When the days get shorter and the weather cools, October invites us to experience Wisconsin’s culinary excellence by settling inside for a fine meal. Here’s to upscale eating in comfortable places.
Marvelous dining at Muse in Stevens Point (Portage County)
Enjoy exceptional dining at an unexpected location in Stevens Point.Muse at Sentry is an upscale restaurant inside the corporate headquarters of the insurance company Sentry.The restaurant welcomes travelers to a dining experience that will leave you impressed at every step.
The restaurant prepares seasonal dishes from locally sourced ingredients and values precise presentation and tremendous service.You’ll savor freshly baked bread to start, then appetizers full of flavor followed by entrees that embrace what’s fresh and in season.For example, the cranberry balsamic chicken is topped with mushrooms grown in Stevens Point and paired with a creamy wild rice casserole.
Choose from drinks that match the upscale food, such as crafted cocktails or a wine selection of more than 300 bottles!Muse also sets an environment as rich and thoughtful as the dishes.From the elegant decor and art, including a signed Picasso, to the exfoliating salt scrub in the restrooms, you’ll discover an all-around fine-dining experience at Muse.
Savor authentic Italian dishes in Wausau (Marathon County)
Head to Wausau to enjoy the rich, bold flavors at Ciao.This restaurant in the heart of downtown impresses guests with authentic Italian dishes.The menu is inspired by recipes passed down by the owner’s Sicilian great-grandmother.
You’ll savor an elevated style of cooking, from the appetizers to the pastas and entrees.Start out with the espresso- and stout-glazed pork belly or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for an appetizer.Then dine on house-made pasta or an entrée bursting with Italian flavor like a rosemary pork chop served with truffle parmesan potatoes.
For equally impressive lodging, book a room at Wausau’s Stewart Inn.You’ll stay in a beautiful mansion-turned-boutique hotel. The building was constructed nearly 120 years ago in the Prairie Style of architecture and designed by one of the contemporaries of Frank Lloyd Wright.The Stewart Inn offers a traditional bed and breakfast experience in a luxury setting, making for a memorable visit.
French classics served in a unique setting (La Crosse County)
Whether you have a special occasion to celebrate or just want an excellent meal, reserve a table at Le Chateau for classic French cooking.Making its home in a La Crosse mansion dating back to 1854, Le Chateau crafts an all-around timeless experience.
You’ll be seated in one of four elegantly decorated dining areas.The restaurant is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife couple, a professional chef and sommelier, respectively.And you’ll enjoy French dishes full of flavor like a seared lamb loin crusted with garlic and almonds and served with vegetable herbed quinoa.
Before or after dinner, head to the basement of Le Chateau for their distinctive cocktail bar — La Cave.The underground drinkery serves up craft beverages as fine as the dishes in the restaurant.Visit on a Tuesday to sip on specialty martinis not normally included on the menu.
Swing by Le Coulee Cheese Castle in West Salem on your way out of the La Crosse area.Pick up artisan cheese, sausage, spreads and crackers to build a charcuterie board and continue your fine-dining journey at home.
Start your fall getaway at TravelWisconsin.com
