Mars Cheese Castle – RovingRaconteurs.com

A Day In……

Monday, September 25, 2023

Earlier this month, your RovingRaconteurs visited America’s Midwest to spend some happy-time with family!! It was a joyful week of catching up, chilling out, and simply relishing some quality-time and camaraderie with loved ones!!!

And then, we visited something new to us:

At the Interstate 94 & Hwy 142 interchange in Kenosha, Wisconsin, we came upon The Mars Cheese Castle. This is a unique complex that celebrates all things Wisconsin. This specialty store offers cheeses, sausages, a bakery, specialty condiments, local beers, and international wines. An entire room is devoted to Wisconsin souvenirs—everything from refrigerator magnets to cheese-head hats!!! There is an in-store deli; a taproom serving Wisconsin microbrews and imported European beers; a wine cellar; even a candy store!!!

Ready for a little bit of history???

The original cheese store was built by Mario Ventura, Sr. in 1947 along Wisconsin Highway 142.

At that time, a huge beer bottle was featured atop the roof. When a fire destroyed the store in 1957, another store was built nearby. And that building fell victim to a 2011 Interstate 94 widening project. The newest store is now twice as large and designed to “more closely resemble an actual castle”—there’s a watchtower and a drawbridge!!! Now you may already know, your RovingRaconteurs are septuagenarians. We grew up riding in the backseats of Fords, Chevrolets, and Pontiacs as our families traveled along Eisenhower’s rapidly growing interstate highway system. We know all about Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway; Stuckey’s and Howard Johnson’s; Steak ’n Shake and McDonald’s; and, of course, Wigwam motels. But never, ever were we aware that the Mars Cheese Castle existed. Ah but, others knew: John F. Kennedy, Johnny Cash, Al Hirt, even Joe Biden along with many others, have visited The Mars Cheese Castle. And now, so have we!!!

Take a look:

Located along Interstate 94 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Mars Cheese Castle is a not-to-be-missed, local icon.
(CCA-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mars_Cheese_Castle_(cropped).jpg#:~:text Ken Lund, Reno, Nevada, USA)

Built by Mario Ventura, Sr., it all began in 1947. The name was derived from Mario’s first name–he was named after the Roman god, Mars. The “castle” part was inspired by a castle in Italy owned by Mario’s mother.

Upon entering this vast complex, one is greeted by the official mascot, Isabelle the Holstein Cow!!! She is the greeter and spokesbovine for the Mars Cheese Castle.

The Wisconsin souvenirs are located throughout the complex. Everything Wisconsin is available–from refrigerator magnets, clothing, and decorations…..

…..to Wisconsin wines, beers, and even cheese-head hats!!!

The clothing is scattered around the store–even below the watchful eye of Italian ancestors.

…..and even a huge assortment of stuffed Isabelle’s, all eager to hitch a ride to some wide open spaces!!!!

We have been told, besides local microbrews, “the taproom serves a really good Bloody Mary” Can’t imagine why we never puled up a barstool and ordered one!!!!

The Mars Cheese Castle logo was designed by the well-known and popular portrait artist, George Pollard. It was his first job after discharge from the navy following WWII. Pollard lived in Kenosha, Wisconsin ’til his death in 2008. He is known for portraits of sports figures, entertainers, business leaders, dignitaries, and politicians. He was awarded the Pontiff’s Medal (usually reserved for heads-of-state) for his portrait of Pope John Paul II.
Sounds like a life well-lived!!!

And now a final word about cheese: cheese curds to be exact!!!

Are you familiar with cheese curds? They are a popular snack; but mostly in the Northern United States and parts of Canada (Quebec, especially). Often, they are called “squeaky cheese” because their springy, rubbery texture will “squeak” against the teeth when bitten into. The fresher the curd; the squeakier they will sound. After as little as 12 hours, the freshness will wane, and the squeak will diminish. This is due to moisture, especially when refrigerated. Keeping them at room temperature may delay the process.

But, we will, happily, share a family secret:

Put a plateful of curd into the microwave and zap for approximately 10-15 seconds on high power: squeak restored!!!