Sizzling summer deals, menus found at local restaurants

By: Sarah Millard, Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC — Phil Rohrer was in the Florida Keys about eight years ago when he was inspired to add fish to his restaurant's menu.

"When I went down to the Keys, basically, I wanted to eat fish because that is what it seemed you should eat because of all the water," Rohrer said.

Rohrer's restaurant is located on 22nd Street in Two Rivers, less than a mile from the Lake Michigan shores. He offers fresh perch on his menu.

Rohrer's summer clientele include visitors from Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois.

"Because of the lake, because of the mass amount of water we have, people that come from out of this area are interested in fresh lake perch," Rohrer said.

Throughout Manitowoc County, restaurant owners are offering lunch specials to attract the summer customers. Rohrer's fish is one example of restaurants adapting their menus for the summer months.

Mary Williams, owner of Warrens Restaurant on Washington Street, Manitowoc, adds items like taco wraps, black 'n bleu salad and South of the Border grilled chicken salad to her menu to attract the local and out-of-town lunch crowd.

Still, classics remain on her menu: chicken and dumpling soup.

"Our soups go as well in the summer as they do in the winter," Williams said. "People love soup no matter what."

In addition to creating extra options, the prices are around $6 or $7 for a lunchtime meal at Warrens. Lunch prices at Phil Rohrer's are special everyday, Rohrer said.

The atmosphere at Warrens in the summer can be diverse as Williams serves people from Iowa, Chicago and Milwaukee. Williams loves watching the interactions between Manitowoc County residents and the visitors, she said.

"We have a nice little following of people that have boats," Williams said. "Our locals really enjoy them."
For Rohrer, the variety of his "nice-sized meaty" perch bring customers.

"You get burgers every place, you get tacos every place, but you don't get the fresh perch every place," he said. "It kind of makes your mouth water for perch."

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