Fish Type: Haddock (AYCE) Price: $11.00
Overall, I would highly recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Excellent Potato Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Excellent Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Comment: The Tour de Fish: Part IV
So far youve seen the best in beer battered cod, some benevolent bluegill, and the lord of all lake perch, but something is missing There is no doubt these are all great Fish Frys, but none of them have been All You Can Eat, and isnt AYCE what Friday Night Fish Fry is all about you might be asking? Well, yes And no. While getting all the fish you can eat is a good thing, if they fish isnt tasty and you dont want to eat a whole bunch, what good is AYCE really? I for one would rather have a smaller portion of great fish than a boatload of crummy stuff. Dont get me wrong, we love a good AYCE FF, but usually good fish and AYCE dont swim in the same school. That is unless you head to the friendly waters of Maiers Dorf Haus in the tiny village of Roxbury.
If its Friday night the Dorf is going to be busy, and while your quoted wait time might be an hour, theyll probably get you a spot in about 30 minutes. While you wait you can sit at the bar, enjoy some ½ liter steins of German beer, and wolf down the amazing snack mix; but be careful, this stuff is delicious and will fill you up quickly Dont forget, AYCE fish is just around the corner.
Your waitress will be a consummate professional and come clad in full German garb. She will take your order and immediately start bringing out the grub. First to hit the table will be a basket of the Dorf Haus infamous fritters. The fried dough balls come with the Friday entrees, and when paired with a couple drops of honey are pure gastro gold. As with the snack mix, trying not to fill up on the fritters is damn near impossible, but force yourself to quit (if youre sweet, the waitress will bring you a fresh basket for desert). Along with the fritters some homemade slaw will appear pre-fish and be a perfect example of what slaw should be - zesty, creamy, and just the right consistency.
Eventually the fish, fries, and tartar will make their way out in family-style fashion. The fish will most likely be scalding hot so make sure not jump in too quickly. The Dorf serves their fish in thick, meaty chunks probably a good 4 ounces each. This fish, whether it be cod or haddock, will be smooth and flaky, paired with a spicy breading that elevates it to another level. At this point you should go full force and take advantage of all this AYCE has to offer. 5 pieces? 6? The only one controlling you is you, and dont forget, fish is worth more than fritters.
Like the fish, the fries can be refilled as many times as you desire (which isnt always the case at AYCE Fish Frys). The Dorf Haus features a fine French fry. They are skin-on thick-cut julienned potatoes that are expertly fried. In addition, you can choose their authentic German potato salad which is surprisingly good. The warm blend come loaded with bacon/ham pieces, and emits a lovely BBQ essence. The house-made tartar is also near perfect with a creamy substrate and just enough relish to give it a pop without overwhelming the fish.
As with most supper clubs the Grasshoppers are great, and the Old Fashioneds are muddled before your eyes so dont shy away from them at the Dorf. This is the first of our AYCE adventures and probably the most shining example of everything an AYCE Fish Fry can be.
Inside Tip: Fritter at your own risk
The fritters are superb and hard to layoff of, but try not to fill up too much since the fish is AYCE and amazing - you can always have another fritter or two after dinner. Also, try not to fill up on the highly addictive snack mix at the bar while you wait for your table. Lastly, this is an All You Can Eat Fish Fry. If you know you are going to want more fish after the waitress drops of the first plate, make sure to re-up before she leaves to ensure there isnt a gap. This works at most any All You Can Eat..
*The Dorf Haus is in Roxbury. If you MUST stay closer in Madison and still want breaded cod try Tobys Supper Club or Wilsons Bar & Grill on Madison east side or better yet, if you happen to be around during Lent try St. Peters Catholic School in Ashton (the best Family-style Fish Fry in history).
Next:Walleye Pike at the Beachhouse.
Previous: Lake Perch at Chicos Villa Tap.
www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/SaukCity/DorfHausSupperClub/default.aspx?accid=19510
8931 Hwy. Y
Roxbury (Sauk City), WI 53583
(608) 643-3980
