December 02, 2005
WiseGuys
Reviewed by Laurie McGowan
WiseGuys
3421 West Sample St.
South Bend, IN 46619
(574) 234-2670
Christine Weiss (German cataloging) told members of our library German-speakers group that there would be an Oktoberfest at Wise Guys in the first week of October. The restaurant is owned and operated by Christine's son and his wife. It sounded like an interesting opportunity for a night out, so my sister and I and collective children attended.
We were ushered into the dining room, where each table was decked with a white cloth and fresh flowers. Christine introduced us to other members of the German-American club, and cordially invited us to join them at a long table. We met some delightfully friendly folks, who were also very kind to the children. Several ladies remarked upon the uncanny resemblance of my nephew to the movie version of Harry Potter. Although Harry is not my nephew's favorite character, he seemed to enjoy the attention.
Among us, we ordered both of the Oktoberfest specials, Schnitzel and Rouladen. Each special came with bread, soup and salad, potatoes, vegetable and a lovely dessert of berries and ice cream on shortbread. The homemade lentil soup was particularly tasty and provided an excellent start to a lovely meal, obviously prepared with great care. The authentic German fare and the oom-pah-pah music in the background created an atmosphere with the Gemuetlichkeit of a German Gasthaus.
But there is a lot more to WiseGuys than occasional German nights ...
WiseGuys Speakeasy is modeled on the theme of an old prohibition era bar. An authentic "mom and pop" restaurant, run by owners Kenny and Lisa, it surrounds its guests in a warm, homey atmosphere and offers a casual place to dine with an elegant flair.
The fare is mainly Italian American, with a broad offering of pasta dishes, but also boasts of prime rib, steaks and seafood. Check out the "chef's special" each weekend - for example, Chicken Cordon Bleu Italiano. This dish infuses French and Italian cuisine in a lightly breaded chicken breast rolled with prosciutto, then stuffed with mozzarella and gorgonzola cheeses atop a bed of angel hair pasta, all smothered in a mushroom wine sauce. All produce and meats are bought fresh and only the best oils are used in house.
Kenny and Lisa they have over twenty-five years of culinary experience between them. Kenny has worked beside the best chefs in the area and is always pushing his craft to the next level. Whether you prefer the monthly "German Night" specials (December's menu will include pork Schnitzel, with sausage mashed potatoes and roasted veggies; Sauerbraten with potato dumplings in a rich burgundy sauce, served with red sweet and sour cabbage; or tuna steak with a balsamic vinegar and roasted pepper sauce) or would like to order from the standard menu, be prepared for great food in an old-time neighborhood atmosphere.