Fireside Theatre Restaurant 

www.firesidetheatre.com

Fort Atkinson's Fireside Exceeds Expectations

Friday Fish Fry is elegant in its simplicity.

On a recent Friday night excursion, Fort Atkinson's Fireside exceeded our Fish Fry Review Crew's expectations living up to its stated motto: "More Than You'd Ever Expect."

Nationally acclaimed for its high quality Broadway musical dinner theatre productions and inspirational Christian concerts, The Fireside will celebrate its 50th anniversary of exceptional service, Klopcic family style, on Mother's Day, 2014.

On just one day per week, the Fireside operates as an open-to-the-public restaurant. Fridays at the Fireside are "dark," which in theatre-speak means "no show today." This decision has allowed The Fireside to literally refine the iconic Wisconsin Fish Fry into a true work of art.

Arrival

Consider your first impression as you approach the building from the spacious parking lot. Towering over two stories high is the iconic and impressive fire and water sculpture.

The wide entrance leads you down a gently sloping and brightly lit corridor, cheerfully decorated with theatrical posters from the current production: Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun."  

Work up an appetite by wandering through the many specialty shops that line the corridor.

Arriving at the hostess station to warm, friendly smiles you find yourself humming a tune from Annie Get Your Gun: "There's No Business Like Show Business Like No Business I Know..."  

Settling in, notice the linen table cloths and napkins, perfect table settings and how quiet it is, despite the presence of several hundred diners around you. The layout of The Fireside and the sound dampening ceiling tiles effectively eliminate outside noise, allowing for easy conversation. A real plus.

The Menu: Less is More

Confidently elegant in its simplicity, the Fireside Friday menu has two soup and just three entrée choices. An old maxim suggests that a restaurant need do just a few things and execute them flawlessly to be successful. That is the precise recipe employed at The Fireside. Oh my, how well this concept works!

The velvety Clam Chowder was to die for, with lots of clams and a rich, creamy broth. We decided to wait for the next visit to try the French Onion Soup with Muenster Cheese and Rye Crouton. The Chowder was just too yummy.

As mentioned, there are only three entrée choices: Steamed Norwegian Cod with Peppercorn Beurre Blanc Sauce, Deep Fried Beer Battered Norwegian Cod or Buttermilk Marinated Southern Fried Baked Chicken. The Chicken was crispy on the outside and moist/tender inside, the Deep Fried Cod melted in your mouth, but we all agreed that the star of the show was the Steamed Cod and that luscious Peppercorn Beurre Blanc Sauce. Oh, the sauce! I will dream of that sauce until we return. We even asked if the sauce could be purchased separately and taken home. Annie Oakley laments that she "Can't Get A Man With A Gun," but I'd bet my bottom dollar that if she served her man a helping of The Fireside's Peppercorn Beurre Blanc Sauce, she would not only GET him, she'd have to beat his brothers and friends off with a stick!

Potato choices include potato wedges, fries, baked potato or The Fireside's Famous German Potato Pancakes, served with cinnamon apple sauce and syrup. We all ordered the pancakes. The pancake recipe is a closely held secret, and for good reason.

Cole slaw, a medley of stir-fried vegetables and fresh baked (in the Fireside's own bakery) rye and cheese breads round out the main menu. The Cole slaw was tangy, creamy and very fresh, the perfect accompaniment to everything. It is difficult not to eat too much of the warm bread. But if you do, you might not have room for dessert!

Dessert choices are pecan turtle ball sundae, key lime pie and pecan pie. None of them lasted long on the plate.

Coffee, tea or milk are included with any entree.

Menu choices for those 12 and under include Deep Fried Cod, Steamed Cod with Peppercorn Sauce, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Deep Fried Chicken Strips, Hamburger or Cheeseburger.

A vegetarian menu is available upon request.

No appetizers on the menu. Nothing fancy. Just flawless execution of a few simple dishes. In a word: Superb.

Did I mention that the entire place is spotless, with staff constantly cleaning here and there?

Service With "The Common Touch"

Seating up to 700 at a time, one would think that personal service might be somewhat lacking at The Fireside. Not so. The long tenured, well-trained Fireside staff is a model of cheerfulness and efficiency. Water is filled, dishes whisked away and we never felt hurried. I cannot tell you how impressed we all were. How much does top notch service add to a night out?

Not only did the owner's son stop by to inquire on our happiness level, but the owner, Rick Klopcic himself, stopped and lingered long as well. To my amazement, Klopcic inquired about my 90 year old mother with whom I had attended a recent Fireside Theatre production, wondering how she liked the food and the show. I was flabbergasted and at the same time not surprised that he would remember. I recalled that at that evening's dinner/show meal, I excused myself from the table for a moment, only to return to find Rick Klopcic chatting and laughing with my mother. It seems Mom dropped her spoon and Klopcic, noticing she was alone, picked it up, replaced it, and simply made my mother's night. "Such a nice man, and the owner too?" she mused. "He picked up my spoon."

Watching Klopcic and his son work the room, I was reminded of the Rudyard Kipling poem "IF." In the poem, Kipling muses...

"IF you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue

Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch..."

Come to The Fireside for the food and the atmosphere. You will leave with a full tummy and a smile on your face because you have just experienced "The Klopcic Touch."

Happy 50th Anniversary Year, Fireside Theatre & the Klopcic Family!

Here's to 50 more!

Cheers!

Your Fish Fry Review Crew

Rating The Fireside

Cleanliness     10

Ambience       10

Service          10

Food              10

Value             10

It's the party we wait for every summer - Jefferson County Fair!

2013 is sure to have events to please everyone - from Main Stage entertainment to 4H contests, from tractor pulls to baking contests - the Fair is full of fun for people of all ages!

Check out the daily schedule at Jefferson County Fair.

Check out the Main Stage entertainment here!

Have you checked all of the great specials offered by Jefferson County businesses?

Print off this discount and enjoy a great meal at Keystone Grill in Cambridge!   

 

Through June 9, 2013 - Annie Get Your Gun

Three of the greatest names in American Musical Theatre - Richard Rodgers,  Oscar Hammerstein and Irving Berlin - came together to create one of the most original and beloved musical comedies of all time, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Many shows claim to be classics but this one truly is. It tells the tale of Annie Oakley - the world's greatest sharpshooter - and her topsy turvy, hilarious journey to find fortune, fame, and true love. Along the way she meets Buffalo Bill, Chief Sitting Bull, and an array of colorful characters who help her in her quest. Yet they still find time to sing some of the greatest songs ever to be sung on Broadway. Every song is a hit including "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better," "The Sun in the Morning and the Moon At Night," "I Got Lost in His Arms," and that great anthem of the American stage "There's No Business Like Show Business."

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Matinee arrival 10:30am, Thursday & Saturday Evening arrival 5pm, Sunday midday 2:30pm.

The Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Avenue, Fort Atkinson

www.firesidetheatre.com -800-477-9505 

June 1 & 2, 2013 - Badgerland Llama Show 

Open Llama & Alpaca Show and 4-H Fair Judging.

Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson County Fair Grounds

503 N. Jackson Ave. - www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com    

920-495-4944

June 1, 2013 - Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast 

Serving 6am-11am. $6 in advance and $7 at the door.

Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson County Fair Grounds

503 N. Jackson Ave. - Jefferson County Fair Park 

920-723-0451 

June 1, 2013 - Elements of Art - a festival of fine art 

An annual tradition with a new look.  The Cambridge Arts Council, new organizers for the art festival,  have some exciting changes in store . Now located at  scenic  Westside Park along the Koshokonong creek, the event will be host to over 30 juried artist featuring a variety of media including pottery, photography, fiber art, metal work, paintings, and glass,    A family friendly event, with live music and children's activities. Come to Cambridge where Art Thrives!

9am - 5pm

Cambridge -  Westside Park - www.cambridgewiarts.org    

June 2, 2013: Cars & Coffee 

Welcome to 2shores Sunday "Cars and Coffee". You've probably either heard of it or have been to it. It is the fastest growing classic car meet in the Midwest. Our fourth season, 2012, was awesome, thanks to all of you bringing your rockin' cars out! The gathering is open to classic and collector car enthusiast from all makes and models. We'd like to invite everybody with a passion for exciting automobiles to come, bring a car and enjoy the meeting. Our store neighbor "Sweet Lips" is offering a full Italian coffee bar for a strong and delicious brew needed in the morning.

Our emphasis is to share the passion for cars, mingle with like-minded car nuts and enjoy our automobiles.The 2012 Super Cars & Coffee "Concours on the Green" has been a huge success again. Thank you all for bringing your wonderful cars and supporting the event!

We meet at our Showroom on 119 Church Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551. Lake Mills is conveniently located right off I-94, just a short 20 minutes East of Madison and about 45 minutes West of Milwaukee.  

8am - 11am

Lake Mills - www.2shores.com 

920-945-0450

June 4, 2013 - Major WI Antique Auction Service 

Viewing starts @ 7am Bidding starts @ 9am.

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park - 920-723-4309 

www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com   

June 4 and June 5, 2013 - Down East Boys in Christian Concert 

The Down East Boys are true examples of life-changing music.  Almost 20 years ago a vision was turned into a reality and a group of men began singing in the coastal regions of North Carolina.  As the music began to change lives, the ministry began to expand.  The years since then have brought much success to this talented quartet including recognition as 1991 Horizon Group of the Year.  They have conducted crusades throughout the nation with affiliates of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and have lead musical worship from evangelism conferences to NASCAR races.  Presenting an energetic display of quality Gospel Music, The Down East Boys goal is to spread God's message of life everlasting.  They have a calling to share the message of hope with a world that seems to have no hope and strive to present a program that will be pleasing to everyone and truly uplifts the Kingdom of God.

Tuesday & Wednesday matinees, Tuesday evening.

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre

Fireside Christian Concerts 

800-477-9505

June 7 and June 8 - Chicago Ragnar Relay 

Chicago Ragnar Relay  

This race begins in Madison, and ends in Chicago.

There are legs that run through Lake Mills and Jefferson (Vetro Winery).

See the leg map for additional information.

Ragnar Relay Race 

June 8-9, 2013 - Wisconsin Paint Horse Association-Horse Show 

Starting at 8am. Two-day horse show. Food available.

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park  

 www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com

608-558-7527

June 8, 2013 - Run for the Rock  

Enjoy a half marathon, a kid's one mile run and a 5k run/walk.

Lake Mills  

www.rocklakeac.org   

920-945-0156 

June 8-9, 2013 - Wisconsin Livestock Spring Preview Show 

Starts at 8am.

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park

www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com    

608-868-2505 

June 8-9, 2013 - Cambridge Pottery Festival and U.S. Games 

An all clay festival celebrating ceramic arts features over 40 potters, plus hands on learning area for youth, raku firing demonstrations, Live pottey auction, High School and College games, as well as the US pottery games. 10am - 4pm

Cambridge - Ripley Park

www.cambridgepotteryfestival.org   

608-438-1772

June 8, 2013 - June 28, 2013 - Visionary Artists Show & Sale 

Visions: A - Z. An Exhibit by the Visionary Artists. Five artists interpret each letter of the alphabet using a variety of mediums. Subject matter ranging from artichokes to zebras will be presented in this exhibit of over 130 pieces of original art. The Visionary Artists are Joyce Follis, Marilyn Fuerstenberg, Barbara Grant, Tom Jewell, and Karolyn Alexander Tscharnack. They come from the Fort Atkinson and Whitewater, Wisconsin areas. 5:30pm-7pm

Whitewater - Hoard Historical Museum

www.hoardmuseum.org 

920-563-7769

June 11, 2013 - Keystone Kruise Night 

Check out some hot cars at Kruise Nights in Cambridge.  See old cars in mint condition or new cars with all the bells and whistles.  Car enthusiasts gather at Kruise Night on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from May through September.  Sponsored by The Keystone Grill, 206 W. Main. 5pm

Cambridge - Keystone Grill

(608) 423-3730

June 13-16, 2013 - Fort Atkinson Generals Baseball Fest 

A Home Talent League tournament spanning 4 days and hosted by the Fort Atkinson Generals Baseball team at Jones Park.

Fort Atkinson - Jones Park

www.fortgenerals.com 

June 13, 2013 - July 14, 2013 - LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 

From the award winning composing team who brought us Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; THE LITTLE MERMAID; and ALADDIN comes this high-spirited, rollicking musical comedy about a boy, a girl, and a plant. The original Off-Broadway production of LITTLE SHOP won the coveted Drama Desk Award for Best Musical as well as the Drama Critics Circle and Outer Critics Circle Awards.  Its recent triumphant Broadway revival was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival! It is a fun-filled, delightful spoof of all those great old 50's science fiction movies. Seymour, the nerdy clerk at a down-on-its-luck flower shop, loves the shop's beautiful cashier Audrey and sets out to impress her by growing the world's most unusual plant. Hilarity ensues when he discovers that the plant requires more than just water and sun to thrive. A tuneful musical score and a quirky, off-beat romance makes this show one of the last decade's most successful and entertaining shows.

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday Matinee arrival 10:30am, Thursday & Saturday Evening arrival 5pm, Sunday midday 2:30pm.

Fort Atkinson - The Fireside Dinner Theatre

 www.firesidetheatre.com 

800-477-9505

June 14-15, 2013 - 2nd Annual Pig in the Park  

BBQ Cook-off, KCBS sanctioned event, Sponsored by downtown Whitewater.  Corn roast, family activities, music and more.

Whitewater - www.piginthepark.net 

262-473-2200

June 15-16, 2013 - SWBA Buckskin Horse Show 

Three Day horse show starting at 8am.

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park

 www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com 

920-397-7678

June 15, 2013 - Fort Half Marathon 

Nestled between Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee lies a city with historic sites and Broadway lights. Known for its small town comfort, natural beauty, eclectic shopping and fine dining, Fort Atkinson hosts a certified half marathon that navigates its historic city. The half marathon runs past a river walk, live farmer's market and a vintage downtown like no other. All speeds are welcome to participate in this beautiful course and enjoy Fort Atkinson this summer.

New this year, we will be holding a 5K race in conjunction with the half marathon.

Fort Atkinson - Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce

 www.forthalf.org/ 

(920)563-3210

June 15, 2013 - History Workshop: Genealogy 101 

Participate in this beginners workshop on how to research your family tree. Learn about what primary sources to use and where to find them. Bring along your family documents and ask questions about what they mean. Learn about what local genealogical sources are availablef or use here at the Hoard Museum's Knox Research Library & Archive. 1:30pm-3:30pm

Fort Atkinson - Hoard Historical Museum

www.hoardmuseum.org 

920-563-7769

June 16, 2013 - Watertown Outdoor Art Festival 

The annual outdoor art festival is held in Riverside Park on Father's Day weekend in Watertown. Admission is free. Enjoy live music, food, free art activities for children and a spectacular array of art. This is a juried fine art show where only quality original artwork or prints of originals may be displayed. 10am-4pm

Watertown - Labaree St. 

www.watertownart.com/ 

920-261-6320

June 16, 2013 - Father's Day Fly In Breakfast 

Watch the plane fly in from allover while you eat a great breakfast!

Plane rides and Helicopter rides. Performance by the Community Bank.

7am 

Palmyra - Palmyra Airport / Hwy 106

June 16, 2013 - Battle of CamRock 

A Wisconsin off-Road Series Event by Capital Off-Road Pathfinders. Cambridge is race number 4 in the largest US off-road mountain bike series. The trail system at CamRock is a blend of wide and fast flowing single-track that runs through open fields of prairie grass, wooded single-track with bermed turns, and more technical single-track with a touch of roots and rocks. The Battle of CamRock's course contains some great downhill sections that will have you begging for another lap. Pre-race and mountain bike clinic Saturday noon to 5pm and races start at 9:30 am Sunday from beginner to expert. 9:30am - 5pm

Cambridge - CamRock Park 3

www.wors.org 

608-423-2111

June 18, 2013 - Fort Atkinson Cruise Night 

Music, food, old cars, and more!

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Fort Atkinson - Jones Park

www.kentsbigbar.com 

920-563-7501

June 19, 2013 - Death by Chocolate! 

Do you have a "killer" chocolate recipe? If so, enter it in the Lake Mills Main Street Program's Death By Chocolate Baking Contest on June 19. The event will take place during the weekly Farmers Market.

There are multiple categories for you to choose from.

• Cake
• Cookies
• Cupcakes
• Bars
• Muffins
• Breads
• Scones
• Kids (12 and under)
• Other

This is for amateur bakers only and all items must be home made.  The rules and registration form will be posted in May - please see www.LakeMillsFarmersMarket.com for information.

Entries will be judged on appearance, texture and flavor. A copy of the recipe must accompany the entry. Recipes may be published at a future time, with proper credit given.  

Judging will begin at 5:15 pm at the gazebo; winners will be announced at approximately 6:00pm. First place ribbons will be awarded for each category; Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be selected from the first place winners.  The entries will be auctioned off after the winners are announced, with half of the proceeds going to the Lake Mills Main Street Program to be used to promote & enhance the Farmers' Market and half to the baker.

Celebrity judge Gino Salamone will not only judge, but MC this popular event. Judging begins at 5pm; chocolate delights are auctioned off at 6pm.  

www.LakeMillsFarmersMarket.com 

920-648-6721

June 20-23, 2013 - Cap Gun Quarter Horse Show 

Four day horse show. Food row area will be reserved for camping.

Jefferson - Jefferson County Fair Park

 www.jeffersoncountyfairpark.com 

608-873-3848  

June 21-22, 2013 - Watertown Street Dance 

Friday, June 21, 2013 - 6:00pm - 11:00pm

Enjoy a summer evening at the Watertown Street Dance on June 21st & 22nd.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21st - 7pm - 10:30pm

THE PLOWBOYS - Country/Rock

The Plowboys are a group of performers that have joined together to combine today's top 40 country with the best that country and rock has to offer. The Plowboys perform a blend of highly energetic, crowd interactive music and they want you to HAVE FUN!

SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd - 7pm - 10:30pm

TONY ROCKER & THE COMEBACK SPECIAL

Tony Rocker is a talented Elvis tribute artist who is always a favorite at the Watertown Street Dance. He and his band, The Comeback Special, bring more than just a show. This will be the Elvis EXPERIENCE for all who attend.

The cost of the Street Dance is a $2 cover charge for ages 12 and over; children 11 yrs and under are FREE.

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A BUCK A DUCK RACE! Sponsored by the Watertown Main Street Program - Saturday, June 22, 2013

Food & Beverage Tents Open at 5:30pm

>>>Race to begin at 6pm sharp at the Cady St. Bridge<<<

Ticket Price- $1 ea or 6 for $5 LICENSE #R0022840a-16113

PRIZES: 1st - $200 * 2nd - $100 * 3rd - $50

ALL FUNDS STAY IN DOWNTOWN WATERTOWN!

Tickets are available at Glenn's Market & Catering, Lyon's Irish Pub, Riverview Water Trap, Piggly Wiggly and the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce office.

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If you are driving a distance, please call 920-261-6320 to make sure the event has not been cancelled due to weather. 6-11pm

Watertown - Chamber of Commerce  

www.watertownchamber.com 

920-261-6320

June 21, 2013 - Picnic in the Park Concert - The Dang Its 

Enjoy The Dang-Its (western swing, honky tonk, Americana) at the Picnic in the Park Concert Series held in downtown Cambridge at Veteran's Park. 6:30pm - 8pm

Cambridge - Veterans Park

608-423-3780