Bernieās of Port Washington, WisconsinĀ is surely a destination for meat lovers offering an awesome variety of fresh and smoked meat products including āOld Worldā favorites. Ā Bernieās carries a variety of bacon flavors, all applewood smoked.Ā We tried their apple flavored bacon (prepared in apple juice) first and were quite pleased.Ā The apple flavor was just right; a bit of sweetness but not overpowering of the fine smoked flavor.Ā The slices were cut thick and had a nice meaty texture, very similar to good quality side pork.Ā The fat-to-meat ratio was excellent ā even the lightest colored parts had a meaty body and there were very few areas of pure fat.Ā Shrinkage was minimal and there was little liquid fat released in cooking.

Among the other flavors offered are: applewood smoked, black pepper, Hungarian, Serbian, and maple and brown sugar.Ā If you like meaty bacon, all will be a hit.Ā Those who like it spiced up a notch will appreciate a bit of good flavored heat with the Hungarian bacon (and be sure to try their Hungarian brats if you want some not-so-tame spice for the grill).

Bernieās shop is modest in size, but weāre not sure how one could pack more goodies ā meats, cheese, packaged sundries, domestic and imported beers, wines and top shelf liquors.Ā Those heading north out of Milwaukee on I-43 to Door County or other parts north would do well to make a short diversion on Wisconsin Highway 32 to stop at Bernieās and stock up on items for the grill, frying pan, pantry, picnic basket, and cooler.Ā With a few basics you may have set out with already, you could nicely round out the menu for a full weekend or more with one stop at Bernieās!Ā Better yet, spend a little time strolling main street and the harbor areaās shops and restaurants and you may get the idea to make Port Washington itself a destination sometime soon.