OUR PLACE
The eleventh anniversary of the Geneva Shore Report. Eleven years ago, this controversial newspaper began its existence as an information handout written and copied to support a coffee shop in Lake Geneva that wasn’t making it. The pamphlet was distributed successfully but the owner of the coffee shop’s family disagreed with some of what was said in the document (go figure!). The publisher decided since the general population reading the handout liked what they read, that he would continue.
Jim Strauss was that publisher, as he is today. Sally Nimmow took over operations and is on the masthead to this day. That pamphlet turned into the newspaper you are reading as it evolved from being informational about events and happenings to covering and evaluating almost everything hired editors and reporters (along the way) can find, also all now on the paper’s masthead. The minor nature of the advertising in the issues, as well as the non-existent collection of fees for the ‘sale’ of the paper, allow the weekly production to be free of demands of outside editorial influence. If it isn’t seen to be beneficial for the preservation of Geneva Lake as it is, or for the benefit of those living around the lake, and some visitors alike, then no story about it appears in the paper.
The paper doesn’t cover crime, sports, or character assassination. It does call a spade a spade, however, when it comes to trying to help inform the public before things are likely to happen instead of having a uniformed public always asking the question: “where did that come from?” The newspaper and its staff have taken a lot of heat and received few plaudits for the work over the years…but the publisher and staff have felt, and feel today, that this is the way ‘real’ media should be regarded in these present times.
The paper’s mission isn’t to merely inform, it’s to get the public to read enough and care enough to get informed. The staff of the paper wants to thank all the members of the Geneva Lake communities for their love and hatred.
The Richmond Cafe is coming to Lake Geneva.
The House on the corner of Geneva Street and Cook Street is finally putting a coffee shop into their beautiful wrap-around porch. After the location was beautifully remodeled inside and outside the George’s intended on opening a coffee shop. They were hoping a local shop would rent the porch area with coffee and light snacks for people to enjoy, along with an interesting view of downtown. Now, two years later, that dream is becoming a reality, as the Richmond Cafe opens its second location in The House.
This great local coffee shop is welcoming, friendly, and has great coffee and food. They are supporters of local merchants whose products can be found in their café and believe in supporting and giving back to the community. The Richmond Café, not to be called that, will be a great addition to everyone who should be looking forward to welcoming it to Lake Geneva.
The new Belfry House Hotel. This place is unreal. There is nothing like it anywhere within fifty miles offering such quality in the way of a European-style lobby, classical music playing quietly in the background, and a menu that’s equal to anything seen in New York or abroad. The Belfry House, strangely placed across Highway 67 near the highway’s intersection with Highway 50 and right next to the Belfry Theater, stands all on its one. The front desk is operated by Ana Marie, a wonderfully educated, entertaining, and efficient guide to the place. Mike is the manager, a super guy, and then there is Kim Buyse, the chef fresh in from Luxembourg in Europe running the Opus Restaurant. He’s coming from the richest country in the world (by average income, which is $120,000), and one of the smallest countries, as well. Luxembourg is also known for its cuisine, so the menu is something to behold, as is the price.
The price was $158 per person on the night of August 18th when the publisher visited. The menu is set, and that night it was a seven-course dinner. Try: “Salmon Mi-Cuit, Fennel and Fish Bone Foam, and Fennel Puree,” as the fifth course. High class has come to the Geneva Lake Area. Don’t worry though, you can get a traditional high tea at the Belfry from noon to four in the afternoon, and it’s only $18.98.
