The Black Forest is a one of a kind restaurant and a don't miss on my list of things to do while in the Shawano area. The entire restaurant is clean and the service is outstanding. The decor is beautiful and of course the food is excellent.

Before I get to the great food, lets talk about the Lounge. The bar area is very German with an elegant feel. Our host, William, The Bar Manager, is very charming and welcoming. William seems to love his job and is proud to properly school us on German Beer and Wine. The Beer on Tap is Hacker Pschoor and Hacker Pschoor Dark. If you are a beer drinker you will like this, there are 19 kinds of German Beer as well as several other kinds of bottled beer. The Wine list is fairly extensive yet moderately priced. If it is a cocktail you are looking for, William is a pro behind the bar, in fact he makes great after diner drinks. His Grasshopper is excellent and he out did my own specialty drink. My companion tells William that I make the best Brandy Alexander. William jumps on the challenge and wins with his secret ingredient. I finally guessed what his final touch was but he swore me to secrecy. All I can say is his Brandy Alexander blew mine out of the water.

Now that we have established that the Black Forest Restaurant is a fun and interesting place to go, lets talk about German Food. German Food is not just an assortment of wieners and fancy cabbage, at least not at The Black Forest. I was just a little overwhelmed by the menu, it is extensive and complete with American as well as German dishes, even a children's menu for the little ones. I was feeling a bit adventurous so I ordered the Escargot in puff pastry. This was very rich and a little sweet, I liked it enough to recommend it to first time Gastropod Mollusk eaters. Escargot on the menu is $6.95. Now for my main course, I thought as long as I'm in a German restaurant I really should go as German as I can. I shock my companion by ordering the Rouladen. This is a round steak stuffed with onions, bacon and pickle, with gravy. Sound strange? This was fantastic! Lots of wonderful flavor from the onions and the pickle gave it a little spunk. I barely needed a knife for the steak it was so tender. $11.95. I had the Hot German Potato Salad and Spatzle with gravy as my side dishes. Two side dishes come with all dinners. I loved the Spatzle and the German Potato Salad was very authentic. I made a great choice from the menu but my companion finds an interesting entree as well. Bauern Schnitzel, breaded pork tender with asparagus and cheese. This was also great. This must be a German person's interpretation of comfort food. Crispy and sweet with tender fresh asparagus and smooth cheesy sauce. $11.95.

After dinner we can't resist finding William at the bar for more of his charming humor. This is where I taste the best Brandy Alexander I've ever had. I would like to quote William if I may, he says, "When you eat German food here you will be hungry... in about two days!" He wasn't far off, the portions are very generous. The prices are lower than what you may expect from a restaurant of this caliber. I will certainty be back next time I am in Shawano, WI.

Shrimp Cocktail.......................................................... 8.95

Baked Brie Cheese
With apple slices and toast points......................6.95

Oysters on the Half Shell
One Half Dozen...........................................................5.95
Full Dozen.......................................................................9.95

Roasted Whole Garlic
With cheese toast points..........................................5.95

Weiner Schnitzel
Breaded veal with fresh lemon...............................................................12.95

Chicken Schnitzel
Breaded chicken breast with mushroom gravy...............................9.95

Weiner ala Holstein|
Breaded veal with two eggs, served your way................................13.95

Leber Wurst
(Liverwurst) with krout.................................................................................9.95

Wurst Sampler
One of each Leber, Polish and German Wurst...............................11.95

Sauerbraten
Marinated beef in sweet and sour gravy............................................11.95

Veal Oscar
Sautéed veal topped with king crab meat,
asparagus and Hollandaise sauce.........................................................14.95

Assorted Pork Chops...................................................................................13.95

BBQ Applewood Smoked Ribs
Half Rack..........................................................................................................11.95
Full Rack...........................................................................................................21.95

Prime Rib
With au jus 10-12 oz....................................................................................12.95
14 oz.....................................................................................................................14.95

Porterhouse Steak 20 - 22 oz................................................................ 22.95

Jumbo Scallops
Sautéed or deep fried..................................................................................14.95

Walleye Fillet
Pan fried in a cast iron skillet.....................................................................11.95

Lobster
8 oz cold water one or two oz................................................................Market