Even if you're paying close attention, it's sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest in food news here in Milwaukee. So here's a taste of what's new and notable.
Milwaukee Chefs Rock
Twenty five Milwaukee chefs are included in the inaugural edition of "Best Chefs America," released this month.
Chefs have been celebrated for decades through reviews of food critics, bloggers, reality television and consumer surveys. However, "Best Chefs America" is the first-ever industry peer review guide of chefs. Honorees were chosen based on the outcome of more than 5,000 telephone interviews with chefs from across the country by BCA analysts.
"Chefs know best," states Bill Blalock, chairman and chief executive officer, Best Chefs America, LLC. "They are very aware of who is consistently at the top of their game and making strides in the industry. We are so pleased with the initial response and congratulate those honored in the guide."
The 386-page guide lists nearly 4,700 chefs and their corresponding restaurants throughout the country. The foreword was penned by Michael Ruhlman, one of the country’s most respected culinary journalists and authors.
"Best Chefs America" can be purchased online for $75 BestChefsAmerica.com.
Chefs Headline at Home & Garden Show
If winter has you down, a trip to State Fair Park for the annual Home and Garden Show might be just what you need. Tour the Gardens exhibition, featuring displays from 12 of the area’s top landscape designers and artists. And then stop off at the Cooking Patio Stage to catch performances from an amazing line-up of Milwaukee Chefs.
This year’s demonstrations include presentations by Jarvis Williams of Carnevor, Chris Hatleli & Nick Burki of Coquette Café, Ana Docta of Kasana Gourmet, Justin Carlisle of Umami Moto, Thi Cao of Buckley’s, Aaron Patin of Stone Creek Kitchen, Dan Jacobs of Wolf Peach, Nell Benton of The National, Thomas Hauck of C.1880, Justin Johnson of Harvest Market, and Gregory Leon, as well as pastry chefs Kurt Fogle and Kelsey McCreight.
Beverage demonstrations, including mixology and coffee presentations, will be presented by George Bregar of Alterra Coffee, Ira Koplowitz of Bittercube Bitters, and Katie Rose of Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge and Burnhearts Bar.
The Home and Garden Show takes place March 15-24 (closed March 18-19). For show times, complete schedules, and to download a $2 off coupon, visit realtorshomeandgardenshow.com.
Bourbon and Tunns Reopens
Bourbon and Tunns, 221 N. Broadway, which took the place of Palms Bistro and opened in December of 2012 had a short life, as restaurants go. A fire on Dec. 26 caused extreme smoke damage to the restaurant, causing it to close just weeks after re-opening under its new name.
However, Milwaukee restaurant-goers will be pleased to note that the restaurant plans to reopen on Tuesday, March 19. The restaurant will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, beginning at 11 a.m., featuring lunch and dinner options, as well as a full bar.
Sauce from the Shack
Now you can fulfill your cravings for the flavors of Smoke Shack BBQ anytime, even at home. The restaurant has announced that it will sell all four of its lip-smacking sauces by the pint. Choose from Texas (tomato based sauce with a little kick), Kansas City (sweet and smoky), Carolina Gold (mustard base with vinegar bite), 24 Habanero (all kick), and the house sauce (a blend of sweet and heat with a bit of chocolate thrown in for good measure).
Smoke Shack’s gluten-free sauces are sold for $6.75 a pint, and are available for purchase at the restaurant, 332 N Milwaukee St.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
