A Funny Valentine
The Del-Bar never loses its appeal
By Dan Curd

Going there is like rekindling an old flame. The Del-Bar may age but it never loses its allure. Its past makes it all the more interesting. Old-timers just call it “Jimmy’s”—it was owner James Wimmer who molded the disheveled urchin into a grande dame. Today the restaurant is as elegant as two dozen roses, extravagant but not pretentious. The food is supper-club perfect—impeccable martinis, pan-fried walleye, aged steaks and big slabs of prime rib. And remember escargot and shrimp DeJonghe? Everything here is somehow more satisfying. Each day is Valentine’s Day at the Del-Bar.

Photo: LITTLE LUXURIES: (From top) Shrimp DeJonghe is a classic dish—and the Del-Bar does it justice by serving jumbo wild-caught shrimp in herbed butter topped with garlic crumb topping. Below, the savory bone-in filet mignon is U.S. Prime Certified Angus beef topped with in-house seasoning with frizzled leeks on the side.