MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft is on, and Wisconsin is gearing up to serve more than just football fever.
With an estimated 250,000 people pouring into the Badger state for the national event, a cherished local tradition is stepping into the spotlight. ‘Taste of the Draft’ is set to bring the supper club experience to the stage — offering a delicious dive into Wisconsin’s culinary roots while raising money for a cause that hits close to home: tackling student hunger.
At Green Acres Supper Club in Sauk City, the kitchen is already buzzing with preparation.
Among the sizzling pans and clattering dishes, the team is crafting a classic dish with a creative twist — escargot, scampi style.
It’s an elevated, flavor-packed plate that General Manager Jaime Cortes says embodies what the event is all about.
“It’s quick and easy, elegant with a lot of flavor,” Cortes explained, as the aroma of butter and garlic filled the air.
Green Acres is one of 20 supper clubs chosen from across the state to represent Wisconsin’s time-honored dining culture at the event.
For owner Dan Cunningham, it’s not just about serving food — it’s about celebrating what makes Wisconsin special.
“That’s what the Packers are really looking for, is Wisconsin,” Cunningham said. “Let’s celebrate our culture, our heritage, and supper clubs have played a really important part.”
Beyond the flavors and festivities, ‘Taste of the Draft’ carries a deeper mission. Proceeds from the event will benefit GENYOUth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding students across Wisconsin.
For Cunningham, that’s where the heart of the event truly lies.
“With this charity feeding kids, I can’t think of a better cause,” he said.
House of Embers is another supper club preparing a dish for the event — their signature ribs, a recipe that dates back to the restaurant’s founding.
The ribs are prepared with a straightforward, time-tested method: seasoned with generous salt and pepper rub, then slow-cooked until tender.
“It’s the house specialty,” Obois said. “We’ve been doing them since 1950 this way.”
Obois added that the chance to help raise money for charity made the event even more meaningful. The opportunity to connect with fans and share a taste of Wisconsin’s supper club tradition only added to the excitement.
“It’s for a good cause,” he said. “And then we find out there’s going to be a Packer in our booth, and we’re trying to raise over $1,000,000 -- all sorts of good things they’re trying to do for charities — so it’s even a double bonus.”
Adding to the excitement, each participating supper club will host a Green Bay Packers player at their booth during the event.
The players will meet fans, sign autographs, and experience Wisconsin’s rich culinary traditions firsthand.
With the draft fast approaching, kitchens are heating up across the state. The chefs behind Wisconsin’s legendary supper clubs are cooking not just to impress — but to bring a taste of their heritage to the national stage, proving that Wisconsin’s spirit is just as rich and hearty as its dishes.
The event kicks off Wednesday, April 23rd. For more information, visit the [Taste of the Draft website](https://tasteofthenfl.com/taste-of-the-draft-2025/).
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