Continuing with my recent plan to try new (to me) restaurants, the other day I walked the 100 yards from my office to Hotch-A-Do for a quick lunch. I didn't go in with any expectations, but I walked out full, satisfied and really pleased the restaurant replaced the laundromat I used to frequent when I was 22.
Hotch-A-Do, 1813 E. Kenilworth Pl., opened last summer, and even though I work on the East Side, it seems to fly a little under the radar. In fact, during the noon hour, only a handful of diners graced the uniquely-decorated restaurant.
That's why I was a little surprised that our orders took almost 20 minutes to arrive, cutting into that concept of a "quick lunch." But when they did come, they made for two of the better sandwiches we've had in some time.
I ordered the Chipotle turkey club, which is billed as turkey, bacon (I passed on that), sharp cheddar, avocado, red onion, lettuce, tomato (also skipped) and a spicy homemade mayo. I ordered it grilled, and for $7, it was quite substantial and pleasantly zesty. It came with a pickle and pasta salad, which was also unique, with hunks of cheese and ranch dressing that didn't really blow me away.
My wife had the veggie sandwich, also $7, and reported that it, too, was really good.
Both of our sandwiches tasted noticeable fresh and were worth the wait. It's not exactly brand new anymore, but with a "found art" motif, friendly (if a little pokey) service, wireless Internet and tasty food, I plan on adding Hotch-A-Do to my regular rotation of work-time lunches.
Andy is the president, publisher and founder of OnMilwaukee. He returned to Milwaukee in 1996 after living on the East Coast for nine years, where he wrote for The Dallas Morning News Washington Bureau and worked in the White House Office of Communications. He was also Associate Editor of The GW Hatchet, his college newspaper at The George Washington University.
Before launching OnMilwaukee.com in 1998 at age 23, he worked in public relations for two Milwaukee firms, most of the time daydreaming about starting his own publication.
Hobbies include running when he finds the time, fixing the rust on his '75 MGB, mowing the lawn at his cottage in the Northwoods, and making an annual pilgrimage to Phoenix for Brewers Spring Training.
