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

The Peak

Clitherall, MN

When I was eight years old I remember visiting on our way to or from my parent's vacation property. At the time, we had a 1950's Airstream trailer parked on top of sumac covered hill overlooking the lake. The food was a relief from the instant blueberry pancakes we had in the trailer.

Two memorable things for my sister and I were the oil lamp sculpture (similar to this one) and the salad bar with all you can eat chocolate mousse. The last time I was there, in March, 2010, neither was present. Over the years, things have changed a bit. The decor has been updated with country crafts. Little bears and  other nick-knacks have taken the place of decorative shot glasses and Curtis Jere-esque sculpture.













 

One thing that has remained consistent, is the food. Every Sunday The Peak hosts a Smörgåsbord of broasted chicken and meat option. We felt lucky if our family happened upon a chicken and ribs weekend.  The chicken is just the way you want it - crispy on the outside and moist in the center.










 In March, we dined at the peak on a Sunday morning. I had forgotten about the Smorgasbord, but was soon reminded quickly by the buffet line in the center of the room. Small-towners gathered in droves for chicken and pulled-pork. We sat in the annex (which was added sometime in the late 80s) which is lined with taxidermied animal heads. My friends commented on the good quality of the food. I of course, remembered better - because the Peak for me, as a child, was the ultimate. Afterwords, we visited the graveyard across the street (with grave stones from the late 1800's) and hiked Inspiration Peak - one of the highest peaks in Minnesota.




There are many notable things about the Peak - the owner is from Jamaica and lives in an attached house, you can bring your own bottle and they still serve all varieties of Crush soda - but most importantly, they serve snapping turtle.

Website: www.thepeaksupperclub.com

Ratings (out of 5)
Food | 3.5
Ambiance | 3
Service | 4
Relish Tray | 0
Entertainment | 0
Nostalgia Factor | 5