Tag Archives: food

When in Rome. Or Milwaukee, more accurately.

Posted on January 29, 2013 | Leave a comment

Last weekend, the Redhead and I went out to dinner with two of our friends. I wanted to go to Louise’s downtown because I’ve heard good things about it. …And it’s Italian food. …And I love Italian. …And when I’ve had Louise’s from a cart during summer events on Catherdral Square, it’s always been tasty. Do I need any more reasons?

After satiating my ever-present need for Italian (for the time being), I feel compelled to treat you to an abbreviated review of the four Italian restaurants that I’ve been to in Milwaukee. You’re welcome.

Louise’s: The prices were great; most of the entrees were around $15ish, which my wallet smiled upon. The bread and dipping oil were tasty. The vegetable tortellini was good. I say good, because it wasn’t great. Overall, this isn’t somewhere I’d go if I were craving a succulent, saucy Italian dinner. However, it is a perfect spot for an affordable double date. B-

Zarletti: Delicious. So, so delicious. Went here for a special occasion, and I fell in love with this gem of a downtown dining spot. The butternut squash ravioli was on special the night I went, and it was to. die. for. And the tiramisu was pretty spot-on as well. Would definitely go here again and recommend. Solid A.

Pizzeria Piccola: Ok, so it’s not really a full-on Italian restaurant. More of a gourmet pizza place. But it’s definitely worth including. Fresh, hot, quasi-authentic pies for a decent price. And the service is always good. B+

Calderone Club: This spot is often overlooked when it comes to discussing Milwaukee’s Italian offerings. But let me assure you, this is quality Italian. I lived near here and went on two or three occasions, and each time, I was more than satisfied. Love, love, love the gnocchi here. Great spot downtown. A-

Exercising those taste buds

Posted on November 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

One of my favorite parts of my visit to North Carolina a month ago was meeting with the caterer and tasting some scrumptious dinner possibilities. I tasted two chicken plates and a vegetarian dish. Since I don’t eat meat, with the exception of poultry and some fish, and we have several vegetarian friends, it was important for us to find the right chicken plate and the right vegetarian dish – so as to appeal to as many palates as possible!

The first dish I tried was a delicious chicken breast with a tasty sauce, topped with broccoli florets and pomegranate seeds, paired with a potato cake (which was super tasty and had peas inside!)

The second dish was a yummy lemon chicken concoction, paired with yellow rice (which I’ve always loved!) and a veggie assortment.

And the third dish was a tasty vegetable lasagna, which seemed like it would appeal to veggie-loving friends and meat-eaters alike!

It was nice to have the opportunity to sit down with the caterer, talk about the dishes in detail and then get a chance to actually eat them myself. Food is important to both the Beau and me, and we want to be sure to serve up something yumilicious. The caterers have been fantastic so far in helping us create a delectable food experience for us and our guests!

In case you were curious, Dish No. 1 and Dish No. 3 won the taste-off. 🙂

Chow

Posted on July 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

In the milieu of wedding-related excitement, I’m also pumped about our caterer. Many caterers, we found, want to charge a freakin’ arm and a leg to serve up weddin’ day eats. It’s crazy to me how much so many of them are charging. Seriously, at the prices we were hearing, we would’ve had to pick our 10 favorite guests and just feed them and make everybody else stand in a corner. Or, you know, not invite as many people. But that’s no fun.

Thankfully, we found a caterer that charges much more reasonable rates and comes with great recommendations. It sounds like they know how to serve up some tasty dishes, so that’s exciting. And as an added bonus, they (a husband and wife duo) seem super nice. Score.

They are (aside from our photographer) the only vendor we’ve had a chance to meet with in person. This whole planning-a-wedding-from-afar thing has its drawbacks, namely not being able to meet with people face to face. Which kinda stinks, since you’re asking these people to be a part of such an important occasion.

But, all that said, the caterers were among a few vendors we scheduled appointments with the one weekend we’ve been back in North Carolina since we moved to Wisconsin earlier this year, and they definitely impressed us. They allowed us to come into their kitchen and sit and chat for a bit about our ideas. And we just spent a little while getting to know one another. The wife is the face of the company, doing more of the face-to-face business, while the husband works his magic in the kitchen. Though we didn’t get to try any food yet, when I called several people on their list of references, my mouth started watering at the descriptions. Plus, they’ve told us anytime we’re back in town, they’d be glad to do a tasting for us. I can’t wait!

Tag Archives: food

When in Rome. Or Milwaukee, more accurately.

Exercising those taste buds

Chow

Follow my misc. ramblings: @ContraryMary