It's smelt season in the Midwest, which means it's time for Shaw's Crab House Smelt Fest 2009 on Saturday, April 18. This all-day affair will transport guests via party bus to Port Washington, Wisconsin's 59th annual all-you-can-eat smelt fry at the American Legion Post #82.
Your day will begin at 9AM at either one of Shaw's locations (River North and Schaumburg), where a spread of mimosas, bloody Marys, juices and breads from Corner Bakery will get things rolling. At 10AM, the charter buses will set off on the trek up to Port Washington. Along the way, you'll enjoy Goose Island beers, wine and champagne served on board, plus a box lunch. The buses will make a pit stop in historic Cedarburg, Wisconsin, to soak in the local ambiance (think: arts and crafts stores, confectionaries and neighborhood taps filled with smelt fishermen). Once you arrive in Port Washington, the cooks at the American Legion will be frying up those little fishies in their secret batter, and you'll be able to feast on as many as you can manage.
The buses will bring you back to Shaw's around 9PM. The Shaw's Smelt Fest adventure is $75 per person and includes transportation with drinks, breakfast, lunch, admission to the fish fry and even a Smelt Fry logo fleece pullover. To reserve a spot on the bus departing from the Chicago location, call 312-527-2722, and from Schaumburg, call 847-517-2722.
