By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Feb 24, 2016 at 12:01 PM

There are a lot of great sandwiches in Milwaukee. But I may have found one that blows away just about every other sumptuous creation you’ve ever eaten. And it’s arrived just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

"Our favorite sandwich has officially joined forces with our favorite beer," notes an article this week at Foodbeast.com, "And it is completely, utterly breathtaking."

The accolades are pointed toward the Pabst Blue Reuben, a monstrous masterpiece comprised of a classic Reuben sandwich – complete with corned beef, gooey Swiss cheese, saurkraut and dressing – that’s been fancied up with a PBR batter and deep fried into a glorious golden oblivion.

The sandwich, declared to be "your formula for eternal happiness," just happens to originate right here in Milwaukee, thanks to the deft hands and (always amusingly twisted) brain of Nick Chipman. Known better in the food blogging world as the guy behind Dude Foods, Chipman has created a web site filled with outrageous and often delicious creations that tend to push the envelope when it comes to both caloric intake and practicality.

Chipman is no stranger to deep fried foods. In fact, a few years back he appeared on an episode of Destination America’s "Deep Fried Masters" where he served up deep fried lasagne and deep fried deviled eggs in an effort to be crowned Deep Fried Master. He’s also whipped up a series of popular creations including deep fried bacon wrapped peanut butter balls and a deep fried scrambled egg bun burger. Earlier this year, he also won our Steinhafel’s Dine In & Win Big recipe contest with his pizza stuffed biscuits.

And while tomato soup stuffed grilled cheese balls sound pretty good on a cold windy day like today, I’m pretty sure if you made me a Pabst Blue Reuben, I’d be yours forever.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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.