PODCAST · arts
FoodCrush
by OnMilwaukee
Get 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.
Episodes
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Wisconsin’s Miijim to contribute to Indigenous food renaissance
Around the country, restaurants led by Native chefs are reimagining what “American” food means. In doing so, they are also reclaiming an important culinary culture that has been long buried and inaccessible, even to Native people. In the Midwest, that includes folks like Sean Sherman, founder of...
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14 seats: The making of 1033
What goes into building a restaurant? This week we’re sitting down with hospitality veteran Rob Levin, co-owner of 2A Wine Merchants and the forthcoming 1033 restaurant to find out more about the inspiration behind the 14-seat restaurant. During our chat, Levin shares his vision for 1033, the...
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Behind the scenes with Samantha Mitchell of SamanthaStarr Events
It was 2016 when Samantha Mitchell took the initiative to plan her first events under the moniker SamanthaStarr Events. At the time, the public relations and marketing graduate was working full time for a local nonprofit and pursuing her passion for events planning on the side. Six years later,...
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A fresh take on Indian fare with author Ruta Kahate of “6 Spices, 60 Dishes”
Indian fare has long been seen as complex and time-consuming. And certainly, there are many dishes that require special techniques, a laundry list of spices and more time than your average American home cook might wish to spend cooking. Fortunately, there are easy ways to create simple, fresh...
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Rethinking zero proof at The Counter Day Bar
Recent years have brought forth a shift in the culture surrounding bars, cocktails and attitudes toward drinking (and not drinking). And it has created an increased interest in low-proof and no-proof cocktail options. This week on the podcast, we’re talking with Zoe Lomenzo of The Counter Day…
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Popping the cork with Thelma Carol Wine Merchants
From its vintage library aesthetic to the selection of wine, spirits and tobacco on the shelves, there’s nothing ordinary about Thelma Carol Wine Merchants, one of the newest retail shops in the Cream City. This week we’re sitting down with proprietors Rebecca Button and Jerel Hall to chat about...
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How American Wine Project is reframing Wisconsin wine
Wisconsin is rarely acknowledged when it comes to serious discussions about wine and wine-making. But all of that is changing thanks to the work of folks including Erin Rasmussen, winemaker and founder of American Wine Project. This week, we’re sitting down with Rasmussen to discuss her journey…
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A decade later: Enlightened Brewing Company
A great deal has changed since 2013 when Tommy Vandervort launched the concept for Enlightened Brewing Company, a brewery concept that – a decade later – is part of an engaged community of local breweries, each of which contributes to the ever-growing craft scene in Milwaukee. This week, we sat...
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What's a shrub? A chat with the badass women behind Siren Shrub Co.
What the heck is a shrub? That's what we're discussing this week on FoodCrush. Fortunately, we've got help from Mindy McCord and Layne Cozzolino of Siren Shrub Co., two Wisconsin-based entrepreneurs who’ve made it their business (literally) to make the vinegar cordials into a must-have beverage…
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Building a community hub: Chris Harris Morse of North Avenue Market
The goal of building community is likely a component of nearly every food hall project. But it’s tough to imagine a food hall for which that tenet is more central than at North Avenue Market, a new Milwaukee area food hall which opened on the West Side of Milwaukee last September. This week on...
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Next level vegan fare with Chef Joya
Milwaukee native, Adjoa Courtney, grew up begrudgingly eating the vegan fare her parents cooked for her as she was growing up. Little did she know, she’d eventually build a successful business teaching others how to successfully adopt a plant-based lifestyle. On this week’s podcast, we talk with...
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Six grate years: A chat with Chef Aaron Patin of Iron Grate BBQ
When Chef Aaron Patin made the announcement that he would be closing Iron Grate BBQ Co. after six successful years in business, the news came as a shock to barbeque lovers across the city of Milwaukee and beyond. The questions came fast and furious: Why would he choose to close? And what would he...
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Good sustainable tea: A chat with Aureal Ojeda of Outwoken Tea
Did you know that all tea comes from the same plant? That “herbal tea” really isn’t tea at all? Do you know what gives Tumoi Purple Tea its vibrant color? Or what prompted a local construction worker to leave her job to found a sustainable tea company? We’re answering those questions and more on...
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What you need to know about EVOO with Josh Saiia of Oro di Oliva
Unlike wine, olive oil does not get better with age. In fact, as the oil gets older, it begins to break down. Its acidity rises and its flavor dissipates. Unfortunately, as it ages, its well-touted health benefits begin to disappear as well. But how do you know how fresh your olive oil is? Most...
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Lao food, family and tradition with Victoria Sithy & Alex Hanesakda
Lao cuisine is definitely having a moment. And when it comes to creative Lao fare in Southeastern Wisconsin, restaurants including Sweet Basil and SapSap are assisting in familiarizing a cuisine which has long taken a backseat to other Southeast Asian fare. This week on FoodCrush, we sat down…
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From Texas to Wisconsin, a chat with Chef Ashley Turner
When Ashley Turner accepted the offer to reimagine the menu at Hacienda Taproom & Kitchen, she brought a wealth of experience to the proverbial table. But she also brought a deep cultural knowledge of Texas BBQ and Southwestern fare. This week, we sat down with the native Texan to chat about her...
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An intoxicating chat with "Bar Menu" author Andre Darlington
Among the most respected authors in the cocktail realm, André Darlington has built a solid reputation with tomes like “The New Cocktail Hour” and “Booze Cruise.” However, in his latest book, “Bar Menu”, he’s combined two of his long-held passions: cocktails and food. This week on FoodCrush, we…
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From hobby to pop-up: The story of Sweet Smoke BBQ
Sometimes, a food experience can be life changing. Such was the case for Adam Bielke whose world was turned upside down by a fateful trip to Austin’s legendary Franklin BBQ. This week on FoodCrush, we’re sitting down with Bielke and his wife Cindi, the owners of Sweet Smoke BBQ, to chat about the...
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Chef Adam Siegel reflects on his career & inspiration for Lupi & Iris
After 21 years with the Bartolotta Restaurant Group, James Beard Award-winning Chef Adam Siegel has launched his very first solo project, Lupi & Iris. Just five months in, we’re catching up with Siegel to chat about his storied career, how it led him to Milwaukee and the experiences that led to…
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Bringing Italy to the Table with the folks from Ca’Lucchenzo
Last spring, we sat down with Sarah and Zak Baker, the husband and wife team behind Ca’Lucchenzo Pastificio & Enoteca, a West Side mecca for housemade pasta and regional Italian dishes. Our conversation centered around their culinary backgrounds and the experiences that made opening their own...
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A curd-filled chat with the Cheese Queen
Ever wonder what comprises the best fried cheese curds? Is it the cheese? The breading? The sauce? All of the above? This week on FoodCrush we’re getting down to business with cheese curd expert, Sam Buschman (AKA the “Cheese Queen”), the woman behind the brand Wisconsin Cheese Please. During our...
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Two Dans, a restaurant and delicious Peking Duck
If you’ve been to Dandan or EsterEv, you’ve likely eaten food prepared by Chefs Daniel Jacobs and Dan Van Rite. And if you have, you know the level at which they’ve worked to bring their takes on Chinese-American and fine dining cuisine to the proverbial table. But how did the two chefs end up...
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Author Jeanette Hurt shares tips, tricks & ideas for dehydrating food
Dehydration is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. In fact, it’s been used for centuries as an efficient mechanism for safely storing fruits, vegetables, herbs, pasta and even meats. And thanks to the revival of DIY methods like fermentation and canning, dehydrating foods is having a...
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From friendship to restaurateurship
Running a restaurant takes vision, business acumen, determination and attention to detail. But it also requires adaptability, knowledge of the market and a willingness to work hard and evolve with the times. All of those things came into play for Chef Andrew Miller, Cameron Whyte and Same Emery…
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A chat with Food Network baker Kimberly Hall of Signature Sweets
Last year, when “Buddy vs. Duff” premiered on the Food Network, one of the judges was Milwaukee’s own cake boss Kimberly Hall, a seven-time Food Network baking contender and owner of Signature Sweets. This week, we’re sitting down with Hall to chat about her background and the baking journey that...
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A taste of Italian coffee culture with the owners of Vendetta Coffee Bar
When Vendetta Coffee Bar opened in Wauwatosa last July, it marked a first for the Milwaukee area, offering guests a taste of the traditional coffee houses found in cities across Italy. This week, we’re chatting with co-owners Bill Haley and Tommy Orlando of Vendetta Coffee Bar about their...
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Behind the camera with Siege Food Photo
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything for Melissa and Marc Tantillo, a husband and wife team who made the decision to channel their passions for food and photography into a business that aims to assist restaurants in telling their stories. Two years later, Siége Food Photo has made their mark…
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Paul Hackbarth on Camp Bar at State Fair
When Rupena's Fine Foods decided to sell their Wisconsin State Fair pavilion after 49 years, it was a landmark decision. But it also presented an opportunity for a new generation to put its mark on the fair. This week on the podcast, we're talking with Paul Hackbarth of Hackbarth Hospitality…
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The origin and evolution of Hue Vietnamese Restaurant
When Cat Tran and Mark Nielsen started Hue Vietnamese Restaurant in 2010, their goal was to create a restaurant that introduced the cuisine to customers in the most accessible way possible. Not everyone understood their mission, but by and by they created a brand that became a staple in the...
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The world of non-dairy ice cream with Olivia Menzia of Liv a Little
Olivia Menzia has always loved ice cream. But when she started her own ice cream brand, she decided to not only tackle the growing demand for plant-based ice cream while producing a product that’s just as delicious as any dairy-based treat. On this week’s podcast, we’re chatting with Menzia about...
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A look at modern Indian dining with the owners of Saffron
Over the past decade, the U.S. has seen a food revolution in terms of Indian dining. The once rustic heritage Indian fare traditionally served in restaurants has begun to take on new forms, with a growing number of young chefs offering modern takes on dishes like chicken tikka, tandoori chicken…
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Heirloom MKE owners harness community with food truck
If you’d have told Jess and Pete Ignatiev of Heirloom MKE two years ago that owning a food truck would be just as gratifying as opening their own restaurant, there’s a better-than-average chance they wouldn’t have believed you. But much has changed. With the launch of a successful mobile food...
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Behind the buzz with Ryan Castelaz of Discourse Coffee
Need a pick me up? Join us as we delve into the caffeinated world of third (and maybe even fourth) wave coffee with Ryan Castelaz, the founder of Discourse Coffee. During our chat, Castelaz dives into his journey to coffee, the origins of Discourse and the evolution of the brand which began in…
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From pizza rolls to chopped cheese: A chat with the folks behind Gavilán
On this week’s podcast, we’re heading behind the scenes with Ryan Hoffman, Patrice Gentile and Ricky Ramirez, the folks behind one of the most unique food truck concepts to hit the streets in the Cream City. Unlike most trucks, Gavilán operates without a particular theme, serving up an inventive,...
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Ca'Lucchenzo: The origins of an Italian restaurant
On this week’s podcast, we’re sitting down with Sarah and Zak Baker, the husband and wife team behind Ca’Lucchenzo Pastificio & Enoteca, a West Side mecca for housemade pasta and regional Italian dishes. During our chat, they share their culinary journeys, from inaugural jobs like Starbucks…
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15 years of French fare with Chef Andrew Schneider of Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe
Biting into a crisp, buttery croissant is an experience that has the potential to incite a sigh of gustatory satisfaction. But it takes skill and perseverance to create a well executed pastry that keeps customers coming back time and time again. Among the places in Milwaukee which have done so is...
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Behind the waffle iron with the Belgian liege waffle experts at Press
Few people love waffles more than Leslie Knope of “Parks and Rec,” who spent seven seasons of the popular television series finding new ways to express her love for the popular breakfast food. But if we had to pick two other people whose love for waffles transcends most other things, it would be...
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Burgers, community & commitment collide at Crafty Cow
It was 2014 when Devin Eichler opened the first location for Crafty Cow in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Since then, the craft beer and burger bar has evolved, adding two additional locations in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa and upping its game in terms of its sourcing for ingredients, its commitment to...
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From pierogi to hot dish, a chat with Hot Dish Pantry
This week on the FoodCrush podcast, we’re talking to comfort food aficionados Laura Maigatter and Nathan Heck of Hot Dish Pantry, a brand which recently launched a brick and mortar location in the 3rd Street Market Hall. Join us for a fun, insightful discussion about the origins of their…
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Behind the bar with Miles Patzer of Station No. 6
When Station No. 6 opened in 2019, the four seasons outdoor beer garden aimed to fill a void on the West Allis scene. But just a few years later, most of which transpired during the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue has evolved into a popular hang-out for craft beer and cocktail enthusiasts alike.…
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On location in Mexico: Demystifying mezcal
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about mezcal and its more popular sister spirit tequila, this episode is for you. In fact, we traveled all the way to Mexico to get the skinny on these agave-based spirits. This week we’re talking with Edgar Portilla, the head sommelier for the El Dorado Resorts...
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Wine O'Clock with Ty McNulty of Third Coast Provisions
The wine industry is always evolving, and that means there’s ways something new to explore. This week on FoodCrush, we’re sitting down with Ty McNulty, beverage director at Third Coast Provisions to discuss all things wine. During our chat, we discuss where his interest in wine began, how it’s...
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Valeri Lucks on big moves, fair wages & revitalizing Comet Cafe
This week on the FoodCrush podcast, we caught up with Valeri Lucks, co-owner of Honeypie Cafe, SmallPie, Palomino and Comet Cafe about industry life, her career and exciting things on the horizon. During our chat, we discuss Honeypie Cafe’s big move, the way Lucks is working toward fair...
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David Marcus talks Marc’s Big Boy to Benson’s Restaurant Group
Milwaukee is home to numerous family-owned businesses. Among them is the multifaceted Marcus Corporation, which was founded by Ben Marcus in 1935, and which now comprises a collection of movie theaters, restaurants and hotels across the country. This week, we’re sitting down with David Marcus…
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Life, lard & living the pie life with Allison Cebulla of Hatched
Pie or cake? That’s the big question on today’s podcast. But regardless of where you stand on the matter, you’ll love our conversation with pastry chef and entrepreneur, Allison Cebulla, who has made a career out of her love for pie. During our chat, we trace Cebulla’s culinary journey from the...
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A chat with Milwaukee's tostada queen
In December of 2021, we sat down with the owners of Maranta Plant Shop to talk about how they’ve built community in the Bronzeville Neighborhood through both their retail shop and mobile food trailer, Tostada by Maranta. This week we’re talking with the woman behind those delicious tostadas: Chef...
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A chat with 16 year old food reviewer Dominic Dean
Dominic Dean (aka Dominic the Food Reviewer) is a teenage writer and student at St. Francis High School who began sharing his passion for food by posting positively-focused restaurant reviews on Facebook. Since he created his page in 2019, he has been featured by multiple media outlets including...
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The epic tale behind Odyssea Sangria
When you think of sangria, what comes to mind? A summer-only quaff? A punch made with cheap wine (and fruit to mask its flavor)? A deliciously balanced cocktail? Sangria has been all of those things, and more. And we’re diving in to talk about it in this week’s podcast. To help, we’ve enlisted…
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Maranta builds community with plants and tostadas
They say adversity breeds invention. And that was certainly the case for many businesses across the nation as they met the challenges of a worldwide pandemic head on. Among them was Maranta Plant Shop and subsequently Tostada by Maranta, two synergistic concepts which have served not only to meet…
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The history of Wisconsin supper clubs: A chat with Ron Faiola
There’s something about a supper club, from their ubiquitous relish trays to their hearty menus, old fashioned cocktails and gracious hospitality. They're an iconic element in Wisconsin food culture. But where did the idea of a supper club come from? Why did the concept resonate so much in...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Get 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.
HOSTED BY
OnMilwaukee
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does FoodCrush have?
FoodCrush currently has 172 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is FoodCrush about?
Get 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...
How often does FoodCrush release new episodes?
FoodCrush publishes regularly with 172 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to FoodCrush?
You can listen to FoodCrush on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts FoodCrush?
FoodCrush is created and hosted by OnMilwaukee.
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