So, it’s 0°F outside with a wind chill of -23°F, but the sun is out and it looks like a beautiful day – what do you do!?

Here in Wisconsin, we’re still battling the COVID situation coupled with a Polar Vortex this week, but is that going to stop us from heading out? Hell no… We’re off to go have brunch —- outside!

The South Shore Terrace has two huge fire pits, and 10 Chalets that are all nestled in what is normally the Beer Garden overlooking Lake Michigan. Each Chalet can house up to 6 people at a time, and are rented for 90 minute intervals. It’s $75 for the rental, but it includes a $50 food voucher that can be used for anything on their menu.

There is a full menu for adults and kids alike. And there’s a full bar menu as well (which was perfect cause when you’re freezing your ass off, you really need a Bloody Mary). The Chalets are open Thursday through Sunday and actually stay open pretty late in the evening.

Our reservation was for 11am, and each reservation is 90 minutes. There’s hand sanitizer in each Chalet, and with the windows open, there is plenty of fresh air to keep everyone safe.

When we arrived it was like a ghost town – in fact I thought they were completely closed so I called the park’s number and a server came out and greeted us. I asked if we were the only idiots coming out today, and she replied “nope, there are a few more idiots coming in about half an hour…”

Quick note – the waitstaff (considering their working conditions were well below 0°) were absolutely outstanding. They were cheerful, and very accommodating.

We started off with “pigs in a blanket” served with a side of ground mustard and a side of blueberry ketchup. Both sides were a tasty accompaniment to what were essentially hot dogs wrapped in crescent pastry.

For our main courses Jaime just got the Tomato Soup (she cheated a little this morning by making these delicious muffins and so her appetite wasn’t on point). While I had the Corn Bacon and Shrimp Chowder and a Cubano.

Over all the experience was enjoyable. Cold but enjoyable. The food, well it’s not really about the food now is it? Let’s just say everything was tasty. However; they totally nailed that Bloody Mary, super delicious!!!

As we were finishing up, more and more families started showing up and the Chalets starting filling up with adventurous families taking full advantage of the limited winter sunshine.

All in all, it was a lot of fun to get out, people watch, and dine out in public again. Would I do it again? Yup, but I’d probably wait until it warmed up just a bit more…

Cheers!

~CK