The Lost Gem Of Manitowoc County: 5 Secrets Behind Al Corso Restaurant’s Legendary Run In Collins, WI

For over a decade, Al Corso Restaurant in the tiny village of Collins, Wisconsin, was a culinary anomaly—a beacon of intimate, exquisite fine dining tucked away in the heart of Manitowoc County. As of today, December 17, 2025, the restaurant remains permanently closed, a status it has held since April 2020. Yet, the memory of its warm atmosphere and spectacular, contemporary menu continues to resonate with diners across the state, sparking curiosity about its history and its ultimate, abrupt end.

This article delves into the unique story of Al Corso, exploring the passion of its owners, the distinct flavor of its cuisine, and the enduring legacy of a true hidden gem that defied the typical rural Wisconsin dining scene for thirteen unforgettable years. Its closing marked the end of an era for local food enthusiasts and travelers willing to drive for a truly exceptional meal.

The Culinary Visionaries: Chef David and Alexandria Salm

Al Corso was more than just a restaurant; it was the realization of a long-held dream by its dedicated owners, Chef David Salm and his wife, Alexandria Salm. Their combined expertise created the perfect balance of culinary excellence and business acumen that sustained the fine-dining establishment in a location many would consider unconventional.

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David Salm: The Award-Winning Chef

• Role: Head Chef and Culinary Director.
• Background: A longtime restaurant worker and operator who transitioned from catering before opening Al Corso.
• Accolades: Known for creating flavorful, award-winning food, he was an active member of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, serving on its board of directors for many years.
• Cuisine Style: Contemporary American with a focus on house-made elements and unique, perfected flavors.

Alexandria Salm: The Business Engine

• Role: Business Operations and Management.
• Heritage Influence: Her Sicilian heritage subtly influenced the menu, adding a unique, personal touch to the contemporary dishes.
• Atmosphere: Responsible for cultivating the "warm welcoming atmosphere" and intimate fine-dining experience the restaurant was famous for.
• Location Choice: The couple's decision to establish a high-end restaurant in the small town of Collins, Wisconsin, was a testament to their belief in their product and vision.

A Hidden Gem in Collins, WI: The Al Corso Experience

The restaurant, located at 20931 Main St in Collins, WI, was a destination spot. Diners from across the state and beyond made the pilgrimage to this small Manitowoc County village, often described as being "perched right on the edge of Collins Marsh," for an experience that transcended its rural setting.

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Defying the Supper Club Norm

While Wisconsin is famous for its traditional Supper Club culture, Al Corso carved out its own niche. It offered an "exquisite tasting Contemporary" menu that elevated the local dining scene. It was an elegant dining experience without the pretense, maintaining a comfortable, inviting ambiance that felt distinctly Wisconsin.

The food was characterized by a dedication to scratch-made quality. Reviews frequently highlighted the house-made and long-simmering sauces, soups, salsas, and salad dressings. This commitment to fresh, complex flavors was a deliberate effort to "deviate from conventional restaurant fare for the area."

The menu was constantly celebrated for its stellar quality. One specific example of Chef Salm’s creativity included dishes featuring an unexpected "hint of Guinness," showcasing a willingness to blend traditional flavors with innovative twists.

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The Mystery of the 2020 Closure and Lingering Legacy

The closing of Al Corso in April of 2020 left a void in the region's culinary landscape. It ended a successful 13-year run that began in 2007. The timing of the closure, coinciding with the initial onset of the global pandemic and subsequent shutdowns, suggests a direct connection to the unprecedented challenges facing the restaurant industry at that time.

The property, a vacant commercial building located at 20931 Main St, was later listed for sale, confirming the permanent nature of the closure. The listing itself served as a tribute, emphasizing that Al Corso was a "very well established restaurant" with a spectacular and well-maintained kitchen.

Al Corso’s Enduring Topical Authority

The restaurant’s legacy continues to influence the conversation around fine dining in rural areas. Its success proved that a high-quality, chef-driven concept could thrive outside of major metropolitan areas like Green Bay or Milwaukee. It is remembered as a cornerstone of the Manitowoc County community and a model for aspiring restaurateurs in smaller towns.

Key Entities and Concepts Associated with Al Corso’s Legacy:

• Manitowoc County: The geographical home that benefited from the restaurant's draw.
• Collins Marsh: The picturesque natural area near the restaurant, often mentioned in reviews.
• Fine Dining in Rural Wisconsin: Al Corso is a prime case study for this niche market.
• Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA): Highlighted by David Salm's board service.
• Contemporary American Cuisine: The primary style, fused with Mediterranean and Sicilian notes.
• House-Made Ingredients: A hallmark of their scratch kitchen philosophy.
• Exquisite Tasting: A consistent descriptor used by patrons and critics.
• Hidden Gem: The most common, affectionate term used to describe the unexpected quality in a small town.
• David Salm: The creative force behind the spectacular menu.
• Alexandria Salm: The operator who ensured a warm, welcoming environment.
• 20931 Main St: The physical address that housed the legendary establishment.
• Catering Background: The foundation of the Salms’ initial partnership.
• April 2020: The date of the final closing.
• Guinness Hint: A specific flavor innovation mentioned in a detailed review.

5 Reasons Al Corso Remains a Wisconsin Legend

Despite its closure, Al Corso Restaurant’s story is frequently revisited, cementing its status as a local legend. Its impact was a result of a perfect storm of location, passion, and culinary skill.

1. The Unexpected Location: Placing a high-quality, intimate fine-dining establishment in a tiny village like Collins, WI, immediately made it a destination. This "hidden gem" status created buzz and attracted a dedicated clientele willing to travel for the experience.
2. The Salms' Dedicated Partnership: The clear division of labor between Chef David Salm's exquisite kitchen creativity and Alexandria Salm's focused business and hospitality management created a seamless, high-quality operation.
3. Uncompromising Commitment to Scratch Cooking: The emphasis on house-made sauces, soups, and dressings, and the deviation from conventional fare, set a standard of quality rarely seen in a rural setting.
4. The Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant successfully balanced "exquisite tasting Contemporary" dining with a "warm welcoming atmosphere," avoiding the stuffiness often associated with fine dining.
5. The Enduring Mystery of the Closing: The abrupt closure in April 2020, at the start of the pandemic, left many patrons wondering about the exact circumstances, keeping the restaurant in the public memory long after the doors closed.

Al Corso Restaurant’s run from 2007 to 2020 serves as a powerful reminder that culinary excellence can flourish anywhere, provided the passion and dedication of its owners are strong enough to draw a crowd. Though the building is now a vacant commercial property, the legacy of Chef David and Alexandria Salm’s fine-dining masterpiece in Collins, WI, remains a cherished chapter in Wisconsin’s rich food history.