Milwaukee Specialty Food and Coffee

Moo With Me

Last night, I had a dream
I found myself in a desert called: CyberLand
It was hot, my canteen had sprung a leak and I was thirsty.

Out of the abyss walked a cow, Elsie
I asked if she had anything to drink
She said "I'm forbidden to produce milk. In Cyberland we only drink
DIET COKE...diet coke."

--RENT

The correct choice of milk is of paramount importance to coffee shops.  I drink huge amounts of the stuff personally, and almost always take my coffee with milk.  I find Dean's to be the best tasting milk, and evidently am not alone.

East Side/Riverwest: Pizza Shuttle

Tonight, I had my usual beer-and-a-slice at Pizza Shuttle.  The pizza of the week, the WI 3-Cheese, had run out, so they offered to bake a new one while I waited and enjoyed a Capital beer.  About 20 minutes later, I was served a gargantuan slice of beautiful pizza with a size outstripped only by its deliciousness.  It was basically like lasagna pizza--sans noodles, of course.  I am curious to see what the three-cheese topping, chopped tomato and basil would taste like on pasta.  You can bet I'll be back before the week's out!

Current Affairs: Where Is Sarah Palin Now?

I don't know why, but for whatever reason, I feel like I just have to know which coffee shop Sarah Palin was at when this picture was taken.  I can't read the logo on the cups, and it's driving me crazy.  The resolution of the picture is too low.  I've been to Columbus, OH where she was today (and where the picture was presumably taken).  (AP Photo)

Mequon: Fiddleheads in Mequon

Today, I saw that a new Fiddleheads location had opened on N. Port Washington Rd. in Mequon.  I think it replaced Cafe Forte, but strangely enough, the Cafe Forte website is still alive.  I'll have to swing by again later in the week and check it out.

Ristretto: Caribou Brazil Poco Fundo

-I may not even supposed to be posting this, as the terms and conditions of the affiliate link program that provides the Caribou ad you see to the right states that I'm to not make any "warranties or representations" about their product.  My excuse is that you can't order liquid brewed coffee over the web, so that can't be the "product."  In any event, I'm at the Caribou Coffee location in Mequon.  I'm having probably the most enjoyable experiences I've had in one of these stores, especially due to the two mugs of Brazil Poco Fundo I've enjoyed (note that refills are free here).  Caribou is roasting this coffee rather dark, but it works well.  This is my second Caribou visit this weekend to as many stores, and I have to note that I really enjoy their current piped-in music blend, and the moderate volume.

R.I.P. Paul Newman

I was saddened to read of the passing of Paul Newman, legendary actor and founder of Newman's Own, not only a line a superb products but also the ultimate example of giving back.

Wauwatosa: Le Reve Remains Ravishing

I've "bookended" the week at Le Reve, as I've now returned for a breakfast of a cappuccino and a chocolate croissaint.  They've evolved into kind of a hybrid of counter service and table service that works surprisingly well.  For instance, I ordered my breakfast at the counter, but not long afterwards someone came around to ask if I needed anything.  Then, after I declined, he brought a glass carafe of ice water and a pint glass without being prompted.  That's much appreciated.

The double cappuccino is generously sized and was easily over half dense foam.  It didn't rock my world, but that would probably be asking too much.  I still find that perhaps the most impressive thing is the professionals in the kitchen.  It must be tempting to goose profit margins by hiring (pardon the political incorrectness) illegal immigrants, and the stereotypical short-order cooks in the kitchen are a common sight, even at pricy places like City Market.

Random tip: when drinking ice water from a pint glass, you have to use a straw, as otherwise the water leapfrogs the ice cubes and ends up on your shirt.  Glad I'm not on a date.

Alterra Takes Plunge into Licensing

As reported on their blog, Alterra is licensing the operation of kiosks at General Mitchell international airport.  The licensee is SSP America (I had never heard of this company, being familiar only with behemoth HMS Host).  All I can say is that this takes some stones.  From casual reading of Starbucks Gossip, the most frequently recurring theme is the loss of quality enforcement that comes with licensing.  I mean, even if the airport kiosk employees change out the coffee often enough, think of the espresso drinks!  Here's hoping that Alterra can pull it off.

Editorial: Diversity

Nancy Ketchman, a thoughtful reader, submitted this inquiry:

I wanted to add to your list of RIP coffee shops.  Did you ever go to Beanhead Cafe on MLK Jr.?  It opened about 4 or 5 years ago to much excitement in the Brewers Hill neighborhood.  It was in a remodelled, historic building (former site of a tea shop).  It had a great vibe to it, cool music, and was racially and economically diverse crowd (which, as you no doubt have observed, is very rare in coffee shops around Milwaukee).  Many people I know visited Beanhead with great expectations.  Unfortunately, the service itself and the coffee was not so great.  Beanhead was closed when it was supposed to be open, took forever just to get your order, and they charged a lot for substandard food (e.g. storebought cookies as in from Pick n Save brought in!!). Sadly but not unexpectedly, they closed within a year or so.  It was so sad 'cuz it was a very cool space and -- had the service and quality and prices been at least average -- would have thrived.  Sigh. 

 

Here's my question to you:  which coffee shop, in your opinion, comes as close as possible to Beanhead in terms of racial and economic diversity?   

My response: tough one.  I have to try not to reply with my instinctive response, as I don't drive across town to visit different coffeehouses, nor do I ever really find myself "just in the neighborhood".  There are pretty much ruts in the road (or hiking trail) between my apartment, my office, and the various East Side/Riverwest/Bayshore area coffee shops.

Ristretto: Yes in Milwaukee Nov. 29

-According to Pollstar and the group's official website, Yes will be in Milwaukee on Saturday, November 29.  YesWorld.com also indicates that tickets will go on sale on October 10.

-The Shepherd Express article on Milwaukee Specialty Food and Coffee has now been posted in "regular" online format here. (This does not call up the reader application.)