by David Brierley
The Stevens Point area’s supper club scene has been pared down over the last decade. With the closure of Bernard’s Country Inn and Old 10 Bistro (the former Red Mill), there are just two left standing: Sky Club in Plover, and Michele’s Restaurant and Catering.
This month, we’re visiting the latter, and seeing how the Klasinski family keeps their supper club thriving.
While the name indicates “restaurant” rather than “supper club,” Michele’s is a supper club in almost every way. It does so many things right that there’s no way to doubt it’s supper club authenticity.
As soon as you see the building, you’ll feel right at home. It’s large but only one story, neat and tidy with brick and beige siding.
A large sign over the porte cochère spells out “Michele’s” in a classic script font. The letters are backlit in red, so when viewed at night, the name is black with light all around – a really nice effect. A martini glass shape to the side is backlit the same way, adding a classy flair that also screams “supper club.”
Park in the spacious parking lot, and head inside through the large double doors. When you enter, you’ll find yourself in the barroom. It’s a light space (but not too bright) with high ceilings and a fish tank behind the bar – a really nice touch.
You can check in at the host stand to your left, but then you’ll want to hit the bar, straight ahead.
There’s plenty of seating around the large bar, so grab a chair and relax. One of the Klasinski sons may even be bartending, so order up your drink of choice and know you’re in good hands. The old fashioneds are served in nicely sized glasses, and they are very tasty.
Let’s check the supper club score so far: ✓ Barroom ambiance. ✓ Delicious old fashioneds.
While you sip, you can take a look at the menu (✓ menus/ordering at the bar) and start to narrow down your decision for the evening: what to order. I’d say it’s a bit more upscale than what you’ll find at the average supper club, but there’s certainly nothing wrong with classing it up a bit.
Appetizers are first up. Michele’s offers some strong options like calamari, goat cheese bruschetta, fresh raw oysters (or Rockefeller if that’s more your style), white cheddar cheese curds, escargot, and honey smoked salmon.
It’s difficult to find anywhere serving raw oysters in Central Wisconsin, so if you’re a fan, take note.
Moving down the menu, you’ll come to the “Land” options next. Here you’ll find steaks, chicken, and ribs.
There’s a nice selection of steaks to choose from (✓ lots of steaks). You can have a parmesan garlic filet mignon, center cut New York strip, aged black angus ribeye, prime rib (on Saturdays only), or filet mignon bourguignon.
Michele’s also offers a rack of lamb, another item that’s hard to find in rural Wisconsin. There’s also a chicken cordon bleu, sweet and sassy barbecued pork ribs, and portabella ravioli marinara. So far, so good.
Next on the menu, you’ll find the “Sea” section. Just like it sounds, this is where you’ll find the seafood options (✓ lots of delicious seafood).
Seafood crusted halibut, walleye provencale, fresh Norwegian salmon, peppercorn ahi tuna, and seafood basciani are just some of the options. You can also choose from jumbo gulf shrimp, fresh jumbo sea scallops, South African coldwater lobster, and jumbo Alaskan king crab legs.
Entrees at Michele’s are served with a garden salad, caesar salad, or soup of the day. I don’t normally comment on something as seemingly trivial as a salad, but the caesar salad at Michele’s is simply outstanding. You’ll also get a choice of potato, wild rice pilaf, or fresh steamed vegetables. AND you’ll get a bread basket with fresh, warm rolls.
Checking in with that score again… ✓ Salads and sides that are included. ✓ Bread basket. Yep, still a supper club.
And don’t forget, on Fridays, Michele’s serves a fish fry (✓ fish fry Friday). You’ll have your choice of lake perch, beer battered shrimp, haddock, broiled icelandic cod, or a lager walleye.
Once your table is ready, you’ll be led back to one of the dining rooms and seated. The dining rooms continue the perfect soft light ambiance that keeps you in a relaxed state of mind. Pale blue walls contrast nicely with the dark tablecloths and comfortable upholstered chairs.
Wait staff at Michele’s is friendly and professional, offering suggestions when asked and making sure you always have something to eat and drink in front of you. They also manage to time it so that everyone’s meal comes out at the same time, and all are fresh and hot from the kitchen.
It’s time to dig in and savor not only the flavors, but also this very supper clubby experience.
When you’ve finished your meal, there’s another important decision to be made: To dessert, or not to dessert? Michele’s has some really tasty sounding options, like house made tiramisu, lemon berry mascarpone cake, old fashioned carrot cake, ultimate chocolate cake, and New York cheesecake.
Plus… you know what I’m about to say. Dessert drinks are always an option at a supper club.
One final point before we end our night here that helps build the case for Michele’s being a true supper club: The second and third generations of the same family are currently operating it. A family restaurant handed down through the generations is most certainly a staple of a supper club.
Check out the Michele’s Restaurant website for menus and more information. And, give them a follow on Facebook to keep up with special events and other goings on at the supper club.
The history of Michele’s
Michele’s Restaurant was established as a family-operated cocktail lounge in 1980 by Barb and the late “Doc” Klasinski. Their desire to offer fabulous drinks and snacks in a warm comfortable atmosphere soon mandated expansion. In 1983, a state of the art kitchen and two beautifully decorated dining rooms were added.
Thad Klasinski pushed Michele’s forward with new trends in cuisine, marketing, and service. Thad’s wife, Wendy, brought years of restaurant experience and wisdom to compliment and drive the dream. In 1992, as new owners, Wendy and Thad continued the tradition of providing each valued customer a memorable dining experience.
Today, Michele’s continues to grow inside and out. A full service catering business now operates successfully offering services to weddings, family reunions, and company picnics. Thad and Wendy’s sons, Kamen and Isaac, once “little kids” chasing their mom and dad around the restaurant, are now men and have found a new place in the restaurant: tending bar, operating food booths at local events, catering, social media, and web site marketing.
Chef Thad’s “Feast Never Famine” Dining Club has become a regular event that guests rave about. Their wine list, creative cocktails, ambience, staff, and food all boast Thad and Wendy’s ongoing passion and reflect Barb Klasinski’s dream.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to join our Supper Club VIP group; you’ll be entered in our monthly drawing for a $50 gift card to an area supper club. You can also check out our past articles, as well as an interactive map that shows the supper clubs we’ve visited to find one near you. And, as always, there will be plenty more supper club fun to come.
Where in Wisconsin is this supper club?
Address: 513 Division St., Stevens Point, WI 54481
Nearby landmarks: Just west of UWSP campus in Stevens Point. About 35 minutes south of Wausau, 30 minutes east of Wisconsin Rapids, and an hour west of Appleton.
Website: https://michelessupperclub.com/
Three can’t-miss features:
1. Family owned and operated for over 30 years
2. Fish tank behind the bar
3. Special events and dinners