There is a tiny restaurant nestled in rural Bay City Wisconsin that Jeff and I have visited a couple times a year since we moved to Red Wing Minnesota in 1999. Back then it was called “The Lavender Rose,” and then changed name and owners a few years ago when rock legend Greg Norton and his wife Sarah transformed the restaurant into “The Norton’s,” and what was an excellent restaurant became even better.
The last time we were there we decided to arrive early so we could sit at the elegant bar and try the artisan cheese plate and have a glass of wine from the wine list this restaurant is famous for. “The Norton’s” has won three Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. It turns out that Mr. Norton is not only a legendary bassist; he’s a renowned chef and a respected wine connoisseur as well.
The wine and cheese were perfectly paired and were a great beginning to our meal. Jeff and I both ordered the fennel salad and the elk tenderloin in port wine demi-glace with dried cherries. I can honestly say I have never had a better steak EVER. It was incredibly flavorful and extremely tender.
“The Norton’s” will be re-locating and opening their restaurant in downtown Red Wing in June of 2008. Greg and Sarah will be adding a wine bar and wine shop to their repertoire. I am counting the days until we can make reservations for a night out at the new location. I’ll keep you updated!
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later ..