Community Corner

Bites Nearby: Oakcrest Tavern Fish Fry on Good Friday, but Tiramisu Takes the Cake

Breaded, deep-fried cod filet, smothered in cheddar cheese on a toasty bun, finished my fish hankering but was topped by a creamy piece of tiramisu.

It's an odd combination, deep-fried fish and a cocoy, creamy piece of tiramisu, but Oakcrest Tavern in Shorewood satiated that craving.

Right across the street from Sendik's, Oakcrest's banner says "Eat, Drink, Be Merry, Repeat" and that is definitely what can be accomplished there.

The place isn't small, but it isn't really large either. Within a few feet of the front door you can go left and have a seat at their fully stocked bar and plethora of televisions to catch sports games, or head to the right, and be met by a friendly waitstaff for a plentiful meal.

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We took a seat at one of the tables instead of a booth — odd, because I usually prefer a booth. It was cold, damp and dreary outside and the waitress immediately asked if I'd like the fireplace on. Chattering teeth and all I said, "That would be wonderful." So, the manager made his way over within just a few minutes and despite that it's the end of April, my back was toasty warm.

Today is Good Friday, and so I went for the special, a deep-fried, cheese smothered cod sandwhich encased in a toasted kaiser roll. It came with a side of coleslaw or frenchfries, but no pickle.

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But it was the tiramisu that really hit a spot for me today. Many times when a restaurant is known for their burgers, salads, beer or wine, their dessert isn't always such a high priority. Most patrons have had that experience when there's just enough room left for dessert, you order that piece of cheesecake or torte that the waitress so distincitfully described as decadent, and it's a rainbow of colors, but cardboard with a splash of saw dust.

This piece of tiramisu was served chilled, but not super cold. Drizzled with a cholcolate sauce that I doubt was poured from a Hershey's bottle, and creamy. Tiramisu is made with lady fingers, dipped in coffee, and smooshed between layers of a whipped, egg yolk and mascarpone mixture, and sprinkled with cocoa. It made my day, but this isn't a dessert column so let's continue to the rest of the menu.

Their menu is loaded with a variety of choices as well, likely to please many different palates. A sampling of items include calamari, hummus and nachos for starters (all $8.25), and entrees including five burger options, four panini selections, and another four wrap choices (all around $8.50).

The BBQ Haystack is what I normally would have opted for, with swiss cheese, BBQ sauce and piled high with onion strings. My affinity for BBQ sauce never dissipates. If you're more curious for chicken, I'd try the chicken salad wrap. On a previous Patch workday here I opted for this slightly healther endeavor and was in love. Shredded chicken breast tossed with celery, carrots, red onion, spinach and aged cheddar cheese in a grilled, flour tortilla warp.

Oakcrest has daily drink, food and soup specials. You can find them on their website here.

Hours:
The bar is open daily, 11 a.m. until close.
The kitchen is open Mon-Wed 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thurs-Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a brunch featured from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.


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