restaurant of the month - april 2010

MADER’S

Serving diners for a second century

AT A TIME when the most successful restaurants in the Midwest have been in business for only a few decades, Mader’s is now in its second century of service to Milwaukee residents and visitors from throughout the world.

Since 1902, visitors and natives have been able to savor German specialties at a restaurant operated by the Mader family. The first restaurant operated by young German immigrant Charles Mader was at 233 W. Water St. (now Plankinton Avenue). It wasn’t long before Charles moved the restaurant to its present location at 1041 N. Old World 3rd St.

In the present day, diners relax amid a stunning $3 million dollar collection of art, suits of medieval armor and antiques dating back to the 14th century. While the Bavarian food specialties that made the restaurant an international destination always are popular, Mader’s today offers other selections as well.

Victor Mader, the present owner, is the grandson of Charles Mader. His uncle, George, and his father, Gus also operated the restaurant. Vic Mader points to how the restaurant has survived wars, prohibition and changing American eating habits.

For example, there is a vegetarian option– the Portabella Napoleon layers Portabella mushrooms with baby spinach, grilled onions and asparagus. It’s also topped with Chevre cheese and served with risotto and roasted red pepper coulis. For meat lovers, there is a fabulous filet mignon. Fish fans will want to dive into the almond crusted trout that features a lemon thyme sauce.

While the menu’s seafood, steaks and salads are tempting, however, few can pass up the chance to sample one of the restaurant’s German favorites. For example, Rhine sauerbraten features marinated beef topped with a sweet and sour sauce, white raisins and toasted almonds. Count Esterhazy Schnitzel, served to President Gerald Ford, is a turkey breast that is lightly breaded and pan -sauteed with spaetzel, then served with julienne vegetables and Black Forest Mushroom Sauce.

President Ford’s visit is part of a photo gallery that attests to the famous visitors Mader’s has hosted through the years. Don’t miss the Wall of Fame that includes autographs from celebrities ranging from Oliver Hardy to Audrey Hepburn to Alicia Keys.

History buffs also will enjoy the plaques chronicling the both the beginning and end of Prohibition as “The Night Beer Came Back: Midnight at Mader’s on April 6, 1933.”

Don’t forget to save room for dessert. The dessert tray brought to your table will tempt with tortes, strudels, bread pudding, and more. This time of year, a great choice is Strawberry Schaum Torte, combining a crisp meringue, ice cream and a topping of fresh strawberries

Mader’s famous Sunday Viennese Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features breakfast items, entrees, soup, pasta, side dishes, seafood, international cheeses, appetizers, and tantalizing pastries and desserts.

The Knight’s Bar offers an extensive wine and beer list, as well as specialty martinis, and is a great place to linger amid Mader’s collection of antiques. The bar is open late on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mader’s is open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:30-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Phone 414-271-3377 or 800-558-7171. Also, visit www.madersrestaurant.com.