Why would you name a restaurant Oar d’oeuvre?

  Well, here’s the story. We are Dave and Marie Mikel, riverboaters and the owners of the Oar d’oeuvre, a pleasurecraft, out of the Port of Red Wing at Red Wing Marina.  In addition, we are the owners of the Oar d’oeuvre, a restaurant located on Main Street in Downtown Red Wing.

  The Oar d’oeuvre name originated in 1988 when our family decided to name our boat after First Mate Marie’s special talent of entertaining guests at home and onboard the family boat with great food, especially unique hors d’oeuvres.  It was agreed upon by Captain Dave and Crew Melissa and Stacy that Oar d’oeuvre (spelled with a nautical twist) fit the boat and suited the family well.  The City of Red Wing is a family favorite and eventually the Oar d’oeuvre vessel relocated from the St. Croix to the Mississippi River at Red Wing Marina.  Although we currently live in St. Paul, Red Wing has been our home away from home for a number of years.

  The road to opening our restaurant has been rather arduous to say the least. It has long been a dream of ours to get into the hospitality business using the Oar d’oeuvre theme as a basis for an establishment that would serve fun food in a nautical motif atmosphere.

  We first became aware of the plan to renovate the Cogel-Phelps Building on Main Street during the summer of 2002. We spoke with the building owners and decided that the location was exactly what we wanted. The plan was to open in the spring of 2003 but numerous renovation delays (the building is listed on the historical register) pushed the opening to August of 2004.

  The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, featuring hot and cold gourmet hors d’oeuvres, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts.  Come experience something different as you create your meal which may consist of several shared hors d’oeuvres, hors d’oeuvres and dessert, hors d’oeuvres and soup, hors d’oeuvres and salad, one of each or if you’re feeling a little more traditional, an entree or soup and sandwich.  The combinations are endless and the fun just begins there. 

  We have a full bar with special featured drinks, coffees, Rush River micro brewery beers, a great wine selection including wine flights (sampler of 3 wines to taste and compare.) We also have a great patio overlooking a beautiful waterfall and landscaping for outdoor dining. 

  Come join us and experience something different!

  We look forward to hosting you at the Oar d'oeuvre!