Do you dream of tender, slow-cooked pork? Does your heart melt at the thought of biting into a slice of delectably crispy smoked belly? If you do, you'll want to give some serious thought to attending SloPig Milwaukee, a celebration of fine swine and robust spirits.
The list of restaurant and chef semifinalists were announced today for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards, the nation's most prestigious recognition program honoring professionals in the North American food and beverage industries. Semifinalists for this year's awards were chosen from 28,000 online nominations, and Wisconsin-area restaurants and chefs were nominated in three categories including Best Chef in the Midwest, Outstanding Bar Program and Outstanding Wine Program.
When was the last time you giggled with delight at the thought of head cheese? Or possessed a craving for beef liver frying in a bath of fried onions? Have you ever tried tripe sausage? Tongue? Or brains?
For over four years, Chef Daniel Fox has been bringing world-inspired cuisine to the diners at the Madison Club, where he serves as executive chef. Although the flavors of his food span the globe, his heart lies closer to home, raising heritage hogs on a 110-acre farm in southwest Wisconsin. In an effort to spread the word about these noble beasts, Chef Fox has cooked up SlowPig, a glorious (and gluttonous) celebration of all that is "pig."
For two years straight, Sandy D'Amato, long one of Milwaukee's best known and most respected chefs, has edged Bartolotta's Adam Siegel for top chef in our annual poll. But this year, Siegel has leapfrogged to the top by a slim margin.