C'est Magnifique !

Rendezvous at Le Rendez-Vous

I have to say that for a small town, Okauchee has an incredible selection of restaurants and cuisine, everything from burgers and fries, fish frys and steaks, American, German, Mexican and now French to choose from. We had been hearing wonderful reviews about the new Le Rendez-Vous from all of our customers, so we decided to try it. Located in the former Bertrands's Point Comfort, it is beautifully situated on the lake with seating inside and out. It was a cool evening so we chose to sit inside but still enjoyed a lovely view of the lake and landscaping. Everything was delicious and beautifully served starting with warm french bread and fresh green salads. I ordered the salmon and my husband the pork chop, both perfect choices. We enjoyed everything and topped off the meal with coffee and creme brulee. We'll definitely return to sample more of the offerings.

Before and After

My daughter and I talked about having a store west of town in lake country for some time. We discussed many options but always came back to the same conclusion: something close to home, close to our customers and in a quaint setting. So when she had her family photos taken at Shoot the Moon in Okauchee, she discovered this space in the same building that was being refurbished by its new owner Rick Goldberg. We looked at it in the dead of winter and it was love at first sight; high ceilings, original floors and trim work and the perfect size. By spring we were in and open. It's a lovely space to work in and the locals are happy to see the building brought back to life.  Many can remember numerous businesses throughout the years, but it's original owners ran the Powell Strand Grocery back in the early 1900's, as evidenced by this photo we have.

Before

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Rick Goldberg for a great job!

Before

After

Spitfire Works

When I first started to look for a location for nextdoor west, I had several criteria in mind: a boutique space in an old building, something small and cozy that my "collection" of furnishings would fit in, a location convenient to many of my loyal customers, and a cute restaurant next door to nextdoor. So it was an easy decision when I found a space next door to the Spitfire Pub and Grill. Not only was there this charming building there, but also a kindred spirit in charge. What a great place to gather and share good food and spirit(s) with Mary, owner and inspiration behind the scenes. It's the perfect place to meet with the girl's for bit of the bubbly and a wonderful selection of healthy appetizers, salads, soups and entrees. On a warm summer evening you can sit out on their patio and enjoy the ambience. On a winter's eve, well we will save that for later. We invite you to shop at nextdoor with the girls till 7pm on Thursdays and then head on over to Spitfire for a perfect evening.

Foolery's, No Fooling

I would be remiss if I didn't start my culinary walk about town at Foolery's. My son in law, Tony Foss owns the joint and has made it into a fun spot to hang out day and night. (I'm there in the daytime.) We sat outside with friends and family, enjoyed great food ala Bryant, Jerry and crew and took in the lake life. The weather was perfect and the living was easy. I highly recommend a family visit to Foolery's for lunch on the deck and a cold one. Of course if you want to kick up your heels, the night life at Foolery's rocks.

Barre None

If you drive west from my  new store on Wisconsin Avenue in Okauchee to Brown Street and turn right, you will find yourself at Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza. It is there that I went three mornings a week since December for a "barre method" exercise class. Somehow I left home in the dark and subzero cold to get to the class, grumbling all the way and leaving an hour later feeling   much happier, stronger and healthier. It seemed fitting that I start my Out and About there as it had a lot to do with my finding my new store location. The class is taught by my good friend MaryEllen (M.E.)York and held at Abundant Joy Yoga along with many other classes for wellness. I admit I was hesitant to join an on going class with women younger than me, but accepted the challenge. With a background in dance and years of studying yoga, pilates and barre, M.E. presents a class for all levels with ever changing approaches that make it fun, creative and challenging. 

This is M.E., our fearless leader. You'll also find her in my Okauchee store on Tuesdays  helping me make our little store look awesome.

This is our class looking very professional in our famous Nikki Bikki tank tops from my store

So join us this summer, Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:30 am. It's a great way to start your day!