The Great Martini Hunt- in Okoboji?

When I first started this blog, I mentioned that I was on the hunt for a great martini! Recently, I traveled to Lake Okoboji, Iowa, and I stumbled onto three great restaurants that not only had amazing food, but also three of the best martinis I have had in a while.

First is Tweeter's Bar and Grill located at 1027 Highway 71. They are open year-round Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. They are most famous for their Oscar filet which consist of two tenderloin steaks served on English muffins covered in surimi crab, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce. Their side of Boston Browns is one of my favorites - tiny potatoes deep-fried and smothered in butter. (How can that be bad?). They also serve classic foods, specialty burgers, Mexican entrees, various types of sandwiches, and host a special every night. They are family friendly, smoke free, provide Wi-Fi, and have a full bar with creative cocktail choices. I had the Tito's extra-dirty, extra-dry martini with two olives. I go with the choice of James Bond. I like my martini shaken and not stirred. To me, the secret to a great martini is having them super cold. The glass should be chilled first and the martini shaken for a decent amount of time. Ice chips floating on top makes it great. They did a nice job and the service was good. Check out their website at tweetersokoboji.com.

Next is Outriggers Restaurant and Lounge. Located at 1013 US Highway 71, they are open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and then stay open until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a local favorite, best known for their broasted chicken which is served daily and their mouthwatering Prime Rib on Saturday nights. They have a full menu of fish, pastas, vegetarian dishes, and excellent steaks. The atmosphere is that of an old time supper club - they even play Frank Sinatra music over the speakers. They are open all year long.They have an excellent bar with great bartenders and you never leave without meeting a new friend. They have a full bar and serve any type of drink you desire. I had a Tito's martini, extra-dirty and extra-dry, with 3 blue cheese stuffed olives. It was made perfectly. They do not have a website but you will need reservations - so call at 712-332-6020.

Lastly, Maxwell's Beach Cafe, located at 37 Lake Street in historic Arnold's Park. The restaurant and bar, which I consider a more upscale establishment, overlooks the beautiful waters of West Okoboji. They are open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They are best known for their fresh seafood that is flown in daily. Also served is Iowa's beef and pork, and the food is outstanding. The Scallops Dynamite, which is my favorite, is prepared with 3 scallops on toast points, topped with crab and cream cheese, micro greens, and lemon-garlic drizzle. The Ahi tuna nachos are some of the best I have ever had, and I would also recommend the Ahi Tuna sandwich. They have an extensive food menu and a full bar featuring specialty cocktails. Here I had a Belvedere Dirty Martini, extra-dry, with 3 blue cheese olives. It was absolutely incredible, made perfectly cold with floating ice chips on top. It probably isn't fair to compare Tito's Vodka with Belvedere Vodka. The latter is much smoother, but also more costly. Sipping on that was just an amazing gift for my palate. Please check out their website at maxwellsbeachcafe.com.

What I learned in this hunt was that the best stories are found in the simple joys of great food and a perfectly shaken martini. To quote Philip Ellis, "Good friends, good martinis, and good times - that's the recipe for happiness". So my friends, I raise my glass to you in appreciation for reading my stories and following my journey. I wish you all nothing but happiness.