Asana Suka
Review
Formerly known as Redman Lounge, this delightful gem has quickly become our favorite of the local supper clubs in the charming Land O' Lakes area. One standout feature is that they accept reservations, which is always a welcomed convenience.
Ambiance
While some purists may critique Akana Suka for its modern updates, we found the blend of traditional and contemporary elements to be quite charming. The bar area retains its classic Northwoods feel, complete with a warm atmosphere and televisions for a relaxed vibe. The dining room, on the other hand, has been tastefully modernized, offering intimate tables accented with thoughtful personal touches. The contrast between rustic charm and refined elegance gave the place a uniquely appealing character.
Relish Tray, Salad, & Soup
The salads were fresh and nicely presented. While not especially memorable, they were a solid start to the meal. Upgrading to the wedge salad was a better option, with crisp lettuce and flavorful dressing. The homemade dressings were a nice touch and added a bit of extra character.
Drinks
The cocktails had a nice representation of a supper club. Their Old Fashioneds were well made and perfectly balanced, while the ice cream drinks were indulgent and delicious. We tried the Jerri Lynn, a signature house specialty dreamed up by a creative customer, and it absolutely delivered. One disappointment, however, was that we had hoped to try their specialty Old Fashioned, but they were out of the necessary ingredients. It was a letdown, especially considering how much we had looked forward to it.
Meal
We began with the scallops, which were incredibly fresh and had a luxurious, buttery texture. The sauce was slightly overpowering, but the quality of the scallops still came through. For entrées, we ordered a wide variety of dishes and were not disappointed. The bluegill special was flaky and flavorful. The Bullet Garlic Filet was perfectly cooked, juicy, and paired beautifully with creamy cauliflower mash. The Chicken Katsu: schnitzel was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of savory goodness.
I added sautéed mushrooms and onions to my filet, which arrived in their own charming individual crock; an elegant and thoughtful touch that enhanced the meal. We also enjoyed the Kobe burger, which featured beautifully seasoned beef, although the shrimp, bacon, and aioli were surprisingly subtle and somewhat got lost in the mix. The walleye, on the other hand, was a highlight; lightly breaded, delicately seasoned, and definitely something I would order again. The house made gnocchi was a true standout, pillowy soft with a comforting, melt in your mouth texture.
We finished the meal with the chocolate cake, which was unfortunately the only low point. It was dry and had the unmistakable taste and texture of something that had been previously frozen. Disappointing, especially after such an impressive lineup of dishes.
Service
The service was exceptional and prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, and wonderfully efficient. The staff made us feel warmly welcomed and well cared for throughout the entire evening. We love it when we do not have to ask for refills!
