FoodCrush
196 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratingsGet hungry. On the FoodCrush podcast, OnMilwaukee Dining Editor Lori Fredrich and Culture Editor Matt Mueller tackle the ins and outs of dining, food facts, interesting ingredients and myriad topics related to food and beverage. Expect smart talk, lively debate and plenty of fascinating conversations with some of the scene’s most interesting people.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
A chef’s life with Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat
July 24, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 96.5 MBEvery chef has a unique story to tell. On this week’s podcast, we talk with Dane Baldwin, chef and owner of The Diplomat about his passion for food and his journey to becoming a chef. From his first food-related job to opening his own restaurant, Baldwin shares stories about his early years working at Sendik’s to his first cooking gig in the kitchen at the former Gil’s Cafe. Along the way, he shares tales from his work at Bartolotta’s, SURG Restaurant Group and -- finally -- his own restau...
Creating bars where women (and men) feel safe
July 17, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 93.2 MBHeading out to the bar for a drink is supposed to be fun. Unfortunately, the potential for drink tampering, sexual harassment or assault has become frighteningly common, especially for women. Even if it hasn’t happened to you, it’s likely happened to a friend of yours. It’s estimated that one out of every four women will experience sexual violence at some point during adolescence or early adulthood. Statistics also show that at least half of those crimes will occur while the perpetrator is ...
Living the Real Good Life with Maggie Joos
July 10, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBEntrepreneurism is a two way street. On the one hand, it’s about following your passion; on the other, it’s about building knowledge and sharing what you’ve learned with others. There are learning curves, growing pains and myriad experiences that pave the road to success. This week on FoodCrush, we chat with Maggie Joos, entrepreneur and owner of Real Good Life, a meal delivery service born of both a passion for food and a desire to assist others in achieving their dreams. Joos talks abou...
John McMahon of Door Co. Brewing's Hacienda Beer Co.
June 27, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe Door County Peninsula is among the top cherry producing regions in the U.S.; it’s also an increasingly popular tourist destination, sporting a burgeoning modern food and beverage scene, picturesque lake views and a growing collection of boutique wineries. Door Co. also happens to be home to the largest Belgian-American settlement in the country, making it the perfect spot for a brewery like Door Co. Brewing, a Wisconsin brewery dedicated to brewing beer using local resources, local inf...
John McMahon of Door Co. Brewing Hacienda Beer Co.
June 27, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe Door County Peninsula is among the top cherry producing regions in the U.S.; it’s also an increasingly popular tourist destination, sporting a burgeoning modern food and beverage scene, picturesque lake views and a growing collection of boutique wineries. Door Co. also happens to be home to the largest Belgian-American settlement in the country, making it the perfect spot for a brewery like Door Co. Brewing, a Wisconsin brewery dedicated to brewing beer using local resources, local inf...
Chef Daniel Jacobs offers an inside view of life with Kennedy's Disease
June 19, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBIt was February 2016 and Chef Daniel Jacobs' future was looking particularly bright. But when progressive muscle weakness necessitated a visit to his doctor's office, he found himself facing a medical blow: the diagnosis of Kennedy's Disease. In this week’s podcast, Jacobs talks candidly about his diagnosis, the challenges of living with a disease about which so little is known, and the deeply personal impact it’s had on his life and work. He also shares his motivation and goals in fund-rai...
Megan Mares of Miller-Coors talks the Future of Beer
June 12, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 96.1 MBThe world of alcoholic beverages is changing rapidly. Products like canned cocktails and hard seltzer -- along with the low-carb trend -- are changing the way consumers drink. And despite the growth of craft beer over the last decade, it’s a whole new world for breweries, wineries and distilleries. But what does all of this really mean for the beer industry? We consulted with Megan Mares, Trade Brewer for MillerCoors about the changing beer landscape. During our chat, we trace Mares’ journe...
Open hearths & Deadheads: One chef's love affair with the Grateful Dead
June 05, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBChef Miles Borghgraef might be known for his open hearth live fire cooking at Birch + Butcher; but his talents and passions for cooking take a backseat to one thing only: the Grateful Dead. His is a love affair that began from an early age and has persisted and evolved over the years. During this week's podcast, we chat with him about the origins of his identity as a Deadhead, the albums and songs that rock his world and the ways in which the Grateful Dead have managed to influence his lif...
A Chef's Life: AJ Dixon talks work-life balance
May 31, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 81 MBImagine a job with no vacation days or benefits. Envision standing on your feet for 14 hours a day with few breaks. Add to that the myriad responsibilities of small business ownership: finances, social media, marketing, customer service, supply and demand… these daily demands are just the tip of the iceberg for chefs, a group of individuals fueled by their love of food, their passion for service and their incessant desire to continue learning. In fact, for female chefs -- some of whom do all...
Milwaukee Sausage Co.
May 22, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBNothing says summer (or tailgating) better than a grill piled high with fresh sausages. And who knows sausages better than the makers themselves? In this episode, we chat with Mark Maciejewski and Jeff Marquardt of Milwaukee Sausage Co. about what makes sausages such a quintessential part of the Midwestern diet. During our chat, we discuss the origins of Maciejewski’s Polish sausage recipe, glean insights into what it takes to build a truly delicious sausage and discuss tips and tricks for...
What's a KuneKune? A girl, a farm and heritage breed hogs
May 15, 2019 22:00 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBThe bacon trend might be dying down, but great tasting pork is always in high demand. But how do farmers deliver that full flavor while paying heed to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices? Among the options: raising heritage breed hogs on pasture. On this week’s podcast we talk with Nikki Barr, a Kettle Range Meats employee and young farmer who raises heritage breed Kunekune pigs (pronounced “cooney cooney”) at Pike Creek Meats, a small-scale 10-acre farm at Somers Farm and Prair...
From Dubuque, Iowa to the Bocuse D’or, a chat with Chef Paris Dreibelbis
May 08, 2019 20:00 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBIf the James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the food world, the Bocuse D'or is the Olympics. Named in honor of Chef Paul Bocuse, France's legendary Michelin-star master chef, this bannual chef competition offers the ultimate showcase of chefs talent from around the world. It's a competition dominated by European countries, and one from which the U.S. took 20 years to glean a title. Among those representing the U.S. at the 2019 awards was one Milwaukee chef. Paris Dreibelbis, winner of the Me...
From kalua pig to poke, the cuisine of Hawaii
May 01, 2019 20:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBTropical fruits. Fresh seafood. Community. All of these things come into play during this week's episode of FoodCrush. Join us as we explore the riches of the Hawaiian islands with David Lau and Guy Roeseler, owners of Ono Kine Grindz. We chat with them about their journey from the Central Pacific to Milwaukee Along the way, we explore the origins of poke, the story behind the “Loco Moco” and the cultural flavors inherent to the delicious dishes of the Pacific Rim.
From lumpia to pancit: A look at Filipino cuisine with Alexa and Matthew Alfaro
April 24, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBMore than a century after the United States Navy sailed into Manila Bay, sank the Spanish Armada and took control of The Philippines, Filipino fare is finally having its day in the U.S. But what comprises the cuisine of this diversely influenced archipelago? We chat with Alexa and Matthew Alfaro of Meat on the Street about the unique flavors inherent to Filipino fare, the recipes they grew up eating and the challenges of introducing unfamiliar flavors and dishes to their customers. Along t...
Chef John Korycki on serving up seafood in the Midwest
April 17, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBThe Midwest is the perfect spot to indulge in farm fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses and a variety of sustainably raised meats. But what about seafood? In this episode, we chat with Chef John Korycki of Harbor House in Milwaukee about how restaurants source the freshest of seafood, even in the landlocked Midwest. Along the way, we delve into Korycki's experiences growing up in Chicago and his journey from avid cyclist to chef. We also tap into his perspectives on sustainable sourcing and his...
Industry Outsider: How a stand-up comedian fell headlong into the restaurant biz
April 10, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBIt all began in the back room of a popular East Side bar and restaurant. A comedian took the stage and his experience drew him into a world he'd never imagined. In this episode we talk to hospitality entrepreneur and marketing consultant Wes Shaver about his winding journey to restaurant ownership. Along the way, we discuss the genius of "eatertainment" concepts like Punch Bowl Social, the evolving food scenes both Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Shaver's hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. and the elem...
Industry Outsider: How a stand-up comedian fell headlong into the restaurant biz
April 10, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBIt all began in the back room of a popular East Side bar and restaurant. A comedian took the stage and his experience drew him into a world he'd never imagined. In this episode we talk to hospitality entrepreneur and marketing consultant Wes Shaver about his winding journey to restaurant ownership. Along the way, we discuss the genius of "eatertainment" concepts like Punch Bowl Social, the evolving food scenes both Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Shaver's hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. and the elem...
Soft, dark & handsome: Milwaukee Pretzel Co. weighs in on the world's oldest snack food
April 03, 2019 05:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBThey're soft. They're dark. And they're undeniably handsome. We're talking about Bavarian style pretzels, the oldest snack food known to man and — quite possibly — the best food to enjoy alongside an ice cold beer. In this episode, we chat with Katie Wessel, the expert baker behind Milwaukee Pretzel Co., makers of the city's most traditional German pretzels. With her help, we dig into a bit of pretzel history, uncover the secrets to a truly great soft pretzel and glean insights into the in...
A chat with John Dye, owner & curator of Milwaukee's historic bars
March 27, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBWhen it comes to preserving Milwaukee bar history, there might be no one more qualified than John Dye, owner of Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, Jazz Estate and (more recently) At Random. In this episode of FoodCrush, we sit down with Dye to discuss his background, his motivation for taking on the curation of historic bars and the challenges he faces in keeping those spots alive. Tune in for insights on the process of bringing these venues back to life, the cocktails they serve and the man behind...
Pop, pour, drink: The allure of ready-to-drink cocktails
March 20, 2019 05:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBOpening Day is right around the corner, and that means the days are coming for tailgating, picnics in the park and plenty of convivial day drinking. It also means stocking up on coolers filled with refreshing beverages. There was a time, not more than five or ten years ago when options were limited to sweet carbonated beverages, Mike's Hard Lemonade and Bud Light’s Limeritas. Thankfully, the cocktail revolution has created a more robust appreciation for quality cocktails... and thus, a dem...
Part 2: Trappist monks are cool, but women are rad: Females in beer history
March 13, 2019 17:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBFrom 6,000 B.C. when women brewed "magical" elixirs at the behest of Ninkasi, goddess of brewing to the modern day, women have played an integral role in the the production of beer, both nationally and abroad. In this two-part episode, we chat with Beermaster Kim Bell and Beverage Director Ileana Rivera of Lowlands Group about brewing history and the major role females have played. We discuss the stories behind women-led breweries, the messaging that put Trappist Monks at the fore of brewin...
Part 1: Trappist monks are cool, but women are rad: Females in beer history
March 13, 2019 16:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBFrom 6,000 B.C. when women brewed "magical" elixirs at the behest of Ninkasi, goddess of brewing to the modern day, women have played an integral role in the the production of beer, both nationally and abroad. In this two-part episode, we chat with Beermaster Kim Bell and Beverage Director Ileana Rivera of Lowlands Group about brewing history and the major role females have played. We discuss the stories behind women-led breweries, the messaging that put Trappist Monks at the fore of brewin...
Part 1: Trappist monks are cool, but women are rad: Females in beer history
March 13, 2019 16:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBFrom 6,000 B.C. when women brewed "magical" elixirs at the behest of Ninkasi, goddess of brewing to the modern day, women have played an integral role in the the production of beer, both nationally and abroad. In this two-part episode, we chat with Beermaster Kim Bell and Beverage Director Ileana Rivera of Lowlands Group about brewing history and the major role females have played. We discuss the stories behind women-led breweries, the messaging that put Trappist Monks at the fore of brewin...
Michael Vitucci on the evolution of the bar scene in Milwaukee
March 06, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBIn this episode of FoodCrush, we chat with longtime bar owner and Milwaukeean Michael Vitucci. He shares stories about growing up in a bar family, insights on the ever-changing East Side and thoughts on designing a great bar experience. We also tackle questions related to better serving millennials in a changing food and beverage world.
Creamy, Cheesy, Yum: A chat with Kristine Hansen, author of "The Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook"
February 27, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBIf Wisconsin is known for one thing, it's cheese. In fact, Wisconsin is filled with artisan creameries which create award winning cheeses with the Dairy State's abundance of fresh milk. And each creamery has its own unique story to tell. On this week's podcast, we chat with Kristine Hansen, author of a brand new book, "The Wisconsin Cheese Cookbook." Together we explore the book's mouthwatering recipes, fascinating stories and fun facts about the State's most delectable commodity. Tune in ...
Are food co-ops still relevent? A chat with Pam Mehnert of Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative
February 20, 2019 06:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBFood co-ops were at the helm of the organic food revolution. They've been leaders in local and sustainable sourcing, transparent labeling and bringing healthful food to the fore. And yet, some people still don't understand what a co-op really is, or why they're increasingly relevent in an age when grocery stores are in an ever-evolving state of change. So we took the plunge and consulted with a cooperative veteran, Pam Mehnert of Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative to chat co-ops: what they ...
Soup's on: A chat with the new Soup Otzie, Scott McCowan
February 13, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBWhen it comes to comfort foods, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup. But what's the true magic behind these warm bowls of bliss? We chat with Scott McCowan, the new owner of Soup Otzie's, about his unexpected transition to owning a soup restaurant. He shares insights about his passion for soup, what it's like to take over an established business and the art behind the creation of lobster bisque, pot roast soup and the ubiquitous chicken noodle.
A chocolate-filled chat with Indulgence Chocolatiers' Julie Waterman
February 06, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBIs there anything better than chocolate? We don't think so. But what goes into creating one of the world's most indulgent treats? We dive deep with Indulgence Chocolatiers owner Julie Waterman. She tells the story of her journey to becoming a chocolatier, shares a few of her favorite flavor combinations, uncovers industry trends and explains why she's skeptical of folks who claim they don't like chocolate. Stay tuned for a strangely dark installment of the Food Porn Minute.
Ten years of Bittercube: A spirited chat with Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz
January 23, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 81.7 MBIn this episode of FoodCrush, we delve into the world of craft cocktails with longtime bartenders and Bittercube founders Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz. We chat about the beauty of bitters, the uniqueness of the Wisconsin old fashioned, the changing world of craft cocktails and the excitement of launching their brand new line of Heirloom Liqueurs.
It might be time to give up the quest for "authentic" food: A chat with Daniel Jacobs and Dan Van Rite of Dandan, EsterEv & Fauntleroy
January 16, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBWhat is authenticity? It's a word that, by its very definition means "real" or "genuine." It's a word that makes sense when you're discussing an iconic painting, a Prada bag or an athletic jersey. But is it a realistic term to use to describe food? We sat down with Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite (co-owners of Batches, Dandan and Fauntleroy), two chefs whose cuisine has gone under fire for its authenticity (or lack thereof) to ponder the notion of authenticity. Does it exist? Does it matter? Or ...
Welp Yelp: The good and evil of online reviewing platforms with Greg & Orry Leon of Amilinda
January 09, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBBack in the day, if someone encountered a problem in a restaurant, he or she was likely to bring it to the attention of the front of house manager for rectification. But times have changed. Today's diners are not only share their dining experiences on social media, they're taking to the internet with both their candid accolades and complaints. We chat with restaurant owners Chef Gregory Leon and Orry Leon about the pros and cons of online reviews and how they can help or hurt — local restaur...
A Life of Pie: A chat with Valeri Lucks of Palomino, Honeypie Cafe and SmallPie
January 02, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBWe chat with Val Lucks, head pie maker and owner of Honeypie Cafe, Palomino and Smallpie about her life as a pie-obsessed baker. During the episode she shares stories from her travels in search of the country's best pie, as well as insights into the making of America's perfect dessert.
The lure of ramen: A chat with Chef Gregg Des Rossier of Tochi
December 26, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBThe air might be chilly, but the ramen scene is heating up. Today we chat with Chef Gregg Des Rossier of Tochi about the lure of ramen. He'll share tidbits about life as a ramen chef, chat about his travels to Japan and what makes a great bowl of ramen.
The lure of ramen: A chat with Chef Gregg Des Rosier of Tochi
December 26, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBThe air might be chilly, but the ramen scene is heating up. Today we chat with Chef Gregg Des Rosier of Tochi about the lure of ramen. He'll share tidbits about life as a ramen chef, chat about his travels to Japan and what makes a great bowl of ramen.
Wisconsin Supper Clubs: A conversation with Ron Faiola
December 19, 2018 23:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBOld fashioneds. Fish fry. Relish trays. They're all part of the classic Wisconsin supper club experience. But where can you find some of the State's most interesting supper club dishes? And how did supper clubs really come to be? We chat with award-winning film-maker and author Ron Faiola to debunk myths and uncover hidden gems in the supper club circuit.
Service is a two way street: A lesson in hospitality with Joshua Wolter
December 05, 2018 06:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBWhat do you expect from front-of-house employees when you eat in a restaurant? Are those expectations realistic? In this episode, co-hosts Matt Mueller and Lori Fredrich chat with service industry veteran, Joshua Wolter, about the good, the bad and the ugly in terms of great service. We'll discuss challenges, expectations and the ways in which restaurant personnel strive to make customers' experiences the best possible.
The Mystique of the truffle: An odoriferous episode with Mushroom Mike
November 28, 2018 06:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBEarthy. Pricey. Irresistible. On this week's podcast, we sit down with Mike Jozwik (Mushroom Mike) to pick his brain about one of the world's most indulgent foods: truffles. We'll dig deep, dispelling myths, exploring the world of truffle cultivation and discussing what makes these earthy fungi some of the best things on earth.
The Mystique of the truffle: An odoriferous episode with Mushroom Mike
November 28, 2018 06:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBEarthy. Pricey. Irresistible. On this week's podcast, we sit down with Mike Jozwik (Mushroom Mike) to pick his brain about one of the world's most indulgent foods: truffles. We'll dig deep, dispelling myths, exploring the world of truffle cultivation and discussing what makes these earthy fungi some of the best things on earth.
Giving Thanks: Chefs give back at the Guest House
November 21, 2018 06:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBThe holidays are a time for giving. In this episode we talk with James Beard Award winning Chef Justin Aprahamian of Sanford and Erik Koepnick of The Guest House about how chefs in Milwaukee give back by feeding the homeless.
A guide to great holiday wine with Jordan Burich of Voyager
November 14, 2018 23:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBThe holidays are right around the corner, so we're on the hunt for beautiful wines to serve with holiday food. Listen in as we chat with Jordan Burich of the new Voyager wine & cocktail bar in Bay View about the joys of Riesling, great fits for holiday wine gifts and more.
The art of the sandwich: A chat with Chef Andrew Miller of Third Coast Provisions
November 07, 2018 18:00 - 48 minutes - 44 MBListen in as we go deep with local sandwich connoisseur and chef, Andrew Miller of Third Coast Provisions and Merriment Social. He’ll spill the beans on what makes a good sandwich and how he uses sandwiches to inspire fine dining dishes. We’ll also discuss the best and worst of sandwich condiments, his favorite creation for football Sundays and more.
What's up with dining surveys anyhow?
October 31, 2018 05:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBEvery year OnMilwaukee polls its readers, giving them an opportunity to vote for the best restaurants in Milwaukee. But sometimes the results spark controversy. So Food writer Lori Fredrich and Culture Editor Matt Mueller dig into the down and dirty behind the survey including what goes into creating it, how we choose which venues to include and some of the questions that lead to the most interesting of results. Stay tuned for a creepy Halloween edition of the Food Porn Minute.
Caitlin Cullen of The Tandem: Fried chicken
October 24, 2018 05:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBSalty. Crispy. Delicious. We’ll talk all things fried chicken with the hilarious and forthright Caitlin Cullen, owner and chef of The Tandem. She’ll talk about her work at the restaurant as well as reveal some of the stories and secrets behind her two unique versions of fried chicken: Memphis and Georgia fried.
Aw Shucks!: Learning to Love Oysters
October 17, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBIn this week’s podcast, we’ll chat with Black Shoe Hospitality’s Joe Muench about the ins and outs of oysters. Then we’ll take the podcast on the road to Harbor House and get a lesson in oyster eating from Corporate Executive Chef Adam Siegel, who’ll introduce the salt-water bivalve mollusks to oyster-virgin Matt Mueller. Will his first oyster experience be a blast? Or a bust. Find out on FoodCrush.
Karen Bell of Bavette: Life after a James Beard nomination
October 10, 2018 05:00 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MBJames Beard nominations are a big deal. But what’s it really like to find your name on the list? We chat with Milwaukee’s own Karen Bell, 2018 James Beard nominee and owner of Bavette La Boucherie, about her experience as well as her storied past and plans for the future. Then stay tuned as Matt Mueller gets his feet wet with yet another smoldering edition of the Food Porn Minute.
Big Important Food Questions
October 03, 2018 05:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this introductory podcast, get to know hosts Lori Fredrich and Matt Mueller a little better as they tackle some of the bigger, more important questions in life. Is a hot dog a sandwich? Mayo or Miracle Whip? And what IS Miracle Whip anyways? But most importantly, what's Lori's food superhero origin story? Listen as she divulges embarrassing food confessions from her past, Matt learns what an aioli is – and stay tuned for the FoodCrush’s signature segment, the Food Porn Minute.