Thanks for the lead.

Does anyone have the recipe for these wonderful "cupcakes" they used to sell.

We've been going to Phan's Garden, 19th and National, for the last 17 years and they are still my favorite. Goi Cuon is the only item that I've had better at the other crop of new restaurants.
They have Cha Ca A5.
The Pho and stir-fried dishes are noticeably better at Phans.
I'd also recommend, Special Pumpkin soup G3. Bun Thit Noung Cha Gio B14,

From a previous post;
Phan’s Garden, on National Ave. at 19th St.; authentic Vietnamese; cha gio (Vietnamese egg rolls), goi cuon (spring rolls), bo noung vi (grilled beef in rice papers), bahn xeo (Vietnamese omelet), pho, green papaya salad F3, cold beef salad, H8: curried chicken, K3: shrimp in coconut milk and lemon grass.

They have a very large Chinese selection also- which we rarely order from. Do order the fried dumplings- great! Their fried rice is quite good.

Favorite restaurants- Fortune Chinese Rest. Maharaja, Conjitos, Thai BBQ, Peking chef- Brown Port Shopping center (Indonesian) Also Mr Wok in Waukesha- great Indonesian.

I'm not so sure as to the "authenticity" but we have always had very good food at the Thai BBQ on National. This is by far our favorite Thai restaurant in Milwaukee

Thanks for replying. We have attempted to get merguez at the Attari Supermarket near 13th & Oklahoma. But it is not always in stock. They’ve been out when we have gone there.

Bruce

Thanks for replying. We have attempted to get merguez at the Attari Supermarket near 13th & Oklahoma. But it is not always in stock. They’ve been out when we have gone there.

Does anyone know where to purchase Merquez in the Milwaukee Area?

We've tried some of the newer Vietnamese restaurants on the south side and Phan's is still our favorite overall. They are very hard to beat. See our July 31 post on this site.

On the north side of Milwaukee, I use both Rhino Foods on Hampton Ave.(great parking) and Chu Hai on Appleton Ave. a couple of blocks north of Capitol Dr. (not so great parking). It’s my impression that the produce is better at Chu Hai. I also have better luck finding fresh kafir leaves and galangal there.

If I need something I can’t find at either of these places, I go to the Asian Mart on Old World Third St. downtown. The owner is very friendly, knowledgeable and stocks harder-to-find items.

Milwaukee’s best thin-crust pizza is Marco’s at 84th & Lisbon Ave. It is a take-out counter only, no dining room.

I agree with your assessment; Glenlivet 12 is an outstanding scotch. The Islay scotches are indeed the peatiest. If Laphroaig is too intense for you, try the smoother Bowmore.

But here’s my real recommendation: For a fine single-malt flavor at a lower price, try a peated Irish whiskey. Connemara is an excellent example. It is technically not a scotch, because it is made in Ireland; but Connemara is now one of favorites drams.

A secretive pleasure, left over from youth no doubt, but with the addition of just two ingredients, it is quite good. Lots of freshly- ground (coarse) black pepper- 1 to 2t. perhaps and I can of drained, albacore tuna mixed in. Fast and really good!

This is a post from a couple of years ago but is still applicable except for Wah Kee. The last time we were at there, the broth in one of the soups tasted like soap. We have not been back due to circumstances and are hoping this was just an anomaly.

We have three favorite restaurants in Madison. Just one of them has a west side location. But Madison is so small, driving to the east side is not that inconvenient.

New Orleans Take-Out is small, just a counter and stools, but has authentic Creole food. (Don’t say “Cajun” to the owner; he makes a sharp distinction.) The shrimp poorboys are a must. Oyster poorboys are available in season. The Etoufée is very good, but very hot. The original east side location is at 1920 Fordem Ave. There is now a west side location near the stadium, at 1517 Monroe St. http://www.eatmobettah.com/New%20Orleans%20Take%20Out1/Menu.html

The best barbecue in Wisconsin is found at Smokey Jon’s, 2310 Packers Ave. This is on the far east side, near the entrance to the airport, but well worth the drive. www.smokyjons.com

We also love the Wah Kee Noodle House at 600 Williamson St. It is the type of authentic Asian noodle house found rarely in the Midwest. Its location is not too far east; it’s close to the Capitol. It is on the northeast corner of where Williamson, Wilson, Blair and John Nolan streets all meet.

These are all down-scale places. For something upscale, one must dine at the venerable and nationally-known L’Etoile, found on the east side of the Capitol Square, at 25 N. Pinckney St.

Now we must talk about drinking beer, a Madison essential. The Memorial Union on the UW campus has a wonderful German “Rathskeller” with muraled walls, where the students hang out. (Don’t miss the west wall mural “When Wine and Beer are at War”, written in German.) The Rathskeller leads out to the relaxing lakeside Terrace, a must-see during the summer months. (If you’re not a student, you must buy a one-day pass for a couple of bucks to drink beer there. The pass is not needed for food or non-alcoholic beverage purchases.

A fine brewpub, The Great Dane, stands one block to the southeast of the Capitol Square at 123 E. Doty St. (at Doty & King streets). The Essenhaus is an atmospheric German beer hall and restaurant at 514 E. Wilson St., just across from the Wah Kee Noodle House.

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New Orleans Take-Out
1517 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711

Noodle House
3433 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215

After some sleuthing, I found out that Drunken noodles were a dish popularized by the Chinese living in Laos and Thailand. I had wondered why I wasn't familiar with it. We ate at Phan's Garden last night and it was great. Bo Nuong Vi and Bahn Xeo- outstanding as was Goi Thap Cam- a papaya, shrimp, and chicken salad.

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Phan's Garden Restaurant
1923 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Alice S.- I hope you stay in Milwaukee starts out well. There is a lot of good information in these posts.

There is no mistake. When you translate languages that use different alphabets, it is much harder to develop a standard spelling.

"Thai restaurants have become like Chinese, most are not very good."

Most Thai restaurants do not have Thai owners. Like the cuisine, the spelling goes all over the place.

I had Drunken Noodles at Bangkok House, heat predominated with some basil flavor. Perhaps it wasn't a good version. You might try Pud Prik Sod (a basil-flavored stir-fry). It's very good if done well, although not a noodle dish.

I have come to a point with my Asian cooking where I can make better versions of my favorites (Penang Nua, Pud Thai, Tom Ka Gai, Beef Satay, Thai Custard w/Sticky rice) than most restaurants. This can make it very disappointing trying new Thai places. I do always hope for the best. Thai restaurants have become like Chinese, most are not very good.

I use the spelling "pud" for noodles. Nicky Noinaj from the The Thai Royal used this spelling. His amazing restaurant closed over 30 years ago. I was lucky to take cooking classes from him.
As stated previously, Thai BBQ should be on your list to try. See link below about Bangkok House.

http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/place...

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Bangkok House Restaurant
4698 S Whitnall Ave, Saint Francis, WI 53235

I'm not familiar with that name. An internet search showed it's similar to Pud See Euw. Thai BBQ's is quite good. They might have that dish under that name. I judge Thai places on their curries and Pud Thai. If those are up to snuff, I explore the menu.

I have to agree with KoolWhip, Conejitos is unique. I love the food and the atmosphere on the older side is---- very genuine, I guess you might say. Non-smoking now! We go there often.

I should also mention Jing’s, on Buffalo St. in the Third Ward. The food is excellent, and they are the only place to find Shanghai-style broth-filled dumplings. It is probably the most elegant Chinese restaurant in Milwaukee.

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Jing's
207 E Buffalo St Ste 168, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Here are our favorites (we prefer Southeast Asian over Northeast Asian):

Phan's Garden on 19th & National Ave. is very good for Vietnamese! Cha Gio, Goi Cuon, H8, K3, Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio, Bahn Xeo, Bo Nuong Vi, Nem Nuong, Pumpkin Soup with Shrimp, Bun Bo Hue, these are some favorites. Also very good Pho, like the B1B. We don’t usually order Chinese food from the large menu, but the fried rice and pot stickers are exceptional! I can’t find the take-out menu, otherwise I would have listed more items.

Our favorite Thai place is the Thai BBQ at 34th & National Ave. Great curries. It reminds me somewhat of the Thai Royal – an incredible restaurant unlike the current crop. Closed – now a Holy Grail. Bangkok House on Layton Ave. near the airport is also quite good. It has a particularly good Thai lunch buffet on weekdays. The Thai Palace downtown, on 3rd St. at Kilbourn Ave., is also worth a visit.

Here are some others: The Fortune on S. 108th St. in Hales Corners (authentic Chinese, a favorite of Chinese nationals, ask for the red menu), the Emperor of China on Brady St., and the Mekong at 60th & North Ave. Yes, Peony is the only dim sum choice. But it’s pretty good – the taro puffs are excellent – and the only alternative is to drive to Chicago’s Chinatown.

For hard-to-find Indonesian, there are 2 choices. Mr. Wok in Pewaukee has a great Rendang Beef! This is a must-go-to-place. Peking Chef at I-43 & Brown Deer Rd. in Bayside has great Nasi Goreng, Singapore Roll, Ayem Goreng Mentega, Meaty Wonton in Garlic Sauce. Very good restaurant! The Thai dishes have an Indonesian influence that is wonderful.

Our favorite Indian restaurant is the Maharaja on the East Side at Farwell Ave.

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Thai Palace
838 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Emperor of China
1010 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Bangkok House Restaurant
4698 S Whitnall Ave, Saint Francis, WI 53235

Phan's Garden Restaurant
1923 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204

I have to agree- Saigon Tokyo was way beyond what I had expected. It rivals Phan's Garden in Milwaukee which is better than any I've tried in Chicago. We did not try any of the Japanese dishes.

We keep a copy of "Cafe Wisconsin" in the glove box when we travel. We can check for recommended restaurants. Very good resource!

We will be in New Orleans late in February. Any suggestions for great "mom and pop" restaurants would be appreciated. We will be in the Garden District and using public transportation.

We have had several rijsttafels in Amsterdam over the years. It has been a few years since we were there, but our favorite was the Desa at Ceintuurbaan 103. This is on the corner of Ceintuurbaan and Ferdinand Bol Straat.

This was easy to get to, as it is at the junction of tram routes 3, 12 and 25. But this intersection might currently be dug up for the new metro line. Ask at your hotel.

My favorite pizza is from Marco's on Lisbon. Take-out only. I keep the toppings to a minimum, usually cheese, sausage (really great sausage), black olives, perhaps extra sauce ( great sauce too!)
The crust is excellent..

8411 W Lisbon Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53222
(414) 461-1100‎

Milwaukee restaurant and bar list

For more details, just Google a few of these places.

Downtown restaurants:

Mader’s, 1041 N. Old World 3rd St.; German, upscale

Karl Ratzsch’s, 320 E. Mason St.; German, upscale

Eagan’s, 1030 N. Water St.; upscale, known for seafood

The King & I, 830 N. Old World 3rd St.; Thai

Thai Palace, 838 N. Old World 3rd St.; Thai

Edgar’s Calypso, 628 N. Water St.; Caribbean

Tulip, 117 N. Jefferson St.; Turkish

Elsa’s on the Park, 833 N. Jefferson St.; perennial favorite, upscale cocktails and sandwiches

Aladdin, 202 W. Wisconsin Ave.; Middle Eastern, casual

Buca di Beppo, 1233 N. Van Buren St.; Italian, family-style

Usinger’s Sausage, 1030 N. Old World 3rd St., traditional German sausage retailer

The Spice House, 1031 N. Old World 3rd St., nationally renowned spice shop

Downtown bars:

John Hawk’s Pub, 100 E. Wisconsin Ave.; English pub, seating on the River Walk, food service

Water Street Brewery, 1101 N. Water St.; brewpub, good beer, food service

Trinity Three Irish Pubs, 125 E. Juneau Ave., Irish pub, food service

Old German Beer Hall, 1009 N. Old World 3rd St., German décor, beer and food

Milwaukee Brat House, 1013 N. Old World 3rd St., German décor, beer and food

Turner Hall, 1034 N. 4th St., German décor, beer and food, historic building, open weekends only

Buck Bradley’s, 1044 N. Old World 3rd St., longest bar in the city, food service

The Safe House, 779 N. Front St. (an alley off Wells St. at Water St.); Milwaukee’s favorite tourist bar since the 1970s; espionage theme; to enter you must say “I’m looking for a safe house.”

Brady Street restaurants:

Casablanca, 728 E. Brady St.; Middle Eastern

Mima’s, 1307 E. Brady St.; Italian, upscale

Cempazuchi, 1205 E. Brady St.; Mexican, upscale

Apollo Café, 1310 E. Brady St.; Greek, casual

Emperor of China, 1010 E. Brady St.; Chinese, very good pot stickers and orange beef

Peter Scortino’s Bakery, 1101 E. Brady St.; traditional Italian bakery

Brady Street bars:

Nomad World Pub, 1401 E. Brady St.; imports & microbrews, music

Up and Under, 1216 E. Brady St.; blues venue

Hi Hat Lounge, on Brady St. at Arlington Pl.; martini bar

Balzac, on Brady St. at Arlington Pl.; wine bar

Trocadero, 1758 N. Water St., one block north of Brady St.; French-themed bar and café; food service; parking can be difficult

East Side restaurants:

Palermo Villa, 2315 N. Murray Ave.; Italian

Ichiban, 2336 N. Farwell Ave.; Japanese, sushi and teppenyaki

Izumi’s, 2150 N. Prospect Ave.; Japanese, best sushi in town; in an historic art deco building

Maharaja, 1550 N. Farwell Ave.; Indian

Ethiopian Cottage, 1824 N. Farwell Ave.; Ethiopian

Good Life, 1935 N. Water St., Caribbean

East Side bars:

Paddy’s Pub, 2339 N. Murray Ave.; Irish pub; BEST BAR IN MILWAUKEE; gorgeous hand-built interior, unbelievable patio, music upstairs, great owners. No food service, but plenty of restaurants in neighborhood. One block north of Von Trier.

Von Trier, on E. North Ave. at Farwell Ave., traditional German interior, import beers, no food service

Hooligan’s, on E. North Ave. at Farwell Ave., popular pub, imports & microbrews, sandwiches served upstairs

Café Hollander, 2608 N. Downer Ave.; Dutch & Belgian themed café; mussels & fries; beet salad

3rd Ward and Walker’s Point restaurants:

Coquette Café, 316 N Milwaukee St.; French

La Merenda, 125 E. National Ave.; small-plate dining from around the world

Nanakusa, 408 E. Chicago St..; Japanese, upscale

Chez Jacques, 1022 S. 1st St.; authentic French, casual atmosphere

Crazy Water, 839 S. 2nd St.; upscale dishes in a tavern atmosphere

Conejito’s, on South 6th Street at Virginia St.; at the south end of the 6th Street Viaduct; authentic Mexican, perennially popular, very inexpensive, food served on paper plates, tavern atmosphere

3rd Ward bars:

Milwaukee Ale House, 233 N. Water St.; popular brewpub, seating on the River Walk, food service

The Wicked Hop, 345 N. Broadway; imports & microbrews, food service

Elsewhere:

Three Brothers, 2414 S. St. Clair St.; Serbian, nationally known; in Bayview neighborhood; difficult to find, print off Google map and directions

Jalapeño Loco, 5067 S. Howell Ave., across from airport; specializes in Mexican moles

Personal favorites:

Phan’s Garden, on National Ave. at 19th St.; authentic Vietnamese; cha gio (Vietnamese egg rolls), goi cuon (spring rolls), bo noung vi (grilled beef in rice papers), bahn xeo (Vietnamese omelet), pho, green papaya salad, cold beef salad, H8: curried chicken, K3: shrimp in coconut milk and lemon grass.

Thai BBQ, on National Ave. at 34th St.; Thai, good appetizers and curries. Try the Green Curry.

Paddy’s Pub, 2339 N. Murray Ave.; Irish pub; BEST BAR IN MILWAUKEE; gorgeous hand-built interior, unbelievable patio, music upstairs, great owners. No food service, but plenty of restaurants in neighborhood. One block north of Von Trier.

Racine's Great Wall Restaurant is closed. It had really great Chinese-American cuisine. We really enjoyed their Pressed Duck. Pressed Duck is usually horrendous at most restaurants, not there! Any help will be appreciated.

There is a small, hole-in-the-wall place, Mike's Red Hots 6914 N. Teutonia Ave 228.7080, that has the best Chicago-style hot dogs. You will not find any better in the city!! It's about 1/2 mile south of Good Hope Rd. on Teutonia. Only daytime hours and closed on Sundays
I'll second Solly's for hamburgers. Really nice!

One more bus tip:

Alight at Johnson & Park streets. Walk 3 blocks north on Park St. to the Memorial Union. Check out the “Rathskeller”, where the students drink. (You must buy a pass to drink beer there.)