Sunrise Cafe, Richmond St Appleton, Wi

Sunrise Cafe

I always told myself I would never intentional rip a place, but this is an experience I had 2 years ago, I've never gone back.

Kathy, Genna and I went for breakfast and I had heard great things about the Sunrise, so we went. A quaint little place on the main drag, figured it looked good. So we sat down, waiting patiently to be waited on. It took about 5 minutes before anyone came over. There were maybe 6 tables and 3 waitresses on duty. It bothered me some but I was willing to try it yet.

We were given menus and asked if we'd like anything to drink, I asked for coffee and the others just wanted water. 5 minutes later they brought our drinks and left without taking our order, though we were ready. It was about 5 more minutes before our order was taken, breakfast basics at 10 am, biscuits & gravy with 2 eggs over easy, then 2 orders of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.

I sat there and enjoyed my coffee though sliughtly annoyed. A few more tables came in and were treated to relatively timely service. After about 15 minutes I finished my coffee, and began looking for my waitress. She was taking orders and waiting other tables as any good waitress would. 5 minutes later the ladies had drained their waters and we were starting to talk about what took so long for the most basic foods. Shortly thereafter the tables which came in after us were served, I started getting quite irritated, this is the number 1 thing that should NEVER happen, but it did.

After 10 more minutes of waiting I was steamed, so much so I got up and went to find my waitress, waiting by the kitchen window. At this time the trables that came in after us asked my girlfriend how long we had been waiting, all told we had been there 45 minutes, had 1 cup of coffee, 2 glasses of water and one big helping of steam. I asked my waitress if she could just give me the bill for the coffee. After 45 minutes I was done. It had taken over 30 minutes just to process the food! I can whip up that same order in that time at home, so this was ridiculous.

The waitress tried to talk me into waiting because as the cook started yelling and screaming at her & I, "It'll be up in 5 minutes, you just have to wait, give me time to cook." After all this time, I could have food in 5 minutes, I just shook my head. The waitress said she would pay for my 1 cup of coffee, after all, it was $1.19 for bottomless coffee which had never been refilled. I declined her offer, paid the $1.24 which I owed for coffee and left.

I hope this was a rare occasion and not the standard, but it happened and I have never been back. I cannot attest to their food but if there is anything to be learned from this experience, if tables which arrived after you are being served before you and your coffee isn't refilled, don't wait, it isn't worth it.

Here 'N There, Metz, Wi

Metz Here 'n There

Have you ever wanted the most phenomonal burger ever? Ever crave just a good, juicy, fattening burger? I have and I know the place for you. You're gonna have to look for this place, but its worth the trip. Look up Metz, Wi. Thats where you have to start, take the long ride out there, you'll miss it if you blink so you need to watch.

At the cross roads of this tiny establishment is the Here 'N There bar. Irv serves the best food off the hot grill. I don't know what makes it great, but no other burger is its equal in flavor. He says the secret is it is never frozen. He pulls the burgers out of the walk in fridge and put them on this grill.

The grill is very simple, everything from bacon to burgers is cooked on it and it has amazing flavor. He takes his time but if you want fast, you don't want good. So enjoy a beer or whiskey, throw some darts while you wait. They love their music so plug some quarters in and rock out!

Now, when you order I suggest the bacon double cheese burger with a side of cheese curds. When it comes, grab you a napkin roll and silverware, you can forget the fork and knife and spoon, but you'll need the napkin unless you're like me and plan to lick the savory juice that will drip down your hand. This is the King of all burgers. The curds are just a little piece of Wisconsin, flavor, something to snack on while you wish you had another burger.

My brother in law and I have eaten many of these burgers, while you won't be hungry after you've eaten, you will always want more. Grab you a handful of bun & burger, smile and enjoy it, you'll likely not find anything as good for many miles.

The Greek Kafe

The Greek Kafe

I just got home from the out of the way foodie stop. I walked in and it was small, always a good sign to me, looked behind the counter and there it was, the meat on the spindle, yes! I knew I was in for an amazing, authentic gyro. I haven't had an amazing gyro in years, everyone either has really greasy meat or meat thats over spiced, not flavored, just pounded with seasonings.

My girlfriend Kathy & I placed our order, cafe style of course, then sat down and admired the place. It has the gorgeous wood and black iron with light accents of wear, the type you'd expect to see at your favorite local spot.

Shortly there after our food was brought out to us, wow. Simple french fries cooked to their golden brown perfection with a touch of seasoning mixed with the smell of the gyro. The beauty of this is the simplicty or it. Few places make it properly, fewer still balance flavor like the Greek Kafe.

Ribbons of beef & lamb, on pita bread stuffed with onions, cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce and the savory touch of lime juice and tzatziki sauce. It is a refined recipe that will make you absolutely cherish every bite.

As we finished our meal and began to talk to the gentleman behind the counter we learned he is the owner and you can tell he has a passion for food. He created the menu himself, it features scallops, shrimp, gyros and for the kids, chicken nuggets. Not to mention he has fish and vegetarian gyros, something for everyone really. He spoke of moving from California and how it was so hard to find decent food in the area, specialty food in which the owners and workers took pride in their food.

Also, he mentioned his big mistake was not having a bar with the restaurant. We all like a good beer, so he now has a small beer & wine list, the greatest hits really. This really is secondary to the food, to spoil the flavor with any beer would truly be a crime. Your best bet is to eat and enjoy the food, saving the beverage for the end.

So if you are in the area and want to try something different, stop in at The Greek Kafe on Ballard road next to Ginge Rootz and the Express station, you won't be sorry.

Luigi's review

Luigi's

If you've never been to one of northeast Wisconsin's Luigi's restaurants, you need to check one out. The food is always good, people are always friendly and you'll never leave hungry. Yes, you can get italian cuisine anywhere and at any time around the Fox Valley and green Bay area, but only Luigi's has the giant stromboli, amazing lasagna and pizza to die for.

I've had my share of great food, but this little local franchise takes the cake. Each one has a slightly different menu, so it's worth traveling to the different locations to try everything. For those of you interested, yes... they have beer. Ha! Yes, it's important and you will find a good selection in these little hidden gems.