White Gull Inn

"A unique Badger State plate, the Door County fish boil. Although it is cooked in the saltiest water imaginable, the fish has a fine, delicate flavor, and the potatoes are creamy soft. (buffetbuster photo)"
Michael Stern






"Pie (preferably ala mode) is essential at the end of a fish boil dinner. Some of the nation's best pie cherries are grown nearby. (buffetbuster photo)"
Michael Stern



"The most dramatic moment at a fish boil is the boilover, when flames shoot into the sky, signaling the fish and potatoes are ready. (buffetbuster photo)"
Michael Stern



"Here the boilmaster adds fish to the cauldron. Its cooking is timed to the second, and synched with the potatoes, which are boiled alongside in the same pot. (buffetbuster photo)"
Michael Stern



"Accordion music has always been part of the White Gull Inn dining experience. (buffetbuster photo)"
Michael Stern



"The White Gull Inn is part of Door County history. Built in 1896 as a sanitarium and spa by Dr. Herman Welker, a German immigrant virologist, "The Henriette" (originally named for Welker's wife) signaled the evolution of Door County from a fisherman's retreat to a summer resort. Whether or not Dr. Welker was aware of the locals' pyrotechnic style of cooking fish is unknown, for he had different plans for guests. Dr. Welker's health regime included swimming and meditation and groaning-board meals of roast pork, wiener schnitzel, and cabbage followed by sweet cakes piled with whipped cream."
Michael Stern