This awesome little spot in a small town right on Lake Pepin is the home of two amazing, award-winning chefs who are known as the Godmothers of Food Trucking in the Twin Cities. Bay City is the tiniest of towns, but these two love the Mississippi River Valley and so take respite in this little cabin for part of the year. They get out of the bustle of the city, but bring their food truck and bbq favorites. Chef owners Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer see themselves retiring here someday, but in the meantime it serves as their laboratory where they play with seasonal flavors, have a great cocktail list, earn James Beard nominations and generally enjoy being chefs. Lucky for us, they let us visit on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday mornings.
Chef Shack is this really interesting log cabin spot with all kinds of nooks and crannies that invite you in to explore. It only seats about 40 in the cold months, but capacity doubles in warm weather when the patio is open.
The plan is to open back up in March and then the restaurant serves weekends through New Year's Eve. It's a bit of a winter wonderland in the snow and it looks like the Up North cabin of your dreams. And then inside, someone cooks you up the very best food you've ever had.
They coined the term "rustic country French cooking from the River Valley" as a vast descriptor for what you'll find on the menu here. They take advantage of the abundant surrounding farmland to bring in super fresh ingredients. You can bet you'll find an ever-changing menu that rests on the whims and tastebuds of whoever is in the kitchen. That might be either of the chef owners, but it might also be a visiting chef or friend.
These two women are some kick-butt chefs who are constantly championing other women chefs. Lisa is a two-time nominee for the James Beard Award as Best Chef Midwest. They travel around to expand their palates and repertoire. Check out Facebook for the meal they made at the James Beard House last year with other amazing female chefs.
There's basically nothing better than getting to take part in a meal made by a chef who is free to make whatever the heck they want. A chef with no limitations is a chef that gets to "play" in the kitchen and that's when the best food is produced. You'll find all kinds of amazing flavors here, from fresh salads using the best local produce to tender proteins and locally-caught fish. It's basically foodie heaven.
These women may have started in a food truck, but don't let that fool you into thinking their ability can be contained. The food here is legit and the setting is like being friends with the most amazing cook and being invited to hang out at their home for the night. The property came with a brick oven out back, so there's almost always pizza on the menu and there's usually a group of well-known local chefs hanging around out back kvetching and sipping on drinks.
There's basically nothing to dislike about what's happening at Chef Shack Bay City. The women closed their restaurant operation in the Cities and only cater out of the location now, so the Bay City location is where you want to head to truly indulge while also getting to sit back, relax and unwind.
It doesn't hurt that the location here is unparalleled and you'll be front row for some amazing sunsets. The drive there is also pretty much unlike anything else in the Midwest. A trip to Chef Shack is made for a lazy drive up the Great River Road and all the stops and wineries along the way.
This truly is one of the best gems in all of Wisconsin, and we're so lucky these two Minnesota chefs chose to make Bay City their home away from home. This place is worth it just to drive to Bay City and back for a meal. Start planning for warmer climes so you and your stomach have something to look forward to.
Chef Shack Bay City is located at 6379 Main St., Bay City, WI 54723. You can find out more about this delicious restaurant on their website or on their Facebook page.
Chef Shack is open Friday and Saturday from 5 – 10 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The restaurant does take a winter break that starts on January 2 and ends around the start of April, though there’s usually a Valentine’s meal and the possibility for other pop-ups between those times, so always check the Facebook page for the most current information.
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