next up was a Prawn Cocktail (14.95) with Cocktail Sauce. I was almost disappointed by the short description. Neither Lauren nor I was disappointed at all after a first bite. One of my complaints at most restaurants we have visited is that the seafood – especially the shrimp – is consistently… way overcooked / overdone, often making it tough and chewy.
This batch of shrimp was something for which the kitchen should be very, very proud as these prawns were large, succulent, perfectly cooked, amazingly tasty and tender! Kudos to the kitchen chef and cooks.
The Grand Finale: Black & Blue Ahi
Before ordering one last appetizer – once again we decided to do the “lighter side” for the evening – we each selected a glass of J. Lohr Chardonnay (our favorite California white wine). Taking a few minutes to savor the flavor, Lauren and I talked about where we might be headed in the coming weeks and months… and then ordered the Black & Blue Ahi (14.95): Blackened Hawaiian ahi, sautéed onion & bell pepper with soy Dijon mustard sauce. And boy, what a treat!
It was now quite clear to me that the kitchen had outdone themselves – once again – that evening. Perhaps by accident – perhaps not – that final app of the evening was absolutely superb: perfectly cooked to a rare temperature with a most excellent sauce consisting of a masterfully executed trio of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and black pepper (I believe, although Lauren swears there was some other spice there).
Not sure if I am just getting older, or if there is something else at work, but I can’t really manage to consume as much as I could when I was a bit younger. And that’s really a shame. Because on the night of our visit to Field’s at the Wilderness Restaurant, I really wanted to order one of the dinner selections. But I knew I could not have finished it. I will, however, make it a point to return. That Dry-aged, 14-oz New York Strip steak has my name written all over it!
So, there you have it, but let me sum it up for you. Keep in mind that I rate restaurants according to four simple principles:
1) Food Quality
2) Plating & Plate Presentation
3) Service, and
4) Distractions (excessive noise level, sloppily or poorly attired or non-attentive wait staff, etc., location)
The Final Verdict: A Rare Five-Zin Experience
Field’s covered all four areas most excellently… with room to spare. Every one of the above-mentioned categories was a Five Zin experience. I made a point of stopping by the kitchen area on the way out and told them so.
And, as has been the case since I first started writing restaurant reviews and annual summaries, keep in mind that this is how I would rate any restaurant as if it were the only place available to dine… period. As always, I certainly appreciate your opinions as to why you may or may not agree with my choices.
Five-Zin reviews are rare for me. Field’s at the Wilderness easily earned this one! If you have not yet been there, you owe it to yourself to stop by for whatever reason you can find.
Your Table is Waiting,
Ralph Pancetta
Location
Field’s at the Wilderness is located in the Wilderness Resort at 511 E Adams Street in the Wisconsin Dells.
Lauren’s Links
- FrankLloydWrightSites.com – Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture in Wisconsin and other states.
- Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells
