During our many visits to the Galena Territory, we have not ventured past
the West city limits of Galena. There seemed to be no reason...at least
then.
But that was our loss. There is a wide world of things to do and see in
Jo Davies County, of which Galena is the county seat. And, our first venture
reaped a dining reward that is among the best we have enjoyed in some
time--Timmerman’s Restaurant, in East Dubuque, IL , only a short 10 miles
from Galena.
This is a restaurant on a grand scale. It has a majestic location
overlooking the picturesque bluffs of the Mississippi River. The large
dining room features a glass wall that ensures a majestic view, no matter
where one dines.
But even with a large dining area, one has a feeling of intimacy thanks
to the work of owners Gary Neuses and Mark Hayes. Tables are arranged in a
pattern that one never is looking directly at a table nearby.
Timmerman’s also has a large, wonderful bar, located in the same open
area as the dining area, but again in such an unobtrusive manner as to seem
a natural part of the setting.
Our first hint of the scale of Timmerman’s came when we traveled to the
top of the hill, where the restaurant sits.
There were four in our party, so we had an opportunity to really test the
quality of the service as well as the food since we each ordered a different
entree.
Nancy was our waitress. She was knowledgeable about the history of this
highly popular restaurant, and she is one fine and friendly waitress. Having
been raised in Central Illinois, I found her to be the exemplification of
Midwestern friendliness.
But, it is the food that makes a restaurant. And here, Timmerman’s is a
winner.
The wine list is extensive. While being tempted to order an Opus One at
$200, we settled instead for a great bottle of a Red zinfandel, priced at
$20...it was excellent, and a good choice for our variety of dishes.
I love Ribeye, so that was my choice. My wife, Brooks, ordered Steak
Dianne. Dave Clooney ordered prime rib and his wife, Liz, ordered Salmon.
We weren’t prepared for what followed: the size of the entrees equals or
exceeds the size of the restaurant. These are huge servings, but each was
perfectly prepared (the Bernaise sauce with my ribeye was magnificent)
Of all the restaurants we have enjoyed in Jo Davies, Timmerman’s has to rate
at the top as the best for this type of sit-down dining. Also, when one
considers that the entrees we had are all in the $18-20 range, one can add
value to the reasons for dining at Timmerman’s.
The quality of the food recommends the restaurant. Add to this the size
of the servings--none of us could fully eat our meals (although we did split
a dessert from the outstanding dessert tray offered by Nancy).
Undoubtedly, the quality of Timmerman’s , which has been in the region
for many years, is a reflection of owners Neuses and Hayes. Each has been
there for sometime and Neuses worked there as a youth. Together, the two
have not only fulfilled a dream, but have provided visitors to Jo Davies
County with a dining experience that is usually found only in restaurants in
larger, metropolitan areas.
So, playing upon the words of Horace Greenly, if he were to visit Jo
Davies County, we can only say to those looking for an outstanding dining
experience, "Go West, Go West" until you come to the bluffs overlooking the
Mississippi. Then prepare yourself for some great food in a wonderful
setting.
