Wisconsin, you take the cheese!

Wisconsin, known for their cheese and love for beer is somewhere Nick and I love to visit each year.  Between the nice people, and miles and miles of uninhabited land, make it for a close little getaway that helps reset our mind and calm us from the hustle and bustle of city living.  Nick and I, along with four of our dear friends, took a quick weekend trip to Merrimac, Wisconsin to stay at "the cabin" owned by some great friends, Jodi and Rich who are so kind in allowing us to use it from time to time.  We stopped by Woodman's Market, an employee-owned massive supermarket.  It is based out of Wisconsin, but has a few locations in Illinois.  They had items from Simple Mills that I always love.  Being based out of Chicago, I have really enjoyed watching them grow.  Their dessert mixes and crackers are always a go-to for us! Woodman's has a good amount of gluten-free foods, so we stocked up on goodies and headed up to the cabin.  They also have ANYTHING else you may need....they have EVERYTHING.  Craziest thing I have ever seen.

This is our dessert from Driftless Glen. 

We headed up from a crazy, icy winter in Chicago, for an even more snowy and icy environment in Wisconsin.  We figured the cabin would be super cozy and perfect.  It was absolutely gorgeous seeing the snow covered ground only interrupted by the footprints of animals living in the wild.  It was very serene and just what we were hoping for.

We did not feel like cooking on Friday night, so we headed out to a "supper club" in Portage, Wisconsin.  Those are so intriguing to me.  We never really had those back in NC.  Well, google stated that the one we were going to was open, but upon arrival at Trail's Lounge Supper Club, they were closing.  We were super bummed.  The man that came out to talk to us was extremely kind.  I was looking forward to their less than $5 wine.  Oh well, maybe next time.

                                       

We scooted down the street to Tamarack Pizza.  They are well known for their pizza, steak

sandwich, and burgers.  I ordered a steak sandwich ($8.95) without bread and a side of chili after the server said the chili is made from scratch by the owner.  The chili was delish!  The first bite of steak immediately stopped me in my tracks.  I asked them if there was a marinade.  She confirmed my fears and stated it was Worcestershire! I knew I was hosed.  Always be careful with Worcestershire sauce.  Often times when Malt Vinegar and/or Soy Sauce is present, the meal is going to contain my nemesis, gluten.  Laura ordered a burger ($4.95) sans bun and I had a bite and it was DELICIOUS!!  They charged extra for lettuce and tomato ($.55) which was frustrating since you are paying for a bun you are not receiving, but the flavor was so good, that I ordered one of those.  I could not eat the fries since they are fried with everything else.  The boys ordered pizza and I made sure to steer clear.  They had Tito's vodka and wine that I knew I was safe drinking, so what could have been a disaster turned out just fine and left me with a belly full of happiness!  I also should add that they have penny slots which are super fun except for the fact I lost $10 in 2 minutes, but who is counting?! I walked back to my seat with my head hanging low and sipped my drink in defeat.

Their prices are AWESOME!

This was my JAM!! 

My chili from Tamarack.

Stay away from this steak,  it has a gluten marinade.
Remember to ALWAYS ASK!

The Jambalya

The next morning, Mike made a tasty breakfast in which we included mimosas.  He made a sweet potato hash that was delightful.  I definitely need that recipe.  For a late lunch, we headed to Driftless Glen Distillery located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Nick and I had been there a couple of times prior and wanted to make sure to introduce our friends to one of our spots.  They have the BEST S'mores Moonshine!! As for GF food options, they have salads just like most places, but also have a GF jambalaya ($13).  Laura and I split the entree sized Greek Salad ($11), which had the perfect balance of ingredients.  Their balsamic is some of the best I have had.  They carry flavorful, unique olive oils from Reneè.  They have samples set out for you to try.  We highly recommend it.  The jambalaya was ok.  Not the best jambalaya I have had, but I did like the kick that stemmed from the Andouille sausage and spicy Creole rice.  I feel like it needed more shrimp that had a little more of a juicy flavor.

The Bee's Knees Martini

Oh how could I forget?  MY DRINKS!  I started out with a lovely Bee's Knees Martini ($10).  It was the Bee's Knees, lemme tell ya!  It is made with 114 PROOF Gin that they call Navy Strength Gin.  The use Reneè's Honey-Ginger White Balsamic which I know sounds odd, but trust me...you have to try this.  They add their own honey and lemonade and BAM...it was so tasty that it basically evaporated from my glass. I am a sucker for their S'mores Rivershine Moonshine, so after lunch, I was in a food coma and getting sleepy, so how could I turn down a cocktail that included their magnificent S'mores Rivershine and some much needed espresso? I couldn't, so I ordered their Snowdrift cocktail ($8).  Well I guess it did not "technically" include the S'mores Rivershine, but yet their regular Rivershine Moonshine, so I asked the sweet server if I could substitute and she said it is common for people to do that, so I was happy as a pig in "insert common word used in the old saying here"!

Rivershine S'mores substituted in the Snowdrift
Cocktail

Isn't she lovely?!

DG Spirit Flight ($10)

One of the neatest things about their whiskey is that it is derived from 100% corn, so I can actually drink it, so you have nothing to worry about with their Rivershine line or their Bourbon. They do have a Rye Whiskey I have to avoid.  I was in the mood for more chocolate, so I had to order a dessert, right?! They have a Rivershine Flourless Chocolate Cake ($6) that was to die for...literally.The presentation was gorgeous and was glazed with ganache. The plate was beautifully decorated with a crème anglaise and raspberry coulis.  I can't say enough wonderful things about this place!  You should definitely make time to eat, drink, and do a distillery tour.

They are also down the street from the circus museum called, Circus World. Nick and I have not been there, but do plan on it when we head to Wisconsin for our next little getaway.  I recommend going to both when the weather is nice.  You can go to Circus World for a couple of hours and then head on over to hydrate and eat while enjoying the outdoor patio nicely located over water at Driftless Glen.  For dinner we made ribs while enjoying Poker and Clue (the original version)!

                 

         

My winnings!

The ORIGINAL Clue

Our delicious ribs

  

Herky getting in on the action.  

On Sunday, Sarah and I made breakfast which consisted of grits, over medium eggs, and bacon.  I wanted them to get a taste of some southern cooking.  Runny eggs mixed with grits is already

delicious, but when you decide to dip you crispy pieces of bacon into it, it is like striking GOLD! 

We wish that our fun little getaway could have lasted longer, but any time away with great company is a winner for me. Having the pups and dear friends was just what we needed and I could not have asked for a better time...well except that supper club being open later.

Hiking to the Falls.

My FAVORITE set of TWINS!

My handsome husband and our daughter, Pretty!

Laura with handsome little, Porthos.

Al practicing how tired he is going to be starting in April
when he becomes a DAD!

Stay tuned for my next trip as I discover gluten-free in Phoenix and Tempe.  We are heading there for some Cubs Spring Training and the Innings Festival.  I cannot wait to see Eddie Vedder.  He has always been one of my all time favorites, so seeing him will top the cake.  See y'all soon!