Mackinaws Strikes Again

A couple months ago I celebrated my 21 birthday.  So, my parents, being the gamblers that they are, wanted to take me to Oneida Casino in Green Bay.  My mother then told me to look up a new restaurant to try in Green Bay.  This was the first time I went to Mackinaws.  And, since I have posted about this before, it was not my only time.  Yesterday, I went Prom Dress shopping with my sister in Green Bay and our new favorite resaturant was right on the way.  After a day long of shopping, we stopped at Mackinaws.  I wanted to try something different so I could again write about this fine establishment.  My mom and I shared the Nachos Plate.  The best part, we customized it. Our waitress was very wonderful as we took off the meat and cheese on our dish and added a side of gucamole and beans.  The heaping plate of tortilla chips came just as ordered.  Top the mountain of chips was layers of refried beans, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, with gucamole and salsa to top it off.  It was simply amazing and for $8.99 for two, you can't beat that.

Game Day Snacks: Vegan Sloppy Joe's

Good Morning,
Well it's game day in Chicago, and I'm going to my aunt and uncle's for the Packer/ Bears game.  My aunt is making Sloppy Joe's so I was looking up vegan options to bring.  My favorite is always good old pasta salad.  So I am going to include that recipe, but I also wanted to do a feature maybe on vegan Sloppy Joe's.  The main protein for these is usually tofu, but if you prefer the store bought imitation meats, go for it.  Crumbled vegan burgers (such as Boca) work great too. 

Ingredients: 
2 packages firm tofu
2 cup tomato sauce
Half cup olive oil
Half green pepper (feel free to choose any color pepper, more colors the better)
1 large onion
Half cup chopped mushrooms
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tlbsp brown sugar
1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

First sautee the peppers, onion, and mushrooms.  Meanwhile, boil tomato sauce and olive oil.  Sautee onions until they are translucent, add to boiling sauce, let simmer.  Add chili powder, mustard, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar to sauce.  Once stirred throughly, cut tofu into small cubes at add to sauce.  Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve this creations on whole wheat buns for a sandwich even the biggest meat eater will love. 

 (For better tasting tofu, make sure to press before cutting.  To do this, lay a couple layers of paper towel on a plate.  Place tofu on paper towel and cover with more paper towel.  Place another plate on top.  The more weight on top the better.  Maybe through a cookbook on top too.  Let sit for 15-20 minutes.  This rids the tofu of excess water, and let's it soak up sauces better.) 

By adding more vegetables, you're burgers get healthier by the minute.  It is important to eat a variety of colors in each meal to make sure you are getting all the nutrients that you need for the day.  Other veggie options may be: celery, yellow tomatoes, cabbage.  Also, by adding even just a little bit of olive oil, any tomato sauce gets better.  Olive oil is one of the best cooking oils because of its level of mono-unsaturated fatty acids.  These are the best fats.  Olive oil also contributes a lot of Omega 3's which are important in any diet.  And vegans don't get these essential nutrients from other sources such as fish, so olive oil is an easy way to add it to most meals.

Vegan Chili

Today I went to visit my dear Grandparents.  My grandma has always made the best chili so today I wanted to combine the chili I grew up eating with a vegan version my mother makes with me.  It turned out quite delicious. 

Ingredients:
1 large can of V8 juice or tomato juice
1 can kidney beans (or about 2 cups cooked)
1 can black beans (or about 2 cups cooked)
1.5 cups whole wheat pasta
2 diced tomatoes
2 tblsp chili powder

Bring the juice to boil in a large pot.  Add the beans, and tomatoes.  Stir the chili powder with about a cup of water.  Once mixed, add it to the pot.  Then add the pasta.  Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tendor.  Remove from heat.  Add extra chili powder or salt to taste. 

This is great to make in large batches because it freezes very well.  I always have my mom make extra so I can take some to school with me and put it in the freezer. 

Orange-Pineapple Stir Fry Dressing

This dressing is wonderful on any vegetables. Cut up what you want to eat and set it aside.  Then combine the following ingredients and stir well:

Juice from one orage or 2 clementines
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1 tblsp olive oil
1 tsp brown sugar
2 garlic cloves
minced ginger (about 6 thin slices)
dash of salt to taste

Mix together.  Bring to a slight boil and add vegetables.  Cover and let simmer until vegetables are tender.  Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to add some protein.  This is also great over rice noodles.  Serve and enjoy!

Nandos, Worldwide

Looking for a chicken delight?  Then Nando's is the spot for you.  Located at various spots around the world check their website for the closest to you.  Although this restaurants may be quite small, they will make sure your wait is minimum.  Looking at their menu, most people come for the chicken.  Order it as a whole chicken or in a wrap.  But aside from their famous broasted chicken, this wonderful little stop has veggie burgers and more sides than you'll be able to eat.  With each entree side one of these unforgettable sides including mashed sweet potatoes, garlic bread, seasoned rice, and many others.  Oh, and don't forget your endless bowl of frozen yougurt to finish your meal off right.

Mackinaws, Green Bay WI

Right off of I-43 is where you can find this dinning experience.  Driving up to the packed parking lot you may thinking of turning around, but I assure you there is more room than you think.  Walk in and you may need to take a number to wait, but seat yourself at the wrap around bar and possibly listen to some live music.  Grab a drink while you wait and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.  Once seated the options are endless.  I found this a great place to bring the family simply because there is something for everyone.  From their wide selection of appetizers to the steak dinner everyone will be anxiously awaiting their food.  The large log cabin atmosphere may put you in the mood for a burger and you wouldn't be disappointed, but make sure to take a look at their various sandwiches, patsa, and seafood dishes.  The prices here aren't too steep and every wallet can fit their budget.  If nothing else just stop in for a drink or a delicious dessert.

The Weather Center, Sheboygan WI

Nestled down along the lakeshore, this small spot has a lot to offer.  Come in from the cold and enjoy one of their specialty drinks or sit down with a coup of hot soup.  Their bakery is always fresh and varies from cinnamon rolls to muffins.  This stop is also great for lunch and dinner.  The casual, comfy atmosphere brings strangers together in its cozy dinning area.  Dishes include quesadillas, nachos, and a variety of meat and veggie sandwiches.  The outside may look small but don't let that stop you from checking into this one of a kind restaurant.  During the summer hours its a great place to sit and watch the waters from the lake and the friendly staff will having you coming back again and again.

High Rock Cafe, Wisconsin Dells, WI

This classy two story cafe is seated along the downtown boardwalk of Wisconsin Dells.  With shopping bags in hand stop in for a treat from thier original and fresh menu.  Choose an appetizer to share and enjoy homemade hummus, brushetta, or crab cakes.  For a fuller stomach dig into one of the exquisite wraps or sandwiches.  My personal favorite is the tree hugger, but meat eaters can enjoy roast beef, turkey or chicken.  For the lighter side, try something from the soup and salad menu.  All the salads come loaded with fresh veggies and the house soup is always loaded baked potato.  If you're visiting for a full meal take a look at their pastas and entrees.  This little cafe has something for everyone.  Their pastas come to order and their entrees are bursting with flavor.  Try the Friday Fish Fry or order the duck.  Entrees also include pork tenderloin, ribs, and chicken masala.  As for the cost of this spot, there are no surprises here.  Prices go up from soup and salad and only break $20 for the assortment of entrees.  If you're not looking for a full meal make sure to stop for a glass of wine or a delcious dessert.

Moosejaw, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Moosejaw is by far the most family friendly pizza and pasta place in the Dells.  The rustic atmosphere makes dinners feel like they're in a log cabin far from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.  Although it may be busy on weekends, this restaurant has plenty of space for all who visit.  If you do find yourself waiting, take a seat at the bar and try one of their different specialty ales or a delcious root beer in a frosty mug.  While dinning pizza lovers will definitely fit right in.  Moosejaw's has the basic toppings along with many different styles to try.  Pasta is also a crowd favorite and the portions are quite generous.  Once the bill comes, there shouldn't be too much of a surprise.  The prices are very family friendly and allow for that slice of dessert.

Sarento's, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Sarento's is the place for fine dining in the Dells.  Located on Wisconsin Dells Parkway this Italian style building has all that to offer and more.  Although children are allowed, I would take advantage of this quaint restaurant and make a reservation for two.  This Italian hot spot is not to disappoint.  The main pasta dishes, including fettucini alfredo, Pasta Primavera, and wide selection of pizzas brings you a step back from the hustle and bustle of Wisconsin Dells.  Also, while visiting, make sure to check out their wide selection of wines.  This fine dining spot may register higher on price scale, but is definitely a dining experience not to miss while in the heart of Waterpark central.

The Cheese Factory, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Right in the heart of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells is America's Waterpark Capital of the World.  Housing great attractions, like Noah's Ark, this city is also great for eats from around the world.  Being a vegan, my favorite spot is by far The Cheese Factory, located on Wisconsin Dells Parkway near the Wilderness Lodge.  This spot features all vegetarian dishes made with the most delicious ingredients.  The Cheese Factory is open breakfast through dinner serving everything from pancakes to pasta.  A crowd favorite is the Thai Bananas served for breakfast.  These are a favorite of my sisters.  These bananas are served with delcious, creamy coconut curry sauce, topped with walnuts, pineapples, and coconut oil.  For lunch the menu is extensive and everything is quite wonderful.  Pick from one of the amazing categories of sandwiches, mexican, pizzas, salads, soups and the Cheese Factory Favorites.  The Cheese Factory has also been featured on cooking shows, such as Rachel Rays, for these world famous Grilled Cheese.  As for prices in this fine dining, entrees range from about $10 up to about $16 to fit most budgets.  Don't forget to check out their amazing dessert menu before paying that bill.

About my blog

Hello All,
My name is Jackie Lutze and the idea of my blog is to provide basic eating information from restaurants around the world.  My true passions in life are traveling, writing, and cooking so I am trying to combine them all together.  I am a native of WI so many of my first posts will be about various cities and eateries I have grown up with, but stay tuned, I will also visit New Orleans, Chicago, London, Rome, and many more across the global.  Hope you all enjoy and find this useful! Please feel free to send me comments!