Departments

The local meals community leaders will never forget

For foodies, there’s nothing better than the moment you sink your teeth into a bite and instantly know it’s an experience you’ll never forget. And when it comes to the cravable, delectable good stuff, word-of-mouth recommendations reign supreme. 

So, while hyperbolic, of course, community leaders chime in about their “to die for” dishes—from savory to sweet and everything in between.

Mayor Donald Merkes, City of Menasha

European Stollen from Manderfield’s Bakery in Menasha and Appleton 

“The holidays are a plethora of delicious foods but none is more delicious in my opinion than Manderfield’s European Stollen. I know that fruitcake and stollen are usually reserved for our parents or grandparents; however, this is no ordinary dessert. A sweet dough with orange peel, almond paste and candied fruit soaked in dark rum, it’s the perfect combination, pleasantly sweet without all the gooey frosting. Perfect for breakfast with coffee, I wait patiently for it each and every year.”

Ann Weuve, Assistant Curator, Trout Museum of Art

Cottage Pie from St. Brendan’s Inn in Green Bay

“St. Brendan’s Inn restaurant in Green Bay is one of my favorite places to eat; their authentic  Irish food warms your body and spirit. The cottage pie, specifically, is something I crave as soon  as the weather turns chilly. Its combination of vegetables and spices always satisfies my hunger  as well as fulfilling a simple desire to feel comfort on a cold day.”

Mayor Tony Penterman, City of Kaukauna

All You Can Eat Family Style Broasted Chicken Dinner, Van Abel’s of Hollandtown in Kaukauna (With homemade chicken dressing, mashed potatoes, Bernice’s Green Beans, whole kernel corn, homemade gravy, cranberries, Duff’s Bean Salad, coleslaw and rolls)

“This is special to me because my family gets together every year for the holidays to eat there.”

Sean Tiernan, Board President of Fox West Chamber of Commerce

Fish Fry Dinner at Rawhide’s Frontier Cafe in New London  

“(Rawhide) runs a fish fry every third Friday from June – September and it’s not only the best fish I’ve ever had, but a wonderful community building experience that focuses on our youth and telling the Rawhide story.”

Sue Pawlowski, Vice President Membership, Marketing & Communications at the YMCA of the Fox Cities

Trio of Chicken Salads from Zuppas in Neenah (Curried, pesto and waldorf chicken salad served on a bed of greens)
“This dish is so tasty and always fresh. The curry flavor is just perfect. It is one of my comfort meals!”

Holly Boettcher, owner of Whistler’s Knoll Vineyard, Hortonville

Beet Salad from Town Council Kitchen & Bar in Neenah

“If there is one dish that I crave, it is the beautiful Beet Salad from Town Council in Neenah. Delectably roasted beets bursting with flavor then melting on my palate with burrata cheese, white balsamic and basil olive oil all nestled on a bed of crumbled pistachio then accented with micro greens.”

Nicci Sprangers, Executive Director, Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Ultimate Bloody Mary from Two of a Kind in Dundas

“A trip to Two of a Kind in Dundas is a must for any Bloody Mary lover! This over the top bloody has amazing flavor and is loaded with everything from a beef stick, shrimp, mozzarella whips and even a hamburger slider. The best thing is that you can customize your bloody and all the fixings to fit your preferred spiciness level and you can’t beat the welcoming atmosphere of this small town bar!”

Mayor Dean Kaufert, City of Neenah

Margherita Pizza, Cannova’s Pizzeria & Fine Italian Dining in Neenah

“While I love all our local pizza places in Neenah, the Margherita Pizza with chicken from Cannova’s is a favorite for Renee and I.”

Nikki Hessel, Executive Director, Future Neenah

Goat Cheese Toast from Santé Wine Bar & Bistro in Neenah

“The dish I can’t stop thinking about is the Goat Cheese Toast from Santé Wine Bar & Bistro in Downtown Neenah. The tangy cheese, spicy arugula, lemon and prosciutto are sitting on the most delicious, rustic sourdough toast. It is so tasty and refreshing—I could eat it every single day.”

Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director, Appleton Downtown, Inc.
Build Your Own Bowl from ACOCA Coffee in Appleton

“A build your own bowl from ACOCA Coffee, it was the first time I tried their new menu and I fell in love! This combination has a French flare, featuring potato home fries, spinach, mushrooms, peppers and two perfect fried eggs—what makes it so memorable is the roasted red pepper sauce and house queso that bring it all together like a symphony! So yummy!”

Mayor Jake Woodford, City of Appleton

Chicken Pad See Ew from Basil Café in Appleton

“My go-to comfort food is Basil Café’s Chicken Pad See Eew. The charred rice noodle is unlike anything I’ve had. I could eat it any day.”