Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine at Bugsy’s on Bostic’s “Taste of Italy”

You certainly wouldn’t think authentic Italian when you come up to Lake of the Woods.  Perhaps lefse, luetfisk, meatballs?  But authentic Italian?  The answer is absolutely YES and it is delicious.  It is the “Taste of Italy” authentic Italian dinner at Bugsy’s on Bostic.

For about two years now, Bugsy’s on Bostic resort, located on the south end of Lake of the Woods just north of Baudette, has featured their version of “Taste of Italy” every third Saturday of the month.  “We started about two years ago with Mike’s dad, Ray Ecklund featuring some of his authentic Italian dishes,” explains Gayle Ecklund, who along with her husband Mike “Bugsy” Ecklund owns Bugsy’s on Bostic.  If you haven’t been to this part of the lake in a few years, the resort was formerly Randall’s Resort. 

“Ray has been a chef for many years, but more of a hobby than anything.  He previously was the Park and Rec Manager in Brooklyn Park and City Administrator in Crookston, MN.  He started his love of cooking when he worked his way through college working for Totino’s in Minneapolis,” explains Ecklund.  “The passion has continued on!”

Ray Ecklund has also helped out with fundraisers through cooking.  “When he believes in a cause, whether a fundraiser for the church or another charitable cause, he will cook dinner for 8-10 people.  He cooks it, brings it to their home, warms it, serves it and cleans up everything.  People love it.  When he does it for a church fundraiser back home, we chuckle because the same gentleman loves it so much, he normally outbids everyone to get it each year.”

The next “Taste of Italy” is this coming Saturday, November 18th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm.  They normally have three main courses so you can try a bit of everything, a salad, bread and desert.  On this week’s menu, mostaccioli with homemade meatballs and tomato sauce, Italian Hero Sandwich loaded with Italian meats and peppers, and a very thin crust pizza with seared Italian veggies.

Each month they change their three main courses.  I had the chance to try October’s Taste of Italy and it was spectacular.  Chicken Parmesan which was very juicy.  Come to find out, they marinated the chicken breast overnight in special seasonings, breaded it, melted cheese over it and then served it with homemade tomato sauce.  They also served an Italian rice ball.  Rice mixed with provolone, mozzarella cheese and ham, breaded and deep fried.  The third entree was spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce and Italian sausage.  This was served with an Italian salad, garlic bread and orange sherbert for desert.  The price of Taste of Italy is $13.95. 

If you happen to be in the area, or after getting tempted by all of these good Italian offerings perhaps plan your trip to Lake of the Woods over the third Saturday of the month, check out Taste of Italy.

Most guests come to Lake of the Woods for fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation.  The food is a great bonus and many of our resorts have specialties that will knock your socks off.  Taste of Italy makes the list!

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