The Food Trucks Cometh

The Frying Dutchman. Photo from Facebook.

Could there be a better name for a food truck specializing in Dutch food than The Frying Dutchmen? The new food truck just had its second soft opening on Monday, according to its Facebook page. The truck serves vlaamse frites, also known as Belgian fries, as the Journal Sentinel reports, along with toasted sandwiches (called “tosti”) and fried meatballs (“bitterballen”).

Jay Stys, a cook at The Vanguard in Bay View is operating the truck with Matt Garnaas and Ed Schott, and told the newspaper that fries will be a mainstay of the truck’s menu. They are served in traditional paper cones in two sizes and come with your choice of dipping sauce: Indonesian peanut, curry ketchup, aioli, sriracha mayonnaise or a special frites sauce that’s less fatty than mayonnaise. But then, isn’t everything?

The bitterballen are deep-fried minced beef seasoned with nutmeg and are served with with Dijon mustard. Another popular dish in  Amsterdam — gouda and ham grilled with a slice of pineapple — will also be offered, including with vegetables.

Prices will range from $4 to $8. The truck’s number is (414) 243-9764.

Falafel Guys

The popular food truck Falafel Guys will continue their mission to bring fresh Israeli food to Wisconsin with the opening of their own sit-down restaurant at 105 W. Freistadt Rd. in Thiensville, as their Facebook page has announced. Recent specials the page has noted: Hummus Appetizer (served with pita) Small $3 Large $5; Hummus + Schwarma Plate (served with pita) $8; Shakshuka (served with pita) $9.

According to the Journal Sentinel, owners Chrissy and Ron Stroli are offering an menu expanded from what the food truck offers. Options include lamb chops, chicken, ribeye and grilled fish along with shawarma, skewers, pita sandwiches and, of course, falafel. A number of vegetarian dishes are also available. In addition, there is a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine – including Israeli wine – as well as Turkish coffee and mint tea, Chrissy Stroli told the newspaper.

Regular hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You can also order takeout by calling (262) 302-4122.

They will continue to operate the food truck, which is closed for the season but it will start back up next spring.

Grab your fanciest top hat and favorite corset for a Victorian Era-styled afternoon tea. The Pfister Hotel will be serving an afternoon tea service Friday, Saturday and Sunday with seating at 1, 1:30 and 2 p.m. from Nov. 7 through March 27, as reported by OnMilwaukee.

The tea service takes place at Blu, the hotel’s martini bar, on the 23^rd floor at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. Guests can taste a variety of teas from Rishi Tea, including the house blended Pfister 1893, served by a tea butler who provides info on the teas’ origin, flavor, blending options, pairings and health benefits. Fresh scones, cheeses, sandwiches and pastries are also provided. And all of this is accompanied by the spectacular view of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline.

Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling (414) 935-5942 or emailing customercare@marcushotels.com. For private bookings for groups of 12 to 30 people, contact Kerry Doyne at (414) 298-3147 and kerrydoyne@marcushotels.com.

Colectivo Coffee Roasters and Cafés

OMC reports that a new Colectivo café is coming to 11205 Cedarburg Rd. in Mequon. It will feature all of the drinks and pastries you’ve come to expect from Colectivo, but the space will also add a pocket park patio and Rumford-style fireplace. The interior will also be made with wood products provided by Wisconsin Urban Wood. It will be the 13^th location in the greater Milwaukee area and the 16^th in the state.

In other news, Collectivo will now be serving matcha lattes made with organic matcha powder from Rishi Tea, according to their website.

An Intimate Conversation with Lidia Bastianich

At 7 p.m. on January 16^th, 2016, Lidia Bastianich will be hosting “an evening of conversation and storytelling celebrating our love of Italian Food” at The Pabst Theater. Bastianich is the Emmy award-winning host of PBS’s Lidia’s Kitchen as well as a bestselling author of many books including her recently released Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine: Everything You Need to Know to be a Great Italian Cook. You can buy tickets for the show through The Pabst Theater’s website.

U Brew University

Ever dream of brewing your very own craft beer? U Brew University has you covered. U Brew U opened last Saturday and is offering aspiring brewers the opportunity and equipment to craft their own beer.

Once you reserve your brewing session, you come to the building at 1225 Robruck Dr. in Oconomowoc where you’ll have access to all of the equipment and experienced staff that you need to craft your dream beer. Don’t have a recipe in mind? Then you can also follow U Brew U’s pre-tested brewing recipes, including Pilsen ale, american light beer, IPA, octoberfest, chocolate vanilla porter, pumpkin beer, blueberry wheat and the “awesome IPA”. After the three to four-and-a-half hour brewing session and the two- to three week-fermentation session, you’re then able to create your custom labels and bottle or keg your beer so you can take your 5 to 15 gallon batch home and enjoy it with your friends.

Sessions start at 11:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call (262) 434-0404 to schedule a brewing session. Pricing depends on the recipe, brew size, coaching and equipment used. Visit the website for more info.

Holiday Maker Market

Discovery World at 500 N. Harbor Dr. is hosting the Holiday Maker Market on Nov. 14^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to Colectivo Café’s website. Local artists and crafters will be selling their wares, including soy candles, beauty products, clothing, jewelry and more. There will also be free coffee samples and brewing demonstrations by Colectivo baristas.

Now Selling: Horny Goat Brewing Co.

A month after Horny Goat Hideaway closed on Oct. 19^th – as we reported – Horny Goat Brewing Co. is putting its south side buildings on the market, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal. They will continue to operate out of La Crosse.

The 6.8 acre waterfront property at 1933 S. 1^st St. is listed for $5.5 million and includes the 3.7 acre marina building, three acres of outdoor parking and outdoor storage and marina/boat slips. The four acre site of the former Horny Goat Hideaway at 2011-2029 S. 1^st St. and 2067 S. 1^st St. is also listed for $4.5 million.