Out For Bloodies

How in the name of all that is good and bloody have we not visited this place until now? What a miss!

West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe is more than just cheese and sausage–it’s a hidden gem and local institution. Amazing fare and delicious bloodies await you, along with a small but well-stocked ship that will satisfy all your ‘Sconnie cravings.

First, the Bloody. They have several on their menu. We must admit we were slacking on this particular day and didn’t catch the name or price of this gem, but all we know is that it was fantastic.

Spice: Not really that spicy, but quite delicious.

Mix: unknown, but probably a house?

Fixin’s: Pickle, celery, olive, beefstick, bacon, mozzarella whips and a piece of grilled cheese sandwich.

Chaser: Yes; a Rhinelander shorty.

Price:  $

On this particular Sunday, we dined in and enjoyed our drinks over a hearty meal.

Afterwards, we checked out the gift shop where you can buy wine, spirits, beer, cheese, meats and all sorts of pickled goodies, plus sweets. A great place to create a gift basket for a visitor or to take with you when you visit someone else.

This establishment also has a location in the Milwaukee Public Market so you could make a day of it when you go down there to check out the St. Paul Fish Company!

Happy New Year! January 1 is officially “National Bloody Mary Day” and, after taking part in a favorite Milwaukee tradition of “polar bearing”–that is, diving into the freezing cold waters of Lake Michigan, we warmed up with some delicious food, coffee and a Bloody Mary at Don’s Diner.

This small restaurant was packed and the food and drinks were flowing.

The decor is a throwback to a simpler time, and the restaurant’s name is an homage to Don Gersonde, grandfather of SED partner Aaron Gersonde, who was a World War II veteran, Milwaukee Police Captain, and diner guy. During the war he was a navigator for the Naughty Angel (757th Bomb Squadron) which earned a reputation for a little misbehavin’ and a lot of guts.

The diner says they “follow suit by cooking the food we want to eat, and putting booze in our milkshakes. Don’s story is our story, so bring a friend, share a drink and become part of the story.“

It just so happened that my dining companion knew the Gersonde family in a roundabout way, which led to friendly conversation with the staff.

The food was delicious and I’d love to come back in the evening and check out the cocktail lounge aspect.

As for the Bloody Mary, it was solid.

Spice: Not really that spicy, although there was a hint of something unique in the mix that we couldn’t identify.

Mix: Don’s Bloody Mary Mix and Tito’s.

Fixin’s: Olive, pickle, beef stick, cheese, celery.

Chaser: Yes; although the menu claimed it was served with a High Life Pony. We just got a small side car instead.

Price: $9

There aren’t enough great brunch spots in the city in my opinion, so be sure to patronize places like this. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for getting our 2019 off to an excellent start.

In early December, we found ourselves in Nashville where we had lunch at Sam’s Place.

Pizzas, salads, sandwiches, this place has it all.

As with many places outside of the Midwest, their Bloody Mary was pretty basic, but it went down smoothly and provided an excellent base for a fun night out downtown.

Spice: Not really.

Mix: Unsure… it had a hint of spice, but the base was also a little sweet, almost like Sacramento

Fixin’s: Lime.

Chaser: None offered.

Price: $?

It’s been way too long since we last updated our site. And for that we apologize. That’s not to say we’ve been slacking on our Bloody Mary drinking; we’re just behind on our reviews.

Let’s go back to Black Friday. An annual shopping tradition of over 20 years, my best friend Stephanie and I always get together on the day after Thanksgiving even if our buying habits have changed drastically over time.

This year, we hit a few of our regular haunts before heading to the Christkindl market in downtown Milwaukee and then the Milwaukee Public Market, where we dined at St. Paul’s Fish Company.

There, we also had their famous Bloody Mary:

Spice: Not really.

Mix:  Unsure

Fixin’s: Lobster claw, shrimp, bacon, celery, lime, lemon

Chaser: Yes

Price: $?

Fresh lobster claw in my beverage? Yes please. This drink was delicious and just what we needed after a long day of fighting crowds in the bustle of the holidays. Definitely recommend checking this place out when you’re in the Third Ward!