It's Turtle Time at the Dorf Haus on Fridays During Lent

Shell out a mere $16.95 to snap up a turtle dinner at the Dorf Haus Restaurant near Sauk City, on Lenten Fridays, from Feb. 5 through Good Friday, March 25.
 
Turtle, which is marinated overnight in carrots and onions and then  roasted for four hours, is served with mashed potatoes, gravy, cole slaw and the Dorf Haus signature fritters.
 
The tradition  to offer turtle as an alternative to fish on Fridays during lent pays tribute to  the late Vern Maier, co-founder and owner of the family-owned Dorf Haus. Vern stuck his neck out more than 30 years ago and figured his loyal customers, many of whom were Catholics, would like to try something different. They ate it up.
 
His inspiration was the iconic St. Norbert’s Catholic Church and the focal point of the Roxbury community, located across the street from the Dorf Haus.
 
Turtle tastes somewhat like roast beef, according to Rebecca Maier-Frey, a Dorf Haus co-owner and the daughter of the late Vern and Betty Maier.  The family-owned  second-generation supper club is carrying on many traditions their parents started, with  turtle being one of them.
 
Although the Dorf Haus Friday night fish fry is still the best catch, many long-time customers are big turtle lovers and look forward to the Lenten special, Maier-Frey said. Foodies curious to try something different, order it for the novelty. The Dorf Haus takes orders in advance so turtle lovers can be sure the chefs have prepared enough for the popular dinner served from 5-l0 p.m. on Lenten Fridays. First come, first served, although  parties of 8  can make reservations at (608) 643-3980.       
 
The Bavarian style supper club also includes several German specialties, an American menu, German bier and wines.
 
The Dorf Haus is located between Middleton and Sauk City. Take Hwy 12 toward Sauk City and turn right on Hwy KP. www.foodspot.com/dorfhaus