In observance of Lent, The Wicked Sister put out a special 'Sooooo Close to Spring Menu' for its March and early April patrons who pay attention to the season.
Even those who don't will find something to enjoy in the offerings.
A grilled fish filet eclipsed by hot lemon wheels smothered in homemade chimichurri 'Co to the Ho Salmon' and its Latin inspired sweet potato cakes might just be the way to go for non-meat eaters in the house.
“They have a nice cool vibe,” said kitchen manager Kat Shawan, who is a graduate of Les Cheneaux Culinary School.
A detailed description of the Caprese Roasted Sprouts is just as mouth-watering.
“They are bright and fresh. Everybody has been like, ‘We really love them; Do not take them off the menu.’”
The chef drizzles her very own balsamic glaze over the little round brussels, playfully tossing them around in garlic roasted tomatoes, sprinkling a blend of fresh mozzarella and parsley to add a unique hint of freshness.
“An oldie but a goodie” original ‘Maryland Crab Dip’ is a combination of tender offshore bluefin crab meat and its very own secret creamy sauce.
Among other Lent inspired choices are lightly breaded shrimp tacos, covered in broccoli slaw with sweet and spicy Asian ginger sauce; the 'Southwest Bean Burger,' blanketed by romaine lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and red onions, dressed in spicy chipotle mayo; and various leafy green salad options.
As friends or family members enjoy their favorite beverages to complement food choices, customers may choose from an array of fruity non-alcoholic cocktails like virgin Piña Coladas or Shirley Temples.
"We are working on some libations,” Shawan said about altering the drink menu to accommodate those who observe Lent or who simply don't want to drink alcohol. “People give things up. They give up dining out, fast-food, chocolate, alcohol and things like that. So, we are coming up with Lent friendly drinks.”
Mixing someone that special beverage or preparing a hearty plate of food is Shawan’s personal gift to customers.
“It can alter their whole day,” she said. “Memories are brought up when you make biscuits and gravy for someone and they are like, ‘I haven’t had this since my grandma, who passed away, made it. It is just a good thing that I can bring to someone’s day.”
Shawan grew up Catholic, but her passion for cooking was heavily inspired by her worldly father.
My dad was a very big influence,” Shawan said. “He was in the navy and went all over the world. He tried a lot of food. “He would make a lot of fun things growing up, and I would always be in the kitchen with him. I am representing my dad who passed away from cancer in 2014.”
In winter that same year Cathy Howell’s grandfather, longtime farmer, John Graham purchased the bar and restaurant.
Daughters Nancy Rose, Laurie Jarvie and Jeanne McCulligh were highly involved in planning and decision making. Adding a little family humor, “The Wicked Sister” was a little inside joke turned public.
Realizing just how much time and money would be spent fixing the place up, Graham’s three girls eventually took over.
“My mom had retired from Walmart HR,” said Howell, who already had food service experience by that point. “My one aunt was a social worker and my other aunt was a second-grade teacher. It just wasn’t their love, so they sold it to me. I bought it in April of 2016.”
The new business owner learned as she managed the restaurant, cultivating a team to support her endeavor. She often uses the word “we” during conversations to communicate everyone’s involvement and input.
“It wasn’t one person making all the decisions,” said Howell. “It was one person saying, ‘I have an idea.’ It gave us a lot of buy-in. It makes all the difference when you feel valued as a person and like your ideas are fantastic.”
Shawan was an ideal employee to help lead the crew.
“She just turned 24,” said Howell of her culinary chef. “When there are work related or personal issues that come up, they can talk to her about it. She can give that really good ‘mom advice’ or do some peer mentoring. She has been really great to have. She has no ego whatsoever. She does a really good job of collaborating, regardless of experience and background.”
To ensure the words of all staff members were printed on the same page, the “Wicked University” was written into regular practice.
“I hate staff meetings,” said Howell about breaking traditional employee group lecture sessions. “Based on the people we hire, it’s not because they are lazy or malicious. They probably just don’t know. Maybe they don’t have the skills set to complete a task or know the ‘why’ to motivate them. ‘Wicked University’ gives us that base of knowledge, so we are all on the same page. That has corrected most of our problems.”
A typical topic of discussion could include food safety or “Beer 101,” where the three main components of beer and different brews are discussed.
“Anyone over 21 gets to sample those different styles,” said Howell. “As for those who aren’t 21, we sit down and discuss different tastes in brews. It’s super fun. It makes us stronger.”
There is a well-balanced list of beer in the cooler and on-tap, ranging from light to dark. Howell is one for supporting local brands such as Big Lake Brewing of Holland, where the classic ale Michigan Amber, ABV 5.3% is brewed. Another option is the smooth, sweet caramel malted Pampered Moose beer, ABV 5% from Tripleroot Brewery of Zeeland.
“We try to keep Michigan beer in stock,” said Howell. “We like working with the little guys. We are doing a ‘Beer Takeover,’ where we invite a brewery in to take over all the taps. It’s a great way for them to highlight what they do. They bring some flagship stuff and exclusive things, so it is a great mix of whatever you want to drink.”
At its annual gala back on July 20th, Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) awarded and recognized The Wicked Sister in its 2021 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list.
“Small businesses create significant economic impact in communities across Michigan,” said Josh Hundt, chief business development officer and executive vice president at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are excited to acknowledge and celebrate more than 80 small businesses this year that have been selected by their peers, communities and small business support organizations and demonstrate the resiliency and impact of Michigan small businesses.”
When an email informing Howell of her win came across, she read it three times in shock.
“I was dumbfounded because restaurants don’t win,” said Howell. “Not only do restaurants not win, places in the U.P. don’t win.”
Customers appear pleased with the bar and grill, which presently has a 4.8 rating out of 372 votes on Facebook, and 4.6 stars out of 908 Google reviews.
The Wicked Sister offers visitors a tasty Lent and year-round menu, adhering to all preferences and pallets.
Lent started on Ash Wednesday, March 2 . It will last through Holy Thursday, April 14 (pending denomination) when worshippers commemorate the biblical last supper shared by Jesus and his disciples.
This award winning bar and grill is open Monday through Saturday from 11 p.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Sunday. It is located at 716 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Dine-in and curbside pick-up is available by calling 906-259-1086 or emailing its staff members at [email protected]
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