Mastery of Beef
So last month, the victor in the bloody Burger War was revealed – by this, I mean the nail-biting battle between Milwaukee’s Sobelman’s and AJ Bombers, shown on the Travel Channel’s “Food Wars.” Viewers soon learned that AJ Bombers’ (1247 N. Water St.) had prevailed in this intense fray. Sobelman’s – headed by the vociferous Dave Sobelman – has not taken this news lying down. At his Menomonee Valley restaurant (1900 W. St. Paul Ave.), Mr. Sobelman has added another item to his menu – the “Loser Burger,” a rendition of the burger he made for the competition. (The burger is topped with cheese, Nueske’s bacon and caramelized onions. AJ Bombers’ variation is called The Milwaukee Burger on its menu.) Don’t think the results of this ground beef brouhaha have put a damper in Sobelman’s business. On the Saturday followng the show’s airing, the owner says his longtime restaurant sold a record number of burgers – 985. And since then, the “Loser Burger” has not wallowed on the menu. On some days, it has accounted for up to 20 percent of the restaurant’s burger sales, says Sobelman. Not bad for a “Loser.” Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Zen of the Den
The dust has not settled at Zenden, the lounge on the first floor of the Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel (139 E. Kilbourn Ave.). It’s been closed for about a year, during which time the hotel focused on making some changes. Well, former Zenden-ites, the lounge is coming back. This Saturday (Nov. 20) is the reopening party, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The big news about the new Zenden is that it’s offering “edible” cocktails. At this time, I do not know what makes the blueberry martini, mojito and the B-52 – Baileys, Grand Marnier and Kahlúa – edible. But I’m intrigued. Perhaps in Thursday’s column, I will have the answer. The reopening celebration will also feature Elliot from Artbeat! Live, who “creates large paintings to music.”
Fairest of the Fare
Those interested in a multi-cultural experience might be perking up at the mention of the Holiday Folk Fair International. It’s this weekend’s extravaganza at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Of course, the event is a music and dance spectacular. But when it comes right down to it, it’s really all about food. How much can you eat? Among the specialties available: Filipino stuffed, steamed buns; Indian fry bread; Bismarck herring; Czech roast pork on rye; beef goulash; and German rollbraten. Get your stomach down there Fri Nov. 19, 3-10 p.m.; Sat Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; or Sun Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Advance tickets: adults $8. Held in the Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. (www.folkfair.org or 414-225-6225)
Pick Your Pie
Let’s talk about pie. You know – that thing you’ll be eating in little more than a week. It’s just not Thanksgiving without pie. But making pies is not necessarily the labor of love that it was for bakers of yore. Cutting to the chase here.… You can cross those pies off your to-do list, not with a call to Baker’s Square but with a call to one of our city’s mom-and-pops. Bay View’s Lulu Cafe & Cocktails is taking orders for pie – and quite a variety LuLu’s is offering. Cherry, apple, blueberry, rhubarb, pumpkin ($15 for 9-inch), and pecan ($17, 9-inch). Orders must be placed by this Friday, Nov. 19, for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 24. (2261 and 2265 S. Howell Ave., 414-294-5858)
Look for more Dish on Dining on Thursday!
Wait! Don’t stop reading. I’m on Twitter! Follow me @ann_christenson
If you spot any restaurant openings or closings, post it on the comments section of my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com.
