Milwaukee Roadfooders on TV

All Wisconsin and northern Illinois roadfooders-- want to spread the good word about local roadfood hotspots? NBC affiliate looking to do a feature piece on the Roadfood phenomenon.  I know you've done some great trips to Leon's, Mr. Perkins, Jake's, Kopps, Serb Hall and my favorite, McBobs-- now share the fun on TV!  Please respond to this thread or call TODAY'S TMJ4 at 414-967-5381. Thanks, Maureen Mack, Executive Producer (and frozen custard fan!)

Cool beans Maureen.

Just twist our arms (like we need it).

Jim

How cool is that?  You are all going to be famous!

Maureenm-
Your favorite is McBob's?  Oh, I like you already!  Welcome to Roadfood!

I actually live in the McBobs (McRoberts) family homestead... the owner's mother's house in Wauwatosa. Looking forward to a fun Roadfood story!

Hey..how cool is that

Hi, Maureen!

I sent you a DM on Twitter and an e-mail.

So, Contingent - who's willing to go on TV and talk food? We need  representatives!

I'm guessing they'll do some kind of interview with a group at a fave restaurant, so a restaurant probably needs to be picked out, as well.

  WHEN!? WHERE!? This is too cool, please keep this thread going with more info... I may have to break my vow about NEVER getting on a Greyhound Bus!  

X1,

Let's start an eating agenda to lure the Southern end of the CONTINGENT up here.  McBob's is one stop, where else do we go?  We could try to retrace one of buffetbuster's Milwaukee eating tours, but I don't think any of us are man/woman enough.  How about an ethnic tour like Buddy set up last Spring - a stop at Speed Queen and maybe we end the day at Ilija's Place?

I'd also like to get Cafe Lulu on the itinerary.  Their pies are the second best in the MKE area.

jrp

ps - Will Buddy's Super Station affiliation present a conflict of interest for his participation?

When's this all takin' place?

JRPfeff -

Those three are excellent suggestions, but the ending would probably be at Kopp's, even if it's unofficial. haha!

Oh, and no offense, but I haven't been back to Lulu since they "lost" my reservation for 6 people, and then were totally rude about it and basically said, "Oh, well too bad." Not even an apology. I'm not exaggerating - ChuckL50 and the other 4 can vouch for me. It's how we ended up at (and liking very much), Cafe Centraal.

EatingTheRoad -

Maureen has not returned yet, to give us details, or contacted anyone (that I know of) via email or other method. So, I guess we wait and see.


So, I sent her an email and Twitter DM - did anyone else besides me call or send an email?

JRP, the only conflict I can think of would be if I'm working when you all want to do the tour.  Otherwise, my behind the camera profession shouldn't present a problem.

I agree that the best way to present the "Roadfood phenomenon" is by taking Maureen on one of our tours.  We probably don't want to make it too ambitious; say four stops total.  As to where we go, I leave that up to the local experts.  If my station were doing the story, (come to think of it, I just might suggest it) I would organize the Chicago tour.  WTMJ is your hometown station so make up the list and we'll show up.

As always, Sundays work best for us, but if that doesn't suit WTMJ's schedule we'll make the sacrifice.

Buddy

McBob's

Glorioso's

Speed Queen

That bakery Sandy D'Amato owns, it's a block away from Metropawlis, MFL & Mrs MFL took me there

Ilija's


JRPfeff---your Inbox is full for PM's.

I just got a PM from someone that's working with Maureen.
She said WTMJ4 hopes to air the piece in December, which means we have to organize this NOW. It'll be tough with the holiday parties and obligations and all, but we can do it!

So, let's pick a day first, then decide where we're going.

I will be in New Orleans Dec 3 - 8th, and ChuckL50 will be in New Orleans Dec 3 - 7th. If you end up filming the weekend of the 5/6th, then so be it.

I'm sure the 24/25/26 will be out for most people, but maybe Sunday the 27th would be available.

The other weekends are:

Dec 12/13
Dec 19/20

I guess, if the Chicago part of The Contingent doesn't mind driving up on a weekday, we could do just ONE place (plus Kopp's) on a weeknight for dinner.

Since it'll be December, I'm gonna throw in my veto for anyplace we have to dine a la trunk.

What say you all?

X1 - I think if we pick a Sunday it would work best.  That get's Buddy & Co. up here and also probably increases restaurant availability.  Later is probably better than sooner, but I'd like to stay away from Christmas.  How about the 13th?

jrp

The 12th or 13th will work for us. For pizza and corned beef, I suggest Zaffiro's and Benji's. Both are open on Sunday. Solly's Grill makes a great banana malt. I've yet to experience Sobelman's for a burger and Nina & I haven't been to McBob's for corned beef, but have experienced their food at Irishfest.

CSD

I'm pretty sure the 13th works for me.

Anyone else?

Where are our Usual Suspects?

I'm in and the 13th is fine with me.

I've been thinking, and I'm with Buddy and JRPfeff - Later in the day, fewer stops. 3 stops - 4 maximum.
Starting around 1, maybe, at McBob's, then go from there, ending at Kopp's. Kopp's can be an unofficial stop or an official - I think it should be official, but we can debate that.

Also, let's try to keep the places we choose on the lower end of the expense scale, as it is the holiday season and people are more strapped for cash now more than any other time of year. Another reason to keep the stops to just 3 (or 4).

Perhaps McBob's (a place that seems like everyone agrees on), the bakery S_D referred to, a dinner place, and Kopp's. That sounds like a reasonable, do-able day.

Also, if we need to kill time (and digest) between the bakery and dinner, perhaps a stop at the Spice House, Penzey's or Usinger's. There, people will have a choice to spend money or not, and it's fun to look around. Perhaps get some holiday shopping done.

I know that adds another place, but it's not a dining place. We could also skip the bakery in lieu of one of these places. I still think it'll be a reasonable day, even with the bakery.

Discuss. Tawk. Have some cawfee.

I think the bakery that S-D is referring to is Sandy D'Amato's  Harlequin, unfortunately it is closed. I believe He closed it earlier this fall.

Oh. Well.
That killed that idea. Thanks, L4WI!

So...then I guess the idea of stopping at Penzey's/Spice House/Usinger's still stands?

Anyone?

Oh that bites. Thanks Pam, for letting me know. (is that Pam?) That was the idea, is that it wasn't necessarily a dining place. Dang.

13th works for me.

I am down for Penzey's, should we map it like we did last time? (and when I say we I mean THANK YOU CHUCKL) We might be zigzagging, but if we start @ McBob's & work our way south it should be ok. And no matter what we decide, our Illinois brethren will stop @ Kopp's with or without us.

So where is a non-expensive dinner place? Are we agreed on Ilija's?

If we are up for a family-style meal at Ilija's Place, I'll call Ilija and get a price per person and availability for the 13th.  His prices are not bad if you can stay away from the adult beverages.

Don't call yet - I'd like a few more ppl to chime in. I realize it's the holiday weekend, and some ppl may be out of town.
Let's at least wait 'til Monday, to give everyone a chance to see this.

The Spice House 
1031 North Old World Third Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
888-488-0977 (Phone) 414-272-0977 (Phone) 414-272-1271 (Fax) 
  Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday
12 - 4pm  

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Usingers
1030 N. Old World Third Street
Milwaukee Wisconsin, 53203
Phone: (414) 276-9100
Gifts: (414) 276-9105
Toll Free: (800) 558-9998
Fax: (414) 291-5277
Our store is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday. We are closed on Sundays plus the major holidays.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
McBobs 
4919 W North Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53208-1119
(414) 871-5050

Payment Types:
ATM Available
Discover
MasterCard
Travelers Checks
Visa
                      
Dining Hours:
Breakfast:
Sunday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
 
Friday 8:00 am to 10:30 am
 
Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Lunch:
Sunday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
 
Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Dinner:
Sunday 11:00 am to 12:00 am
 
Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 12:00 am
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Speed Queen Bar-B-Q 
1130 W Walnut St • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205 
Phone : (414) 265-2900
Dining Hours:
Closed :
Sunday
Lunch:
Monday to Thursday 11:00 am to 12:30 am
 
Friday 11:00 am to 3:30 am
 
Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Dinner:
Monday to Thursday 11:00 am to 12:30 am
 
Friday 11:00 am to 3:30 am
 
Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Payment Types:
Cash Only
Travelers Checks
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Solly's
4629 N Port Washington Rd Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 
Phone : (414) 332-8808 • Fax : (414) 332-8875
Dining hours:
Breakfast:
Sunday 8:00 am-11:00 am
Monday 10:00 am-11:00 am
Tuesday-Saturday 6:30 am-8:00 pm
Lunch:
Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-8:00 pm
Dinner:
Sunday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-8:00 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jake's Deli
1634 W. North Ave. Milwaukee WI 53205
Ph. (414) 562-1272
Open:
Lunch only hours-? probably 10:00 am-3(?):00 pm open Saturdays for sure but probably not Sunday
Cash only
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 
Pat's Rib Place
151 E. Sunset Drive, Waukesha, WI
Ph: (262) 544-4099‎
Open:
Tue-Thu 12pm-8pm
Fri 12pm-9pm
Sat 12pm-10pm
Sun 12pm-6pm
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cafe LuLu
2261 and 2265 S. Howell Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Ph: (414) 294-LULU (5858)
 
Dining hours:
Sunday 11:00-9:00 pm {Brunch: 11:00 am-3:00 pm}
Monday-Thursday 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday 11:00 am-11:00 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ilija’s Place
3701 E. Squire Ave.
Cudahy, WI 53119
Ph: (414) 727-5885 Fx: (414) 727-8184
Dining Hours::
Tuesday-Sunday
Lunch: 11:00 am-3 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kopps

7631 W. Layton Ave.
Greenfield, WI 53220 Phone 414-282-4312 Flavor Line 414-282-4080 Hours 10:30am - 11:00pm
Saturday
December 12
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough! Made with Hershey's chocolate chips and cookie dough chunks
Nutcracker It's opening night for the classic ballet and this pleasing, new holiday flavor. Butter rum custard, four kinds of nuts and a butterscotch swirl.
Sunday
December 13
Butter Pecan A butterscotch flavor and whole roasted pecans 
Peach Melba A peach flavor with peach chunks and raspberry swirls

<message edited by MilwFoodlovers on Fri, 11/27/09 8:00 PM>

Either the 12th or 13th works fine for me.

I wrote a lengthy reply earlier in the day and just before hitting the Post Message button somehow deleted the whole thing.  Anyway, bottom line, the 13th could work for us.  We've got a semi-firm commitment for that day, but could either change it, or bring our friends along for the ride.

Have we had any feedback from WTMJ regarding these plans?  Is this the direction they want to go with the story?  There's certainly nothing wrong with doing another tour, but if this isn't the way they want to handle it, all our efforts will be in vain.  maureenm may have a very specific angle in mind for this story and if we're not hitting it, she may have some other ideas for us.

Also, past tours have always followed a theme; the Ethnic Neighborhood Tour and the Saveur Magazine Tour, both in Chicago; nocarolina's South Suburban Chicago Tour, the Milwaukee Ethnic Grocery Tour, chicagostyledog's Burgers and Frozen Custard Tour, etc.  Do we want to follow a similar path or just hit a bunch of miscellaneous spots?

If we go with a theme, can I suggest some possibilities?  Maybe a National Avenue Tour, starting out Mexican at the east end and working our way west into southeast Asia.  How about a Corned Beef Tour that includes Benji's, Jake's (open on Sunday?), and McBob's?  Ilija's has been mentioned several times; what about Serbian Tour that included Ilija's, Balkan's, and Three Brothers (or any place else you would suggest)?  Just some thoughts.  Anybody else?

Buddy

Hi--Good point, Buddy.  Here's what I know from an email exchange I had with Maureen before T-giving: Maureen was interested in either tagging along on a portion of an area tour (particularly if there were any out-of-towners being introduced to the glories of Milwaukee-area Roadfood) or interviewing a group of RF-ers in a quintessential RF restaurant.  Before getting more ambitious in the scope of the plans, I'd wait to hear back from Maureen and bounce some ideas off her.  I did send her an email letting her know that a group & a plan was forming.  Here's her email:  mmack@journalbroadcastgroup.com
Katherine

Hi back, Katherine!  Are you an associate of maureenm, or are you an employee of WTMJ?  What is your connection to this story?  Will you be joining us on the tour?

Buddy

Wow, based on the itinerary, I wish I could be joining you! I've been doing a little publicity work for Roadfood.com, helping get the Facebook page started, and hoping to help publicize the New Orleans Festival.  When I saw Maureen's query, I wanted to help make the segment happen, so I've been in touch with her. It looks like you guys have the situation fully under control.  Hope we hear back from her soon.  Let me know if I can be of any help.