Polonez meetup- Was: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (kland01s)

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:57:42 GMT

The dill pickle soup sounds really interesting! Great photos, we'll have to wander north sometime when the weather is nicer.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (ann peeples)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:43:01 GMT

I am so happy to hear you all had a good time, and that the food was as good as the company. Looking forward to our breakfast excursion on Feb.22-to see some old friends, and meet new. Sorry I missed this one-the food sounds right up my alley!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (carolina bob)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:55:46 GMT

Buddy, many thanks for the kind words and for going out of your way to make me feel welcome at my first Roadfood meet n' eat. I had a great time; the food was very good and the company was even better. It's been a long time since I've met so many nice people, all of whom share my passion for great food. Based on this experience, I'm even more enthused about attending next month's Glee Club gathering in Greenville / Memphis, and the big RF event in NOLA this April.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (BuddyRoadhouse)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:21:40 GMT

ChiTownDiner
Question - Was there only one type/flavor of pierogis available? I've always thought they came in many flavors and would be available in a Polish setting.

They only served cheese pierogis as part of the buffet. stricken detective took the lead in this situation and ordered from the regular menu a platter of a dozen sauerkraut pierogis (which I'm pretty sure also had some mushroom in them).

These were larger in size than the ones offered at the buffet. They were also pan fried as opposed to the buffet's steamed version. The platter quickly went around the table with all interested parties grabbing a sample. Unfortunately all this came toward the end of the meal when everyone was pretty well filled up. Still, there were only a few of those little pockets of happiness left over and they were packed up to go to loving homes where they would be appreciated.

Buddy

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (packerwmn)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:54:17 GMT

Sorry I missed it! We had a bit too much fun on Saturday at an ice fishing jamboree, so Sunday was a recovery day. But I'm looking at the spring outing already!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (ChiTownDiner)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:38:51 GMT

Well it sure looks like a good time was had by all! Great turnout & great food! Question - Was there only one type/flavor of pierogis available? I've always thought they came in many flavors and would be available in a Polish setting.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (irisarbor)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:22:17 GMT

What a fun thing to do on a cold morning!
Great food, great music, and great friends!
Thanks to all, and thanks to those who remembered their cameras (unlike me...)
I really enjoyed some new treats, and I think for once my boys were actually filled up!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (BuddyRoadhouse)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:12:02 GMT

Just more affirmation that we all had a great time today. Our tight knit little group seems to be expanding into a tight knit big group, and that's okay. Notable additions today were irisarbor's husband who proved himself worthy of losing the "husbad" designation, and nocarolina, a fine and friendly gent with a good disposition and great enthusiasm for Roadfood in general, and socializing with our group in particular. It's reached a point where it's hard to tell if we put more importance on the food or the pleasure of each other's company at these meet-ups, and that's okay with me.

Today's highlights included for me, from left to right as we went down the buffet, the dill pickle soup; julienned shreds of root veggies and dill pickle in a nicely balanced, slightly sweet/tart broth with a delightfuly dominant dill flavor.

The soup was followed up by some of the finest smoked salmon I have ever tasted. This was rich, oily (not in a bad way) fish with a silky, velvety texture, enhanced by just the right amount of smoke and saltiness. The accompanying bagels were just barely defrosted Lender's minis, but that was good enough. If the bagels had been any better, they might have distracted from that phenomenal fish!

Next up was a brilliant roast stuffed pork loin. As I noted to my fellow diners, this particular cut has a bad habit of being overcooked, dry and grainy. Not so with Polonez's version. This was moist and succulent; perfectly seasoned to bring out the rich pork flavor that frequently gets lost with a loin. The "stuffing" was really a plum compote-like filling, the subtle sweetness of which was an excellent compliment to the pork. The tang from a dab of Polish horseradish completed the combination of flavors.

Bite sized chunks of Polish sausage, silver dollar style potato pancakes, and mini cheese pierogis rounded out the ethnic standouts at the buffet. There were other, more "American" standards also available, hash browns, scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and bacon. All nicely prepared, but, for me virtually irrelevant in this palace of Polish delights. There were also a handful of dessert items, the mini, melt in your mouth cream puffs being the star of that show.

Once again, it was a real pleasure to see everyone again after so many months in weather induced isolation. Spending the afternoon with my Roadfood friends warmed up a bitter cold January day.

Buddy

P.S. X1, here is the link to the Spring Fling thread. I'll post some links to the various restaurants listed so we can make some informed decisions on where we finally end up. I'm hoping to generate some serious, good natured discussion on our picks. Also, the date and time is still up in the air, so that will be another topic for us to talk about. The only date that is abvsolutely off the table (as I'm sure you'll all agree) is May 23rd, the date of JRPfeff's annual Barbecue. Nobody wants to miss that, do they???

B.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:40:26 GMT

X1
SD or Buddy - if you read this - please tell or send me the link to the thread for that Chicago thing we were talking about. Can't seem to find it. Thanks!

It was hidden. We really do need a Get-Togethers Forum. :)

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/Spring-Fling-for-the-MilwaukeeChicago-Contingent-and-anyone-else-who-want-to-join-in-m479651.aspx

I made the pics all pretty & put the musician right side up. I'm gonna go see what else I can do w/the old ones.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (Gyp)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:16:13 GMT

Here are some pics. It was good to see old and new faces. The food was fantastic.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (X1)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:55:22 GMT

Had a great time. It was nice to see familiar faces and meet new people.
I, too, loved the dill pickle soup - was *very* skeptical, but wow - what a nice surprise!
The cheese pierogies were great, too. And of course - BACON!

SD or Buddy - if you read this - please tell or send me the link to the thread for that Chicago thing we were talking about. Can't seem to find it. Thanks!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (MilwFoodlovers)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:59:55 GMT

Stricken, you know how to throw a party. Our part of the group had a great time with some great food.

After the last cheesecake was eaten, we finally got a chance to mingle and shoot the breeze. For those that had to leave early, I know it was difficult to meet new friends or catch up with old ones.

While all the food was very good, I think my highlight was the cream of dill pickle soup.

S_D, how'd you get a picture of the accordian player laying on his side? Ha.

At get togethers like this, I'm reminded how much fun it is to break bread (or rye rolls today) with fellow Roadfooders. We look forward to our next meet 'n great.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:01:44 GMT

Polonez only pics!! :)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=4lhy15d.865kg5kp&x=0&y=-rcxsoe&localeid=en_US

And all kidding aside, if you see your face in the pics & want me to remove it, I will. Just send me a PM.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:05:40 GMT

X1, the only thing I get at Saz's is the cajun crusted steak & the sour cream & chive fries.

MFL--I spoke to the owner's wife on the way out. They might not be selling anytime soon. I can email you details, I'm not sure she wants them broadcast to the entire internet.

We had a group of 27, it was a great time. I am uploading pics as we speak. If you did not want your pic on the internet, um, at the restaurant would've been the best time to mention that. ;) If someone wants me to take one down, PM me I guess.

I think I'm gonna throw em all in an album on kodak.com. Please stand by.

Ok, if you click this link, you have access to all the Roadfood albums. I will caption em & make em look pretty at a later time,(haha, I never get time.)

If you just want to see the pics from today, go to the Album marked Roadfood with the pic of The Wiener & Still Champion on the front cover & scroll to the end. Bloody Marys & Mimosas were had, as were bagels & lox, Polish snausages, SHRAMPS, sauerkraut pierogi, everything was awesome!!! :)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=4lhy15d.a400hfmh&x=0&y=-xuw6zv&localeid=en_US

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (X1)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:08:15 GMT

Can't believe I'll finally get to meet your son, FL!

As for Saz's, I think I'm sticking to the mozz sticks and other party hors d'oeurves. I may nibble on some BBQ Chicken.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (MilwFoodlovers)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:03:57 GMT

S_D,
Do you know something about a new owner? When is he or she taking over? I know they've had it for sale but in this economy I thought their chances were slim to none.

George is such a nice fella and his food is so good that I'm counting down the 210 minutes until we eat. See ya!

btw, we are also celebrating my son Jim's birthday this coming Thursday. Half Polish, this is his soul food.

X1, Someone is forcing you to eat Saz's? Is that like a hot dog or hamburger?

Actually, I'm teasing. It's "BBQ", much like Cincinnati's Montgomery Inn is "BBQ".
Not bad but not Q either.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (X1)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:03:06 GMT

Good morning!
See y'all in about 3 1/2 hrs!

Unfortunately, I can't go to Kopp's - I have to cut Polonez short, too. It's my Brother in Law's b-day today. So, after stuffing my face at Polonez, I will be forced to eat Saz's!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:07:10 GMT

It's killing me as well. You're one of my Roadfood inspirations!

When Diane was telling someone new @ work about my appetite (pre-Provigil), she would always cite the time she & I went to Jake's for corned beef, then to the Oriental & I had popcorn (and a vegan cookie, what was I thinking?) during Little Miss Sunshine (they still use real butter) whereas she was too full to even think about popcorn.

I said, remember that guy from the tour we did in Chicago? By the time we got to Stash's I was holding my tummy & cursing Gus for having such great fries that I ate them all w/o pacing myself. But there is CTD, having a burger & pushing the sweet potato fries at me, saying, "Try some!" :) She said, "Wow, he must really be something for him to inspire YOU of all people."

Tomorrow I will pace myself, that is one thing I have learned from the Roadfood masters. The whole reason for the trip is to compare & contrast once the new owner takes over, so we'll keep track & let you know, then you tell us what Sunday works best for the CTD contingency & we will plan around that.

PS Ann, we will miss you!!!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (ChiTownDiner)

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:53:39 GMT

stricken detective -

This is killing me...

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:11:29 GMT

CTD, that's ok, we'll be going back once the new owner takes over so we can compare & contrast. We will miss you, but you reminded me to pick up fresh batteries for my digital.

packerwmn, we will be the large party. I will the the one with the blond hair, dark roots, and Bloody Mary in my hand. :)

Is everyone else as excited as I am? Delicious Polish food, good friends, what could be better? :D :D :D :D :D

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (irisarbor)

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:32:46 GMT

You're always amoung friends with roadfooder's

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (packerwmn)

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:37:38 GMT

I haven't been able to check this list lately and am now on the late show, but I'm going to check with my husband tonight to see if he's interested in going. Otherwise I may try to come anyway - it's not like I'd be alone! :)

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (BuddyRoadhouse)

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:52:14 GMT

We'll hoist a round of slivovitz in your honor.

Buddy

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (ChiTownDiner)

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:27:28 GMT

Hi everyone - I am sorry the CTD gang will not be able to make it. We waited to the last minute in hopes of freeing our schedule but it will not be happening. I really love Polish so this is especially dissappointing to me. Hope you all have a great time and post some really good photos to complete my dissappointment!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:52:51 GMT

I understand that, but I'm gonna stand by our 24 for the reservation in the off chance he will want some pierogi or bigos when he comes back. If anything, they will have to remove a chair.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (irisarbor)

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:11:55 GMT

The Darling Husbad (no typo) is so iffy as he is returning from a biz trip the day before, but I do believe the boys and I are up for it as we have been suffering cabin fever here, while he has been sucking up in the 80 degree LA weather....
looking forward to some fun!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (ann peeples)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:52:43 GMT

Have fun!

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (ann peeples)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:24:20 GMT

Hve fun, my friends.

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (stricken_detective)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:48:19 GMT

Reservations are set for 24. If anyone else wants to come, please post after me. :)

RE: Crocus Polish restaurant in Milwaukee (X1)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:30:08 GMT

I got another Twitter stranger to join us, so mark down 1 more.