For more than three decades, Schumacher’s brought food lovers from around the country to New Prague and was recognized as one of the best restaurants in the midwest. John Schumacher taught Michelin-star chefs how to prepare and cook wild game while running the restaurant and hotel with his second wife, Kathleen, until 2005.
Tag: Greater Minnesota Eateries
Lemon Meringue Pie from Edgewood Cafe Motel in Cannon Falls
Nestled along the bustling Highway 52 between Saint Paul and Rochester, Otto and Marie Hernke’s modest roadside diner, the Edgewood Cafe Motel, became an enduring culinary institution. Marie’s homemade pies, including the renowned lemon meringue, drew travelers and locals alike. With its mid-century charm and popular lutefisk buffet dinners, the Edgewood grew to become a top 5% gross profit earner among Minnesota restaurants, pulling in over $1 million in revenue by its closure in 2000.
This is the story of a family business, culinary passion, and a legacy etched in homemade goodness.
Potato Skins from Grandma’s in Duluth
When Grandma’s Saloon and Deli opened at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge, Duluth’s Canal Park area was far from an ideal location to open a new restaurant. It was a virtual wasteland of junkyards and crumbling warehouses.
Grandma’s Saloon and Deli was the cornerstone of redevelopment in Canal Park. Today, the area is one of the top tourist destinations in the state.
Italian Goulash from the Pickwick in Duluth
When Prohibition ended in 1933, the Pickwick pulled the first stein of real beer in town since Duluth went dry in 1917. Since then, the Pickwick has gained a reputation for great food in addition to their beer selection. This goulash recipe made its debut on the menu in the 1970s.
Orange Date Bars from Osterberg’s Cafe in Alexandria
Osterberg’s Cafe opened in Alexandria in 1921. Originally located on Lincoln Avenue, the cafe moved to a more prominent location on Broadway in 1926. The cafe was a popular gathering place after high school games and dances.
Curried Turkey in Pattie Shells from Van’s Cafe in Brainerd
For more than five decades, Van’s Cafe in Brainerd was the place to meet for a great meal in a stylish Art Deco atmosphere. The Cafe was featured in the Ford Treasury of Favorite Recipes from Famous Eating Places in 1963.
Iced Mocha Coffee from Watkins in Winona
About Watkins Location:Winona, Minnesota Status:Open Dates active:1885-present It’s been more than 150 years since J.R. Watkins acquired the rights to sell Dr. Ward’s Celebrated Liniment, produced the product in his home kitchen, and sold it door-to-door. Since then, Watkins established a catalog business and hired a fleet of sales agents […]
Squash Soup from Grand Portage Lodge in Grand Portage
The Grand Portage Inn opened in 1975. This squash soup debuted in the restaurant during the North American Fur Trade Conference in 1981 and later became a staple on the menu.
Sour Milk Pancakes from Watkins in Winona
J.R. Watkins produced and distributed liniments and salves until 1876 when flavoring extracts joined the lineup. The company distributed recipes to its customers to help agents sell the products. This recipe came from their first cookbook.
