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| - All I knew about Otto's prior to dining there was that they had Mediterranean cuisine. My experience with most Mediterranean restaurants, with the exception of a few fancy Greek spots, is they are usually casual. So Otto's was a nice surprise: the cozy comforting reassurance of an old school bar, the Old farmhouse setting with different levels, and the more formal white tablecloth service. Definitely a five on ambiance.
My dining companion and I had a drink at the bar before dinner. I noticed they have 1/2 price appetizers Mondays thru Thursdays. One of my favorite things to do at a Mediterranean place is eating "tapas" style because the appetizers are usually so good. And such is the case here with a number of mixed plates: Wisconsin cheeses, seafood and apps plates with hummus. And not one nacho or deep-fried cheese curd to be found! At half price, these would be a great value, though they are priced fairly to start. We didn't on this occasion try the appetizers, but I know I'll be back to belly up to this great little bar for a cocktail and apps.
The menu with dinner items, Mediterranean specials, salads and appetizers is a difficult one for an indecisive Libra like me. Lots of great seafood offerings, and every dish sounding mouth-watering. I chose as an entree a salmon baked in grape leaves and my dinner companion got the three seafood platter. Both were served with lusciously flavored greens and potatoes. The Caesar salad beforehand was just OK. Nice little warm buns come with the meal, too.
Otto's is on the pricier side, but worth every bit of it. And what a great place to celebrate a birthday or have a date night. While the outdoor spaces were not available during our January visit, I'm sure the two different levels of patios make this place very festive in summer. Otto's was simply an overall experience which well exceeded my expectations.
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