Food/Dining : Sister Bay

Inn at Kristofer’s 
734 N Bay Shore Dr
Sister bay
920-854-9419

Walking in, you feel comfortable, surrounded by muted hues of yellows and greens on the walls, tasteful artwork, linen-clad tables and soft lighting.  Windows, facing the bay waters, offer a breathtaking view of the village marina and glistening waters.  Get a table near the window to enjoy one of Door County’s patented sunsets.

Elegant, refined yet comfortable and casual in feeling – this is fine dining in Sister Bay.  Real linens, real atmosphere, and real food strike a desirable balance between “fine” and “relaxed.”  Perfect!

I arrived just in time for sunset – right outside my window.   Sailboat masts, silhouetted against the sunset, trees swaying in the breeze, and the sun sinking behind pink and orange wispy clouds.  I am in the mood for a great meal!

The menu changes often, so always check on their website for the latest offerings.  They will always have some great appetizers like grilled calamari, asparagus crostini, a soup, inventive salads like blue cheese and dried cranberry, or asparagus and smoked salmon rosette.

For entrees, there is always a choice of seafood, beef, lamb, game and poultry dishes or even vegetarian.  From the waters are creative offerings like Poached Salmon in Champagne or Red Snapper with Black Bean Sauce and Mango Salsa.  Beef and lamb dishes like Rack of New Zealand Lamb with Balsamic roasted Shallot Sauce, Roast Duck with Orange Grand Marnier sauce and Certified Angus Filet Mignon tempt the taste buds.  Vegetarian dishes like Asparagus and Artichoke Ravioli combined with Mascarpone cheese or Risotto Primavera combined with fresh seasonal vegetables, Parmesan cheese, herbs and vegetable stock round out the offerings – so there is something for every palate.

Desserts are over the top!  Like a Caramelized Door County Cherries and White Chocolate tart, or a Crème Brulee flamed tableside, really complete the meal.

The wine list is substantial and superb, from champagnes to chardonnay to shiraz, you will find a great pairing for your dinner.  And you will find a huge selection by the glass: we counted up about 38 wines offered by the glass, which we always like to see – a great selection!

What We Had

We began with an Artichoke, Mushroom & Roasted Red Pepper Crostini.  Two large pieces of crostini, criss-crossed on a white plate looked appetizing and perfectly presented.  We savored a delightful blend of flavors, with the crostini grilled to perfection.  A perfect match of flavors, delicately seasoned with no dominant overpowering flavor – delicious!

Next we had a mixed greens salad, with honey-mustard vinaigrette, apples, sunflower seeds, Roma tomatoes and sprouts.  A generous portion, with a deliciously refined flavor. 

Our entrée was Poached Salmon in Champagne, on a bed of baby carrots, peapods,  mushrooms and spinach, tossed with herbed gnocchi.  Again, a wonderful and imaginative preparation.  I have had salmon prepared many ways from steamed to bar-b-qued.  Salmon poached in champagne takes the prize!  Served on a black plate, the contrast with the salmon was inspiring.  The vegetables with done just right – slightly al dente, the gnocchi light and lightly herbed, and the salmon – ahhh – flakey, flavorful, delicate.  I could not get enough champagne sauce – this was to-die-for!

A nice glass of DeLoach Pinot Noir (Sonoma, California) went well with my dinner.

What a delicious fine-dining meal.  The sun was now down, and I was ready for desert.  Let’s try the Crème Brulee!  Brought to the table in a crescent dish dusted with powdered sugar, the crème brulee sat atop in its own round dish.  The Grand Marnier was poured over the crème brulee and lighted – magnificent!  After a moment or two, it was time to put a spoon into the wonderfully caramelized dish.  Fresh, light and permeated with the caramelized Grand Marnier, I had to finish this.  I make pana cota (the Italian version).  This is better.  Fabulous.  Loved it.  Get it!

Other Offerings

I highly recommend signing up for their E-Recipe Club to get a monthly recipe that you can try!  We did!   You can even order Gift Cards for the Inn at Kristofer’s, right online, for that special someone.   And Terry also offers cooking classes, which sell out quickly!  Check it out!

Open year-round for dinner starting at 5 PM, they are closed on Tuesdays.    

We were thrilled with our experience and enchanted by the comfortable surrounds, sunset, and service.  Make a stop at the Inn at Kristofer’s a must on your next trip to Door County.  We spoke with the owners, Chris and Terry Milligan, after our dinner to tell them how much we enjoyed it.  So next time you are in Door County, dine well at The Inn at Kristofer’s and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

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