96th Annual Raccoon Dinner, January 28th

Click to 2023 announcement

Friends,

Raccoon dining may not be the new black, it is cutting edge dining as featured by Moto. Raccoon was sampled by many at LTHforum picnic 2006, where many learned it can taste pretty good.

The last Saturday of every January at 5 PM is the annual raccoon feed, which I have reconfirmed tonight is on target.

Note this is the 2006 announcement


I plan to get there at 5 PM, because on our first visit they had run out of everything except the raccoon! Charged us half price for our trouble. The magic began when they gave me a quart to take home!

American Legion Post No 196
333 N Lapham Peak Rd,
Delafield, WI
(262) 646-3930

Be there or be square!

Regards,

I am so there.

C2, this remains an attractive dining option -- thanks for keeping it top of mind.

Hammond

Hi Cathy,
Would love to join you for this event.
Jyoti

Edited post after I realized that this is actually 2007 not 2006.
sorry,
veloute

Sounds like a road trip, friends! We should organize the driving.

HI,

These are the instructions from Chicago courtesy of RandMcNally.com:

1 You are at Chicago,IL

2 Go North on N Lasalle St < 0.1 miles

3 Turn left onto W Randolph St 0.7 miles

4 Take I-94 W (I-90 W) ramp on right 7.6 miles

5 Continue onto I-94 W (Edens Expwy W) 76 miles

6 Take Exit 316 (I-43 S, I-894-BYP, Madison, Fond du Lac) on left < 0.1 miles

7 Take I-43 S (I-894 W, Airport Frwy) ramp 5.1 miles

8 Continue onto I-894 W (Zoo Frwy) 4.4 miles

9 Take Exit 1B (I-94 W, Madison) on left 0.1 miles

10 Take I-94 W ramp 19.3 miles

11 Take Exit 285 (CR-C, Delafield) on right 0.3 miles

12 Turn left onto Genesee St (CR-C) 0.4 miles

13 Turn right onto Main St (CR-DR) 0.5 miles

14 Turn right onto N Lapham Peak Rd 0.2 miles

15 You are at 333 N Lapham Peak Rd,Delafield,WI

American Legion Post No 196
333 N Lapham Peak Rd,
Delafield, WI
(262) 646-3930

Meal cost was $10 last year, who knows if there has been an increase. There is a bar on the premises to get drinks.

Please learn from my mistakes! The first time I drove up, I went south at the Delafield exit instead of north. I found Lapham Road, then started chasing my tail until I realized the road was broken by the expressway. The mistake was mapquest, the instructions above ring true to me.

The American Legion Hall is in a residential neighborhood easily distinguished by the large parking lot on the west side of the road.

On my way home, I traditionally stop at Kopp's in Brookfield for softserve ice cream. I checked their website, the flavor of the day is Turtle Sundae: Caramel flavored custard, loaded with pecans, swirls of caramel and fudge. These are the instructions courtesy of RandMcNally.com to Kopp's:

1 You are at 333 N Lapham Peak Rd,Delafield,WI

2 Go North on N Lapham Peak Rd 0.2 miles

3 Turn left onto Main St (CR-DR) 0.5 miles

4 Turn left onto Genesee St (CR-C) 0.5 miles

5 Take I-94 E (Milwaukee) ramp on left 11.7 miles

6 Take Exit 297 (WI-164 S, Bluemound Rd, US-18, CR-JJ, Waukesha) on right 0.2 miles

7 Take CR-JJ W (US-18 E, Blue Mound Rd, Brookfield) ramp on right 0.2 miles

8 Take US-18 (Blue Mound Rd East) ramp on right < 0.1 miles

9 Continue onto W Bluemound Rd (CR-JJ E) 1.5 miles

10 Turn left onto N Brookfield Rd 0.1 miles

11 Turn left onto W Bluemound Rd Frontage Rd 0.1 miles

12 You are at 18880 W Bluemound Rd,Brookfield,WI

Kopp's
18880 W. Blue Mound Road
Brookfield, WI
262/789-9490

So far there are seven LTH people heading to Wisconsin Saturday afternoon. If you are contemplating coming and want my cell phone number, then please post below and I will advise my cell phone by PM.

I hope to be there by 5 PM (though I think it will be just a shade later). Saturday is going to be one heck of a run around day for me!

Regards,

Hi,

If we are feeling frisky after raccoon and Kopps, then why not visit Leon's Soft Custard, which was 8 in the Saveur 100 for 2007:

instructions courtesy of RandMcnally.com

FROM: 18880 W Bluemound Rd
Brookfield, WI 53045-6079

TO: 3131 S 27th St
Milwaukee, WI 53215-4337

STEPS: 12 EST. DRIVE TIME: 27 minutes EST. DISTANCE: 18 miles

STEP DIRECTIONS DISTANCE

1 You are at 18880 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045-6079

2 Go East on W Bluemound Rd Frontage Rd Show Map 0.1 miles

3 Turn onto N Brookfield Rd Show Map < 0.1 miles

4 Turn onto US-18 E (W Bluemound Rd) Show Map 2 miles

5 Turn onto N Moorland Rd Show Map 0.8 miles

6 Take I-94 E ramp on Show Map 3.8 miles

7 Take Exit 305A (I-894, US-45, Chicago) on Show Map 8.9 miles

8 Take Exit 9A-B (WI-241, 27th Street) on Show Map 0.2 miles

9 Take 27th Street North ramp on Show Map < 0.1 miles

10 Turn onto WI-241 N (S 27th St) Show Map 1.8 miles

11 Make a U-turn onto WI-241 S (S 27th St) Show Map 0.1 miles

12 You are at 3131 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215-4337

Of course we could skip Kopps and just go to Leon's!

Regards,

Hi,

I have reconfirmed today the 81st Annual Raccoon Dinner is January 26th, 2008 with the bar opening at 4 PM. Raccoon dining to commence at 5 PM. Of course for the less adventuress, they do provide a mainstream meat to allow the whole family to dine together.

Wild and wacky raffles abound with 5 pound Summer sausage highly prized!

Photo by Rene G


Tips on cooking and eating excessive quantities of summer sausage can be found here.

If you want to join me for dining in the wilds of Wisconson, the land between Milwaukee and Madison, then advise below. Please comment if you want to carpool or just show up on your own steam.

American Legion Post No 196
333 N Lapham Peak Rd,
Delafield, WI
(262) 646-3930

(look up thread to get driving information)

Regards,

Annie and I are in! Transpo TBD.

How can I resist!

Jyoti

I'm going to be out of town, otherwise I'd surely go again. Here are some pictures from last year to get everyone in the mood.


Could someone please find out if Fish O Ree is happening again this year?


Turkey was also available but who goes to a Coon Feed for that?


Taters, stuffing, kraut, slaw, coon and a brew. What more could you want?


Cathy2 is presented with a couple tubs of raccoon.

Rene G wrote:I'm going to be out of town, otherwise I'd surely go again. Here are some pictures from last year to get everyone in the mood.


Could someone please find out if Fish O Ree is happening again this year?

Oh yes. Fish O Ree 2008 will be held Saturday, February 2nd.

My friend Alec (non-LTHer, but a still a good guy) and I plan to attend.

Here's a fantastic custard stand not too far away:

http://www.leducscustard.com/

Ron's Cozy Corner does a great Friday fish fry, but it's smoky. Get there early!: Ron's Cozy Corner, N54-W35994 West Lake Drive, Oconomowoc, 567-9625.

Also in Oconomowoc is a pretty authentic Irish Pub owned by a real live Irishman. Grass-fed beefburgers are good.


Delafield also has a couple of brew-pubs, neither of which are that great, but if you're in the neighborhood, why not?

http://www.delafield-brewhaus.com/default.asp

http://www.waterstreetbrewery.com/home.htm

When we were last in Oconomowoc in August, it appeared that the Irish pub was gone and the building was being torn down, if you are talking about the place on Highway 16.

Suzy

No this place is on north main just half a block north of 16. I'm not sure what place you are referring to.

here's the link:

http://www.aelredspub.com/

Hi,

I contacted the Legion's webmaster to forward him the information on last weeks's article. He advised we come early because they expect more people than before and fear they will run out of 'coon. In fact they read the Trib article with interest, they might contact the 'coon retailers to buy more for next year.

I expect to get there between 4 and 5, though I heard there can be quite the rush at 5 PM.

Our group will be:

Louisa and Annie Chu
Hammond and Alec
Jygach
Jeanne Z (Culinary Historians)
Cathy2

I'm assuming Hammond and Alec are driving together.

Ladies, if you can get to my house, then we could drive to Wisconsin together. I have a Culinary Historians meeting in the morning. If you want to meander our way there and do some exploring, then I could make it back by 1:30 or at least call as I am leaving the city. We can plan the rest by e-mail.

Anyone else who wants to meet us, then just show up!

Regards,

Hi,

FYI: Koop's Flavor of the Day

BUTTER ALMOND
To a rich, creamy custard of butterscotch and almond, we sprinkle in fresh roasted almonds

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH
Tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough! Made with Hershey's chocolate chips and cookie dough chunks

LeDucs: Almond Chocolate Joy

240 W. Summit Ave
Hwy. 18 & 83
Wales, WI 53183
PHONE: (262) 968-2894

Located 3 miles south of I-94, just east of the Hwy. 18 - Hwy. 83 intersection

Regards,

I watched as C2 carefully directed the servers regarding the disposition of food on her plate; here is the result of their efforts. Looks pretty damn good, doesn't it?



Most of us cleaned our plates, and I must admit, this is the third time I’ve had raccoon and it was certainly the best: moist, flavorful and with excellent texture.



This is farm-raised raccoon (there’s a farm not far from Delafield), which might account for its consistently fine flavor. I also liked the sides and the home-made pickles.



There were some intriguing curios and raccoon-related artwork on display.





At one point, after I took this photo, the place was packed. Everyone having a great time eating something they seem not to normally eat.



Thanks C2 for organizing.

Hi,

I have reconfirmed today the 82nd Annual Raccoon Dinner is January 31st, 2009 with the bar opening at 4 PM. Raccoon dining to commence at 5 PM. Of course for the less adventuress, they do provide a mainstream meat to allow the whole family to dine together.

Wild and wacky raffles abound with 5 pound Summer sausage highly prized!

Photo by Rene G


Tips on cooking and eating excessive quantities of summer sausage can be found here.

If you want to join me for dining in the wilds of Wisconson, the land between Milwaukee and Madison, then advise below. Please comment if you want to carpool or just show up on your own steam.

American Legion Post No 196
333 N Lapham Peak Rd,
Delafield, WI
(262) 646-3930

(look up thread to get driving information)

For inspiration, I checked Kopp's flavor forecast for January 31st:
Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake
Amaretto and cheesecake flavored, with tart cherries and New York cheesecake pieces
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough! Made with Hershey's chocolate chips and cookie dough chunks
Featured Shake - Heath Bar Shake
Featured Sundae - Oreo Cookie Sundae

Be there or be square!

Regards,

I will definitely make an attempt to get to this. Should we wear special pins so other LTHers can find us? The place looks like a bit of a madhouse according to last year's photo. Anyway, I'll be at the bar wearing a fork pin.

Pie Lady wrote:I will definitely make an attempt to get to this. Should we wear special pins so other LTHers can find us? The place looks like a bit of a madhouse according to last year's photo. Anyway, I'll be at the bar wearing a fork pin.

Unless you have substantially changed appearances since I last met you, it should not present a problem identifying you.

Regards,

I did cut my hair.
I meant if other folks are coming too. There seems to be a running joke about having a secret hand signal and such.

Their press release with considerable background:

82nd Annual “Coon Feed” in Delafield

It’s been more than 17 years since Tom McNulty passed away, but his spirit of giving back to the community lives on in the city of Delafield. This January 31st, will mark the 82nd year of an annual tradition started by Tom McNulty and his hunting buddies to raise money needed for the youth programs in Delafield.

In the early years, Tom and his raccoon hunting friends, simply ate what they caught by themselves. Later they opened the dinner to the public to help raise funds for the local youth baseball teams, where McNulty was a coach. Eventually, the event found a home at the Delafield Legion Post 196, since Tom was a charter member of that Post. The last time McNulty went on a hunt was in 1985, when he was 88 years old. Tom invited Bob Riepenhoff from the Milwaukee Journal, to experience firsthand the process of hunting and preparing the raccoon meat.

Tom McNulty died on May 5th, 1991, only a week after celebrating- his 94th birthday. Since then the torch has passed to his wife Lillian, who is still spearheading the yearly event. With help from members and friends of the Delafield Legion Post, the food is still prepared using Tom’s closely-guarded secret recipe. Additional help comes from St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy by allowing the use of their large kitchen facilities for the crucial, slow-roasting, of the raccoon meat.

This year’s “Coon Feed” will again be held at the Delafield Legion Post hall at 333 N. Lapham Peak rd. in Delafield, WI. A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children is suggested. Serving starts at 5pm. Each dinner includes roasted raccoon meat, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, sauerkraut, coleslaw, bread, and coffee, milk or water. An alternate meat, (ham or turkey), is also available for those that don’t want roasted coon meat. Desserts will be graciously provided by the Delafield Ladies Legion Auxiliary. The Legion Post’s cash bar will be open at 4pm, and special “Coon Feed” shirts will be for sale. Crowds can exceed 400, so patrons are advised to come early as the quantity of roasted raccoon meat is limited.

Proceeds from the dinners go to Delafield American Legion Youth Programs, and proceeds from “Coon Feed” T-shirt sales go to the Waukesha County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America of which Tom McNulty had been president and his wife Lillian is now the current chapter president.

For more info contact Lillian McNulty @ 262-646-3482 or LeRoy Stein @ 920-474-4737 or go to the Delafield Legion website; www.Delafieldlegion.com

Delafield Legion Post 196, 262-646-3930

Cathy2 wrote:An alternate meat, (ham or turkey), is also available for those that don’t want roasted coon meat.

Pfft. Wimps.

Pie Lady wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:An alternate meat, (ham or turkey), is also available for those that don’t want roasted coon meat.

Pfft. Wimps.

Actually there have been some years when they didn't have enough raccoon. If the demand is higher than expected, then they meter the 'coon portions.

Regards,

Hi,

Want a special way to spend Super Bowl eve? Why not eat raccoon, the perfect celebraty dinner or at least a great conversation piece the next day.

If you are attending, then please let me know so I can keep an eye out for you.

Regards,

Assuming my car is being a good boy, we're still coming. I'm making a stop at the Oak Creek Woodman's first. It's one day I actually hope it will be below 32 degrees. Oh boy, I can't wait.

Hi,

Last year as I was leaving, I suggested I should come early and help make the raccoon dinner. They accepted my offer thinking I would never follow through. Ha! In December, I reminded them of my pledge to help out.

Several weeks ago, I drove up specifically to help butcher their coons. They were supposed to begin at 9 AM, I arrived at 10 AM just in time to watch them close up shop. I forgot the Senior Citizen Factor: they always arrive early and leave early.

Today, I returned to help chop vegetables and assemble the stew. I arrived before they did by an hour! I learned the senior volunteers did not like chopping apples or onions. I had these chopped and ready upon their arrival. I then helped the ladies with carrots and celery: some chopped for stew and others sliced into sticks for appetizers.

I also *made* six batches of food service stuffing: melt one pound butter into 3.5 quarts water and add the secret seasonings. Bring to a boil, then let rest 5 minutes before folding in dried bread crumbs. Yes, I am now the Queen of food service!

Before heading off to bed, I am baking a batch of cookies for the Ladies Auxillary to sell for their fundraiser.

The raccoon is made from scratch, which is really what this is all about.

Regards,