Wisconsin’s Unique Fish Boil

A fish boil is a must-do when in Door County, Wisconsin. It is good eating prepared with flair and fire. Many people from Norway, Iceland, and Sweden settled in Door County making their living off the plentiful fish in Lake Michigan and it is these groups that brought the fish boil concept to Door County. Basically fish boils have been a Door County happening for more than 100 years. At first they were a way to feed a large hungry group of fishermen and lumberjacks. Fish boils became a great church fundraisers but they eventually became so popular that restaurants made them part of their standard fare in the early 1960s.

My husband, John, and I had been told to arrive 30 minutes before our scheduled dinnertime at the Old Post Office Restaurant, a beautiful dining establishment overlooking Eagle Harbor in Ephraim. Fish boils start outdoors behind the restaurant. When we arrived the fire was already going strong and the large kettle was boiling. We joined the other people seated around the fire. Earl, the Boil Master, arrived and explained, “A basket containing potatoes and onions has been cooking in the kettle and it is now about time to add the fish.”

Earl showed the generous cuts of whitefish steaks in a wire basket to the crowd and then it is placed in the pot. The fish is fresh caught everyday and is usually whitefish but lake trout can be used. It takes 10-11 minutes for the fish to cook during which Earl, the Boil Master, becomes Earl the wannabe comic.

Earl has a standup routine of fish jokes that he admits “smelt.” He answers his own fish questions. “ What song do fish sing at Christmastime? Salmon Enchanted Evening.” “What does the fish say when it hits the cement wall? Dam.” “How much does a pirate pay to get his ears pierced? A buck-an-ear.” And so it goes to the laughs and some groans from the hungry diners.

At just the right time Earl throws kerosene on the fire which, of course, causes the fire to blaze up and water to boil over. As the water boils over it takes with it a lot of the fish oils with which is one reason even those who shun fish love the fish from a fish boil. The fish is very light, delicate and fresh. Not being a fish-lover I can testify to that. It is delicious.

After the boil we moved to the restaurant where we had a dinner of fish, potatoes, and onions drizzled with generous amounts of melted butter. Accompanying the meal was the restaurant’s special cole slaw, rolls and finally that other Door County tradition – homemade cherry pie.

Door County is that pinkie-like peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan making fishing and other water activities the main attractions. But the land is also perfect for growing cherries. Door County’s other foodie treat is anything made with cherries.

John and I toured the Lautenbach’s Orchard County Winery and Market where they are all about cherries. We sampled cherry preserves, cherry BBQ sauce, cherry honey mustard pretzel dip, and, of course, wine with a hint of cherry. It is a wonderful fourth-generation family place where some of the wines are named for the grandchildren. It is also where we caught the Door County Trolley for a scenic tour of the area.

Door County has something for everyone – beautiful scenery, plenty of outdoor activities, history, and a great place for foodies to enjoy a fish boil and other fresh produce.

For more information check www.oldpostoffice-doorcounty.com, www.orchardcountry.com, and www.doorcounty.com.

Written by Sandra Scott