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Last year it was pizza; now it's burgers. What are your thoughts on Milwaukee's popular dining trends? |
 | By Julie Lawrence   OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Julie Lawrence |
| Published Aug. 21, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. |
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One of the most interesting, and beneficial, aspects of my job at OnMilwaukee.com is how in tune I feel with my city, whether it's access to inside tips on new attractions (which we, of course, share with all of you), or just being hyper-conscious of the trends as they cycle through over the years.
I often wonder if I'd be so in tune to the constant transition around me if I weren't paid to do so? I'd like to think so, but as I mentioned in a blog earlier this summer, tracking turnover can be a full-time job.
The city is in perpetual change and one of my favorite things to do is look back on the landscape and gauge how far we've come.
A recent reader Talkback to Maureen Post's review of Stack'd got me again thinking about trends. The Stack'd comment slammed the new burger bar as being more of the same in a city that already had enough beef patty players.
It reminded me of a blog I penned almost exactly one year ago expressing my thoughts about the sudden influx of pizza places, specifically south of Downtown on or near Water / 1st Street.
Unlike this Talkbacker, I wasn't specifically complaining that there were too many pizza options -- in his comment he compared Milwaukee to Hollywood saying there were "no good ideas left." My blog just explained that while I adored all the new additions, I was curious to see what the community thought about gaining five pizza restaurants in a year?
I then asked what other types of eateries everyone wished to see.
A few mentioned Asian, others mentioned sit-down Greek, even Russian.
Well, it's been a year since then. What's changed? And, are we happy with it?
All those pizza restaurants -- Rustico, Transfer, Olive Pit, Classic Slice and Times Square Pizza -- are still going strong. Plus, Brick 3 was welcomed to the mix, albeit in a different neighborhood.
Someone's call for Asian was answered with the opening of Lucky Liu's (watch for a review from Amy Schubert on Monday.) And Farwell Avenue's La Dolce Vita brought Moroccan to the scene.
What else do we have? Centro Café does Italian in Riverwest now, and from the sounds of it, does it well. Honeypie replaced Annona Bistro in Bay View and the old North Point snack bar on the beach was revitalized by the Bartolottas.
In the 'burbs, we got Flat Top Grill, Silver Spur and Le Reve, among others.
We also have more street cart options than ever before.
I'd say Milwaukee fared well in the last year, despite a recession. What do you think?
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5 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by chelene on Aug. 25, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. (report)
I would love to sit here lamenting while comparing Milwaukee to cities like Chicago and New York that have large population densities and also large culinary option with 30 restaurants on every block... But Milwaukee is not either of those cities in more ways than one. I would agree that people here like "the usual" American fare. La Dolce Vita on Farewell is a perfect example of this: they have some really good food and every time I pass by there is no one inside sampling the North African fare. I think people should embrace this, though. Embrace the fact that we do "the usual" pretty damn well. You can get any style of pizza in this city as well as a pretty wonderful burger. If you're lamenting about the lack of variety, then open a small business or take a 2 hour road trip to the south (I choose the latter). PS. Palomino is awesome and unique home style American food, I love that place. PPS. A good French or German bakery is sorely needed, this is true.
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Posted by sally on Aug. 24, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. (report)
How about a blog on overrated establishments. Lets face it Palominos food sucks, I would'nt even feed it to my dog if I was trying to kill it. Classic Slice in Bayview has the worst crust ever. I would compare it to putting pizzza toppings on a piece of cardboard. Any other comments on other overrated establishments?????
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Posted by paulm on Aug. 22, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. (report)
I could care less about Milwaukee's Dining Trends - I'll stick with Apollo and The Dogg Haus on Brady Street, thank you - but I love the photos of the burger and Julie. Both look yummy.
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Posted by rkerhin on Aug. 21, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. (report)
I think that if you count how many new restaurants have opened without counting how many have closed, we are doing well. The main problem seems to be a lack of diversity in what is currently being opened. 5 pizza joints, who knows how many burger joints, and chain restaurants just keep moving in and taking over. Part of the reason is that we like consistency, and chain restaurants provide that comforting sameness. You know that you will get a mediocre experience EVERY TIME. Maybe I'm just getting old, but in the late 80's and early 90's there was an energy in Milwaukee that just doesn't exist any more. People here are quick to point out how you really won't succeed, that you will have this obstacle, etc, etc. Additionally, if you actually have the balls to keep to your vision you won't find the support that you need from the community. One of the things that make cities like Chicago and New York so exciting to visit or live in is the dining scene and the passion that people have to try new things or to create interesting places to eat. The ambition is palpable. I believe that Milwaukee can bring back that energy and has the palate and sophistication necessary, all it takes is humility. Stop billing yourself as the greatest, hippest spot on the planet, it is embarrassing. We need to stop hating anyone who achieves a modicum of success, like Diablos Rojos, Bartolotta, Scott and Leslie, etc and realize that they are part of Milwaukee culture and support them before we support an Applebee's or a TJ McZipper's or another sports bar, etc.
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Posted by CrustyJoe on Aug. 21, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. (report)
How about a good french bakery/pastry shop on the east side in one of the empty storefronts? Would love to pick up some small rolls and such on the way home.
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