Grasch's Foods of Brookfield, just west of Milwaukee was purchased by a Sendick's. Captain John who managed the Fish Department is gone.
I finally stopped yesterday to take stock of the changes.
I can no longer reccamend the new Sendick's for anything.
The fish is now typical Sendick's fare, all previously frozen, thawed with the typical 'slumped' apperance. Unique hard to find items are gone, no huge, never frozen Gulf Shrimp, no anything but the usual staples of any fish department. Meat selection is vastly reduced. Prices remain high.
Visited the OutPost food co-op after a two year absence since I asked for and received my membership fee back.
Expensive as ever! Fresh fruit and vegetable selection not any different than any large market these days. Tomatoes and avocados from Mexico labeled Organic. Pine nuts from China.
Picked up raw peanuts, Israeli Cous Cous and Canadian Wild Rice to last me another two years. How the OutPost stays in business is beyond me except like the former Grasch's, location, location, location.
Woodman's or Fresh Farms on Touhy easily outclass either of the above two grocery stores in Milwaukee and surroundings.-Richard

A Revered Milwaukee Restaurant, Karl Ratzsch, Says Goodbye

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/03/dini ... -ipad&_r=0

Dave148 wrote:

A Revered Milwaukee Restaurant, Karl Ratzsch, Says Goodbye

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/03/dini ... -ipad&_r=0

I can't say I'm surprised. The renovation was not a complete success IMHO but I'm still very sad to see it go.

Yes, not surprised. Places like this never take well to a "make-over." It was a traditional place with traditional customers. They did not take well to the changes. He took a risk and got stung. Bad plans it appears.

We were frequent customers for decades but about 2000, things changed.
We had some memorable meals there with some memorable German Ausleses .
My particular favorite was goose shank.
With an 'after-show' menu, the Apple pancake was memorable.
The clientel died and then times changed.
We went to Mader's once.
-Richard

Here is another take on this. https://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles ... osing.html I do like that this article encourages you to go to those local places you love before they disappear. We are beginning to wonder what the future of brick and mortar retail holds. I am very glad that I lost that fight with my husband about creating a website!

I'm afraid it's not as simple as just patronizing an establishment!
Of the establishments listed, I eat at Jake's once in awhile.
Purchase sausage from Usingers once in awhile.
But Usingers is not going to close, at least it's core business.
Both are in the 'City' and are simply not easy to get to.
Jake's North Avenue location is doomed, but there are other locations but not with the ambiance.
We have a relatively 'free economy' and it's many factors that can decide the fate of an establishment. Some factors easy to analyze and some not so easy.
Ratzsch's was dead many years before closing when it was originally sold. Many times it's a case of both the owner and the clientel moving on, so to speak.
Change is the norm, a phycologist will tell you and people don't like change.
So I move on!-Richard

Not that it's hard to find a decent custard in Milwaukee area, but I have to mention Bubba's in Pewaukee. It reminds me of a Culver's that's slightly off. I had the eponymous burger and was pretty happy with that. Something about fresh meat and chees sauce. Got a quart to go for the rest of the brood. Everyone was very happy with the Reese's Dough. Not sure it's worth the drive from Chicago, but if you're in the neighborhood, you'll be richly rewarded.

1276 Capitol Drive
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 695-8189
http://bubbasfrozencustard.com/

I really enjoy Classic Slice in Bayview. Super casual with some shared tables, beer and wine only. The crust has great chew. Interesting specialty pizzas and daily/weekly specials. Locals order a custom slice for the best value.
http://classicslice.com/
2797 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 238-2406

Came across a really great pizzeria in Milwaukee over the weekend. Based on my one experience, it's better than anything serving a similar style in Chicago.

Wy'East originally started as a food truck in Portland (Wy'east is what the Multnomah people called Mt. Hood) but the owners, a couple originally from Milwaukee, moved back home and opened a brick and mortar spot last year. Co-owner James Durawa, who makes the pizzas, worked at the fantastic Apizza Scholls before going out on his own.


The menu consists of about a dozen pre-designed pies as well as a couple bases for a build-your-own option. We opted a version for the Hot Marmot, which comes with really good pepperoni, fresh garlic, and the sweet and tangy Pacific Northwest treat, Mama Lil's peppers. The Hot Marmot is at the top of the post. Our change was to only get pepperoni on half, although there was a miscommunication that initially (and only temporarily) left our pizza with Mama Lil's just on one half as well.

We also tried the Three Sisters, which comes with mushrooms, a solid amount of fresh garlic, and basil.


Any place can put together good toppings. What separates Wy'East from the back is the crust, which is a long-fermented dough that is the contemporary American style first made famous by Chris Bianco and mastered in Chicago by Great Lake (RIP). Wy'East's crust isn't on par with those two, but it's got the crispy/chewy thing going really well and if they sold loves of bread made from the dough, I'd have taken one or three back home with me.

Wy'East
5601 W. Vliet Street
Milwaukee, WI
(414) 943-3278

Limited Hours:
Wed & Th 4:30p–9p
F-Sa 4:30p–9p
Su 4:30p–9p

The pizzas look great, but the drinks portion of the menu is referred to as... "Bevi's". I'm afraid that I cannot support this establishment.

We're going to be in Milwaukee for Thanksgiving, just for a change of pace. Any suggested place for Thanksgiving dinner?

Anyone have a lead for respectable Manhattan clam chowder in MKE; even better if available for carryout? Got a 95 yo grandfather I'd like to track some down for.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

BadgerDave wrote:Anyone have a lead for respectable Manhattan clam chowder in MKE; even better if available for carryout? Got a 95 yo grandfather I'd like to track some down for.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

Recall seeing Manhattan clam chowder on this list. However I haven't had soup market in years so can't personally vouch for it.

https://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles ... aukee.html

cilantro wrote:The pizzas look great, but the drinks portion of the menu is referred to as... "Bevi's". I'm afraid that I cannot support this establishment.

Well, I turned my back on yet another of my deeply-held principles and tried this place last week.

The pizza is indeed very impressive.

Bumping this since there hasn't been any recent chatter about our neighbor to the North... will be spending a day here on the way back from Green Bay over the holiday weekend, looking for some recommendations. Preferably on the cheaper side, and places that will tolerate a (really well behaved) 7 mo. old. Added challenge that it'll be a Monday AND Labor Day. Already called Odd Duck and they're closed for holiday, a bummer as I've been eagerly awaiting a return since eating there last year. Have been to Honey Pie a couple times, and that may be our best option if they're open but wondering what else there is... I'm figuring two lunches and a dinner.

I have a friend who is going to Milwaukee this weekend and they are foodie inclined and are looking for an interesting place to eat! I looked at other Milwaukee threads...but does anyone just have a quick recommendation?

Thanks!

Amilinda
Spanish & Portuguese plates are paired with cocktails & wine in a cozy-chic setting.
315 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
https://amilinda.com/

Thanks!

Food Nut wrote:Amilinda
Spanish & Portuguese plates are paired with cocktails & wine in a cozy-chic setting.
315 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
https://amilinda.com/

I've already written here about the fantastic pizza at Wy'East. They also offer, but don't really push at all, a focaccia pizza available as a quarter sheet or half sheet. You have to order it a week in advance since that's how long they spend developing the dough into a spectacular piece of bread. Just fantastic stuff in every way.

Goodness that looks gorgeous!

Looking for one meal in Milwaukee. Passing through on a golf trip and have a couple hours to kill between golf and picking up the 4th person of our group at the airport at 9:30pm.

Looking for a delicious, but casual dining experience. A gastropub with great food would work, but so would just a really nice casual restaurant. Cool environment would be nice as well. We might have some time to kill so if it's in an interesting neighborhood or downtown where there are places to walk around that would be an added bonus, but not a deal breaker.

Thanks!

My 2 suggestions would be Morel in walkers point or the Diplomat on Brady St. Both fit the criteria you mentioned and I've had good meals at both. The cheeseburger at diplomat was excellent.

Also, it's way more casual but I love the Comet cafe. Lived down the street from here and it has a special place in my heart and the food is pretty good!

Closer to the airport on KK is the Centraal Grand Cafe and Tappery, which has a nice atmosphere, good food and taps. Then 200 feet to the East is Sugar Maple which is a beer lovers paradise, no food. Off the radar places near the airport would be Coach's Pub and Grill on 13th and Barnacle Bud's on the River, nice outdoor spot also.

Puckjam wrote:Closer to the airport on KK is the Centraal Grand Cafe and Tappery, which has a nice atmosphere, good food and taps. Then 200 feet to the East is Sugar Maple which is a beer lovers paradise, no food. Off the radar places near the airport would be Coach's Pub and Grill on 13th and Barnacle Bud's on the River, nice outdoor spot also.

close to the airport is not essential. We're playing golf at Brown Deer which is north of Milwaukee and then have to be back at airport at 9:30 so plenty of time to stop anywhere in Milwaukee and have dinner/drinks.

shakes wrote:...close to the airport is not essential.

But it doesn't hurt.

If you and your party are fans of Mexican food, Jalapeno Loco is right across the street from the airport, on Howell. It's a full service, white tablecloth operation, with a full bar. They serve excellent regional Mexican food with many choices not usually found on typical Mexican menus around here. Our favorites include the Cream of Jalapeno Soup and the Chiles En Nogada; a Poblano pepper stuffed with pork, plantain, apples, pears, peaches, and almonds topped with a fresh cheese and walnut sauce, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.

Easy parking, very casual and comfortable, and close proximity to the airport, so have an extra Margarita.

Buddy

Jalapeno Loco
5067 S. Howell Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 483-8300
http://jalapenolocomilwaukee.com/

Odd request (maybe.)

I'm driving home from the U.P. on Saturday. My family has been home for a total of about 6 days since july, and those were primarily for little league baseball rainout makep games.

Our cupboards at home are beyond bare.

This brings me to Mke.

We've pretty much been meat n taters, and pizza all summer. If you are familiar with the restaurant scene where we are, you'd understand why. Saturday's early a.m. departure time will have us driving through mke near a standard lunch time.

My ideal stop would be an Asian market like Hmart with a food court / counter for lunch, and some good instant ramen and stuff to bring home to add to the shelves.

Similar Indian store would be just as good.

If nothing exists, then a very solid Asian restaurant (ANY ethnicity, sushi, thai, korean, szechwan..anything) close to 43 would suffice for a lunch stop.

If nothing noteworthy pops to anyone's mind, we'll prolly just hit Benji's, or try the new Pho place in Kenosha near the Woodmans.

The Asian food offerings in Milwaukee stunk when I lived up there and it doesn't seem to have changed much.

I did see this place opened recently and was intrigued by the offerings, but I've never been.

It's on 1st and Greenfield, which is just south of downtown and right off 43/94

https://momomeerestaurant.weebly.com/

You can kill two birds.... at Tandoor Cuisine and Indo-Pak Grocery on 27th just south of Layton. Short distance from highway.

seebee wrote:My ideal stop would be an Asian market like Hmart with a food court / counter for lunch, and some good instant ramen and stuff to bring home to add to the shelves.

How about Phongsavan, a large Hmong marketplace on Milwaukee's northwest side? It's different than anything you'll find in Chicago, and Saturday at lunchtime would be a perfect time to visit.

There have been significant changes since I wrote about it in 2013. A large new building just south of the original finally opened a few years ago. The grocery store has expanded to occupy most of the old building, but the original few restaurants are still tucked into a back corner. The new building has its own food court. It's a shame nobody has reported on the new places (my recent visits have all been too early or too late to allow a fair evaluation). Don't miss the stuffed chicken wings.