to the drink has not waned. Paula was impressed that I ordered one, informing us that the Old Fashioned is a very Wisconsin drink. I’ m telling ya, Wisconsinites are my people. I think I’ d feel right at home there. We were discussing the complexities of the drink and its close rival, the Manhattan, when our drink order arrived.
Accompanying my Old Fashioned, which was off the hook( Bourbon, Demerara Syrup, Angostura Bitters, orange peel, Luxardo cherry: $ 12), was Deb and Joel’ s Cucumber Basil Gimlets( Hendricks gin, fresh cucumber, basil, lime juice, simple syrups: $ 13), and Paula’ s Lemon Drop( Vodka, Triple Sec, lemon juice, simple syrup: $ 12). The drinks were as delicious and intentional as the cool bistro-vibe of the restaurant, and as delightful as Kaylah’ s joyful spirit.
Imagine the best possible service you could ever have— anywhere. That was Kaylah. Bright, attentive, funny, and charming. She was engaging— providing info, options, and energy. She was always ahead of us, and always making sure we had everything we wanted or needed, before we even realized it.
Somewhere between us enjoying round one drinks and ordering small bites to share, Deb and I shared with Paula and Joel how much we loved visiting the old grounds of Goldsmith Seeds. So much so that we“ stopped in” one evening to renew our vows on our 10th anniversary on the observation deck overlooking the flower beds.“ We didn’ t ask!” Deb confessed. In classic Joel form, he replied,“ You didn’ t have to, that ' s why we built it.”
Pork Belly
In unison Deb and I laughingly, but sincerely said,“ Thank you” albeit some thirty years later. To this day, we’ ve never forgotten that one of our best memories as a young couple was made possible by the Goldsmith family’ s kindness and generosity.
By the time we got our small bites ordered, our conversations and stories had covered the early 1960s through the mid 1990s. Alehouse Bistro’ s menu offers plenty of delectable dishes and exquisite drinks at reasonable prices. Though it took some thought, we decided on the following small bites:
Artichoke & Crab Dip( Garlic & parmesan, artichoke heart, crab meat, spinach mixture baked and served with crostini: $ 19). Amazing flavors, warm and creamy, with plenty of crostini bread to handle the plate. These weren ' t your baby crostinis! You know how most dip-style appetisers never have enough crostinis? Well, it’ s a pet peeve of this writer. With Alehouse’ s Artichoke & Crab Dip, I left my pet peeve at the door. Full size crostini bread slices that can handle the dip. Load it up and load it in, we’ re good to go. It ' s a“ gotta try.”
Pork Belly( Flavorful pieces of pork belly, maple bourbon BBQ sauce, edamame: $ 16). A wonderfully spicy but not too hot, delightfully flavor-filled sauce generously coating perfectly done pork belly cuttlets offering a crispy exterior and a joyful tenderness inside. These are a must order if you ' re a meat eater— or if you know one.
Gal-Bi Tacos
Gal-Bi Tacos( Grilled marinated Korean short rib, grilled onions, Napa cabbage slaw, gochujang sauce: $ 19). Spectacularly prepared short rib and grilled onions lead these flavor packed mini gems of meaty goodness.
The marinade was tasty and the gochujang sauce added a nice pop, rounded out by a fresh crunch of the cabbage slaw. I won’ t say you’ ve gotta have them, but we’ ve been back three times already just for the Gal-Bi Tacos. We are team Gal-Bi.
Sharing is caring, and there were too many flavors to decide, so we passed plates and bowls, scooping this or that, which helps as I write this article. Sharing“ family-style” is a great way for everyone to give honest first impressions, instant feedback, and compare notes and flavors. It not only helps much of this article write itself, it also helps connect everyone at the table.
Connections are a part of Paula and Joel’ s DNA. During their careers they found time to volunteer with numerous nonprofits and support multiple( Continued...)
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