Cooking Memorable Meals in Your Ludlow's Cabin

Ludlow's Island Resort

Aug 17, 2025
|
min read
Cooking Memorable Meals in Your Ludlow's Cabin

One of the best parts of vacation? Eating really good food.

And even better? At Ludlow's, every meal comes with an unparalleled island view over Lake Vermilion. Slowing down and enjoying a great meal with friends and family is hard to beat, and so we've compiled the best tips, ideas, and a delicious recipe so you can enjoy every bite of your vacation at Ludlow's.

Making Memories

Food has a magical way of bringing people together and anchoring us to a place or a special moment. And long after you've returned home, it's those experiences and shared meals that stick with you and transport you back to those memorable moments.

Ludlow's helps make that magic happen, creating the space for you to relax, slow down, and enjoy cooking and eating together, without the chaos of sports practices or work or school schedules. So whether you're making a romantic meal for two or feeding the entire extended family, we have everything you need to make your experience unforgettable.

Cabin Cooking

Fully-Equipped Kitchens

Each cabin at Ludlow's comes equipped with a full kitchen stocked with nearly every tool and piece of cookware you could ever need. From your basic silverware, dishes, and glasses to a blender, baking pans, and charcoal for the grill, you'll have everything you need to whip up your favorite dishes.

Plus, the kitchen extends outside as each cabin includes a grill and fire pit, making it convenient for you to grill up a quick and easy meal. And of course, nothing says, "relax, you're on vacation," more than enjoying s'mores (and maybe some wine and beer for the adults!) around a bonfire.

Bringing Your Own Groceries

Many of our guests like to bring groceries from home to make sure they have their favorite snacks or preferred brands. We know this can be especially helpful for little ones who have pickier tastes. And don't worry, along with your luggage, our staff will carry any groceries to your cabin, so don't hesitate to bring all your favorite treats!

Flexibility and Convenience

We love when guests take full advantage of our fully-equipped kitchens. You're able to set your own meal schedule, and bring your at-home routines with you on vacation, which can be essential for kids (and adults!) who benefit from keeping their familiar and consistent meal times.

On the flip side, you also have complete flexibility! You can easily schedule those super early morning fishing outings or enjoy those long lake days without worrying if the kitchen will be open because it always will be!

On-Island Grocery Options

There is a small grocery/pantry on the island with a limited selection of food and non-alcoholic beverage items, plus sundries and freezer bags of ice. If you don't find what you need on the island, the local grocery store, Zup's, is just 8 miles from the resort and well-stocked with everything you need to make your favorite cabin meals.

Island Recipes

Ready to start cooking? Nothing says lakeside island vacation like grilling up fresh walleye. Whether you caught the walleye yourself right off our docks or stocked up at the store, here are a few delicious recipes to get you started on your island getaway at Ludlow’s!

  1. Grilled Walleye with Mango Salsa
  2. Walleye Chowder
  3. Walleye Ceviche
  4. Bacon Wrapped Walleye Kabobs

1. Grilled Walleye with Mango Salsa

Recipe courtesy of Chelsea Joy Eats.

Ingredients:

For the Walleye

  • 1 large walleye fillet (1 - 1.25 pounds), skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


For the Mango Salsa

  • 1 large mango, cubed
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice


Directions:

Make the Mango Salsa: Combine all ingredients for the mango salsa in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to incorporate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 400 degrees). Rub olive oil all over the walleye fillet and sprinkle the flesh side with salt and pepper.

Cook the walleye: Place walleye fillet on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If your fillet is thinner, adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Serve: Once the fillet is done grilling, serve skin side down, garnished with mango salsa, over greens or alongside rice or potatoes.

2. Walleye Chowder

Recipe courtesy of In-Fisherman

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup diced red potatoes with skin on
  • 1 ¼ quarts fish stock (bouillon cubes and hot water may be substituted)
  • 2 strips bacon, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2-3 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 ounces butter
  • 4 ounces flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half and half
  • 1 cup clams in juice, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup cocktail shrimp (optional)
  • ½ cup frozen corn
  • ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 1 pound walleye fillets, cut into bite-size chunks
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Directions:

  • Cover the potatoes with the fish stock and simmer until done. Remove the potatoes and hold for later use.
  • In a separate pot, cook the bacon until partially rendered. Add butter, onion and celery, and sauté until onions are translucent.
  • Add flour and combine with a wire whisk to make a roux. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Add the hot fish stock gradually, stirring until thickened and smooth.
  • Add cream (or half and half) and chopped clams in juice and simmer about 10 minutes.
  • Add potatoes, cocktail shrimp, corn and tomatoes, and stir in gently with a wooden spoon.
  • Add walleye chunks and the remaining herbs, and simmer until the walleye is done (3 to 4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

3. Walleye Ceviche

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup lime
  • 1/4 cup orange
  • 1 tb spoon honey
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 1 tomato
  • Red/green onion
  • Favorite spices to taste
  • 1.5 lbs of walleye finely cut up


Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients except spices for a half hour and set in the fridge
  • After a half hour drain/add seasoning

4. Bacon Wrapped Walleye Kabobs

Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces walleye, filleted and skin removed
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon from deli
  • 4 skewers


Directions:

  • Cut walleye into 1” cubes
  • Take half a strip of bacon and wrap around a 1" cube of walleye 
  • Put bacon-wrapped walleye on skewer
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Put on the grill

Restaurant Recommendations

When you're on vacation, we know you may also want a vacation from cooking for a few nights. We get it and we've got you covered! There's tons of great local dining options, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with a view. Check out our favorite local dining spots here!

So whether you're grilling lakeside or enjoying the local eateries, every meal at Ludlow's is a chance to slow down, savor the view, and make delicious memories. Bon appétit!