prime rib

Brass Ram (update), Dallas, 1/13/24

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entrance – 2130 Commerce St 2nd Floor, Dallas, TX 75201

We visited Brass Ram in Dec. 2022 after they’d just opened.  Since then they’ve resolved many of the issues I had with the place.  First and foremost the noise level was much better and the valet parkers knew the way into the building.  Small things, but it sets a tone.  There were several specials off the menu and I appreciate the way the servers tell you the prices after they describe the dish (this is a habit in all the Nick Badovinus restaurants we’ve been to).  Service is first class here – they are attentive but not intrusive and make you feel welcome.  Know that it’s a meat-heavy menu, but they do offer seafood, for those not wanting beef.  We were back to try their prime rib again, as it’s become a quest in our search of supper clubs in northern Wisc.  They serve it every night and offer a Wagyu reserve on Fri and Sat.  It is a place I’ll look forward to going back to. Continue reading →

The Ranch Supper Club (update), Hayward, WI., 7/29/23

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exterior – 10590 N Ranch Road, Hayward, WI., 54843

We visited The Ranch Supper Club in 2022 and had a great time so decided to go again, but this time we didn’t have a reservation.  Not a good plan for a Saturday night.  The wait wasn’t as bad as they thought so it was only a half-hour – time for a martini and a look around the bar area.   The bar is a hopping place and they turn out a decent cocktail but their wine list is not too exciting, so we stayed with cocktails for the evening.  The bar itself has a beautiful inlay of stones and the wood room is decorated with fishing objects and sporting goods.   It’s a good meal with nice service. Continue reading →

The Ranch Supper Club, Hayward, WI., 8/27/22

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building – 10590 N. Ranch Rd., Hayward, WI., 54843

The Ranch Supper Club started out as The Aladdin in 1931.  It had a varied following from lumberjacks to timber tycoons to Chicago gangsters.  It changed ownership several times during the ’40s and ’50s but finally became the Ranch Supper Club in 1960 when the “colorful personality”, Vivian Levinson owned it.  In 1987 Beth and Barney Morgan partnered with Cheryl Haupt to run it for the next 30 years. After Haupt died in 2016 the Morgans were happy to have their daughter Haley and her husband Nathan Bochler take the helm a year later.   Haley was raised in the business and her husband is also from northern Wisconsin.  They spent 13 years in California learning more about the food industry where she earned a sommelier certificate.  We visited on a Sat. night and the place was packed.  A large parking area is outside with 2 doors that lead into the large bar area with tables too.  Don’t miss the beautiful counter at the bar that is made with colorful inset stones.  The dining rooms are behind the bar and have a separate hostess station for check-in.  Windows to the woods out back make up one wall with tables in the middle and booths along the opposite wall. Another dining room was in the opposite direction.  Faint music is in the background and farm and cooking implements decorate the ceiling and walls along with wood beams.  The lighting was lowered, the wine list was above average, the bare wood tables were set with flatware wrapped in a cloth napkin and service was friendly and attentive. Overall it was a good meal but I expected more. However, if you’re in the area I’d stop by and try it out I think it has potential and any drink would taste better drunk over that beautiful bar. Continue reading →

Hyde’s on Buskey Bay, Iron River, 11/10/18

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exterior
exterior

Hyde’s on Buskey Bay is a couple of miles down County Road H when you turn on it from Hwy 2 in Iron River.  It overlooks a large lake which you can see if you chose seating on the enclosed porch.  I always have preferred to sit in the back section, which is the older portion with softer lighting and where the bar is located.  This night had live music in the form of an electronic keyboard playing at a nice volume in that back portion.  In the winter it’s less crowded but in the summer or other more tourist heavy times you are best to call ahead for a reservation.  The welcoming owners, Don and Helen Hyde, divide the duties with Helen running the kitchen and Don watching over the dining area while tending bar.  The large menu is all a la carte with nightly specials Wednesday thru Saturday.  All dinners and specials come with a trip to the salad bar, soup and dessert bar.  Many plates also include a choice of potato.  Portions are generous as are pours in the wine-by-the-glass.  Selection of wines is limited but a full bar can provide cocktails and beer.  This night our server was efficient, friendly and good with pacing. Continue reading →