Turk's Inn - Take 2

Hayward, MN

Second pilgrimage to Turk's (photos from first trip were lost)

  -->

From the highway it doesn't look like much - maybe a run down motel.  Inside, Turk's is a time capsule to place and time that only existed in this spot on the Namekagon River.  There is a lot of myth and history surrounding it - gangsters, world travels, mingling with dignitaries.  It is weird and intriguing and each time go we learn a little more-
 

Much of the structure in and out was hand-built.  This bar is the the shape of a boat bow and above is a pink sparkly ceiling.  With a martini in hand you are whisked away to another land.  This is escapism at its best!

Imagine the different people that sat in these booths - gangsters, politicians, supermodels and that ice fisherman guy from down the street.

Are we in Hayward?  It as if we are under the Mediterranean night sky.  I can smell the ocean breeze.  Wait, this is getting weird!

Portrait of the owner - George.  The story is that he came from Istanbul when he was only 16 to live with his uncle.  After a few years of running a candy store he had "too much fun" so his uncle arranged a marriage with a girl from St. Paul and he moved to Hayward with only 25 cents.

My question is - what kind of "fun" are we talking about?

This place is a historical monument!  There are museum quality relics, paintings, treasures and some odd nick-knacks.  You could literally spend hours looking at the stuff!

The legacy of Turk's lives on.  George's daughter, Marge still owns it, although her health has not been very good we hear.  Marge was a fashion designer and model in New York.  She modeled shoes and hats.  As you can see, she was absolutely stunning!  There are portraits of her throughout.

The clientele and the ambiance - an interesting juxtaposition. 

As the menu states, Turk's is "Overlooking the beautiful Namekagon River as if it were the Black Sea."  The back yard veranda tells an interesting story with its fountains, pools, giant bird cages and stairs leading to a crooked bridge and a fairy-tale island.

There were what appeared to be worms in my Turkish pilaf, but I discovered they were actually soggy chow mien noodles.  Interesting touch.  Turkish recipe, no doubt.

So many details to capture!  This silver textured wall paper and the Egyptian art.  My head is spinning!

A sample of the entry-way wallpaper.  How does one order this?  "Um, yes, I am looking for something that tells of my worldly travels." 

Ratings (out of 5)
Food | 2
Ambiance | 5++
Service | 4
Relish Tray | 3
Entertainment | 0
Turkish Theme | 5 you're never gonna see anything like this in your life

El Toro

Cotton, MN

Driving along Highway 53 in Northern MN and we see a run-down stucco structure on the left with bull mural and a sign that says El Toro.  Funny, but we had been here before many years before on a whim to drive to Canada.

The brown-yellow cigarette stained ceiling and stained-glass chandlers.

My study of textured plastic wall paper.

The clientele are your standard iorn rangers.  Do they know they have struck gold?

Ratings (out of 5)
Food | N/A
Cocktails | 5
Ambiance | 3
Service | 4
Relish Tray | 0
Entertainment | 2 if you like the Boot Scoot Boogie

Dreamland Supper Club

South Range, WI

Was it a dream or did I eat lobster tail in Wisconsin under 50s vintage lights last night with five friends?




Located in Beautiful South Range Wisconsin (as the website states), Dreamland is a beacon of light on bleak County Road E.



On a dark road in January, from a distance, the neon sign glows and beckons visitors into a warm cocoon of wonder and amazement. It is rare to find a supper club sign specimen so fine.



When you enter the club, you experience an ambiance of vintage relics and wildlife art. A mix that reflects the past and current clientele? The animal art can be slightly overwhelming if you are not ready for it. A wolf rug reassures you.



There is something surreal about the combination of Enya music, South Range folk and floating lobster tails in clouds (on the cover of the menu). Sail away, sail away, sail away...




I go all-out and order the Seafood Platter. Why not? It arrives in a thick coating of paprika butter.




But not before a relish tray, choice of salad or juice and fried breadsticks! Yes, I said FRIED BREADSTICKS.



Relish tray galore with three types of salads, cottage cheese, pickles and herring. DS gets major points for relish tray and tomato juice. Not since the Shore Crest (may it RIP), have I experienced the full meal deal.




The lobster was tender and sweet. It tasted great considering the desolate location, 1400 miles from the ocean. It out-shined the Canadian Walleye by far.



Meanwhile, in the bathroom, horse art gone wild. The little girl in each of us is reminded of childhood fantasies - black beauties and foxies.




At 8:00, the place is dead. Keep in mind, most supperclubbers eat at 4:30. It is sort of eerie being the only table and then things got stranger. Our host asks if we smoke - if so, we can light up now. This strikes us as a fine gesture until we are also welcomed to join him in the "smoking apartment" upstairs.




 Part of the dining room is divided into a bar and gift shop. The bar is original, a fine fixture.



Do yourself a favor, and visit the website www.dreamlandsupperclub.com


 
Food / 3
Ambiance / 4.5
Relish Tray / 5
Fried Breadsticks / 5
Fantasy Factor / 5