Jansen's Bar & Restaurant

Location: 344 Bowen St, Oshkosh WI 54901
Phone: 920-231-0690

Last evening I had the opportunity to visit one of Oshkosh's neighborhood restaurants Jansen's Bar & Restaurant. If you are looking for a taste of local atmosphere and great food and drinks, this should be on your list. One should not expect a gourmet meal, but an extensive menu with very good food that is typical of many neighborhood restaurants. The menu has everything from burgers and fries, sandwiches, grilled seafood, and the most amazing-smelling ribs! After dinner enjoy one of their many "ice cream drinks" such as a Grasshopper or Brandy Alexander...word has it they are the best in Oshkosh since Hesser's!

Like many smaller local restaurants on a Friday or Saturday night, it is important to get there early. Many patrons come every week, so you'll need to beat them to the door so your wait isn't too long.

Festival Foods - A Great Community Store!

How often do you see Festival Foods as a sponsor or supporter of a community event? My guess is pretty often. During a time where the economy might suggest otherwise, Festival Foods has been a constant supporter of the local community to which they belong. Of course it makes good sense...keep your name out there and hope to bring in new customers, while keeping your loyal ones as well. I would like to commend Festival Foods team for the immediate impact they have had on the local communities from Day 1. I have been part of non-profit organizations and have always appreciated their support. Too often (the annual Oshkosh 4th of July Fireworks delay debacle of a few years ago) those sponsors are blamed for the events which they sponsor...with too little thought to the fact that #1 they do not control the event and #2 without their sponsorship that even may not even occur. So again, kudos to Festival Foods!

My love for Festival Foods doesn't begin and end with their community partnership...I also admit I love their store! From their convenient 24hrs service to the cleanliness of their store, Festival Foods seems to have it all. When is the last time you have gone to a deli and seen so many choice of salads, beans, pre-made foods, meats, cheeses! Speaking of salads...hats off to the genius that came up with "Festival's Own" Potato Salad! I've yet to find another deli-salad that tops it! Which brings up another love of mine for those cookouts that seem all too far away this summer...their baked beans are out of this world as well!

Convenience is key at Festival Foods. They have many of their very own products to help busy families keep up with their day's agenda. Mom's Meatloaf, displays of marinated chicken breasts and fresh meats, Take & Bake Cookie Dough, rows and rows of bakery items including cookies, cakes, and pies!

Over the years we all have probably seen many local grocery stores leave our area, so it is great to see one that is not only successful with their current stores, but one that readily finds areas that are a good fit for a new store. If you don't have a Festival Foods near you, cross your fingers and hope to see one soon!

When Is The Last Time You Went Bowling?

Its many quite a few years since I last went real bowling...no, you cannot count Wii Bowling as real bowling although it does provide some decent practice. Over the weekend for a local political fundraiser in Oshkosh I had the chance to do it again and it has awakened an inner-bowler in me.

For a fair price you can bowl a few games and wear those ultra-fabulous bowling shoes. Now unfortunately the bowling alley I was at did not have food for purchase unless you count a couple snack machines, which I don't. Somewhat boggles my mind there wouldn't be food there as I would guess a couple games of bowling would be cause for some french fries or a bowling standard of cheese nuggets!  My next game will definitely be at a more full-service bowling alley.

I also found it interesting, now that I have a child of my own, there are such things as "racks" that allow a little one to place a ball on it, that guides it into the alley. And don't forget the bumpers that you can add, too to avoid those nasty gutter balls!  Speaking on behalf of my 2 1/2 year old daughter nothing could top a game of bowling, unless we are taking her to Wisconsin Dells waterparks, of course.

So if you haven't played a game lately, go ahead and visit your nearest bowling alley. Looks like most prices during Open Bowling are around $7-8 per person, for 2 games and some even include the shoe rental.

Now the only thing I wish I could find is a non-smoking bowling alley...perhaps there are some out there (and I'd love to hear what ones are.)  Even if you have no one smoking near you, the scent is everywhere. I would assume with the Wisconsin Smoking Ban likely beginning in July of this year, that many no longer be an issue.

If you have any recommendations for a great local bowling alley, I'd love to hear them!

Bangkok Thai Cuisine

Location: 80 Wisconsin St, Oshkosh WI 54901
Phone: 920-232-0120

A few years ago I came across a Thai restaurant that was located in a previously-bad-luck-laced location. At least 2 other restaurants had come and gone. After eating here once my fingers were crossed that this place would be here FOREVER.

I've never been to Thailand but after tasting their food I would actually consider it, if only they would accompany me on my trip. From the quaint decor to the superb food, I was hooked from the minute I stepped inside.
I was so taken with this family-owned and operated restaurant that I grabbed a ton of their menus and gave them to any friend I came across. I also sent out an email to about 100 "friends" in the area and told them of this great place...perhaps a little selfishly as I didn't want this one to get away.

Why start my local recommendations with an "old" restaurant? It is my favorite! At this time it is closed on Sundays and that is the day I always get the urge to eat there.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Sesame Chicken - amazing...too bad I think it is only available for dinner. They can make this one as mild or spicy as you'd like...I'm particular to the med-hot variety.
• Vegetarian Egg Rolls (or Chicken Egg Rolls)- don't be swayed by the "crushed peanut sauce" for dipping as it is amazing, certainly not peanut-buttery or anything, I could drink it.
• Crab Rangoon - I do not typically like crab rangoon and Chinese restaurants, but these I love.
• Pad-See-U - Go crazy and get it vegetarian...you really can't go wrong with this one whatever "meat" you choose. A delicate flavor and delicious wide noodles.
• Gang Garee - If you are more of a "meat and potatoes" kind of person, go with this one. A hearty dish made with your selection of meat. Its another you can choose the heat of the curry; go hot if you dare.

What's My Point

We all look for interesting places to go to in the Fox Valley. Be it for dining, shopping, or some fun event. I'm here to open your eyes to the lesser-known places and things to do in the Fox Valley.  What my opinion?  You got it. I'm here to give you tips, advice, and anything else that comes out of my mouth.
To begin with, I'm a huge fan of family-owned businesses...be they restaurants, shops, or services. Please me and I'll tell everyone...tick me off and you'll likely never see me again.
To give every place their due, moving forward each business or event will have its own post, just to make it easier on everyone.