Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

I’ve already reviewed the Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar at O’Sullivan’s Public House in Brookfield, but that was over a year ago and I felt the need to remind you how great it is:

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For just $6, this is a deal, especially during football games.

Read the full review here.

Cafe Hollander

Posted: January 11, 2014 in Uncategorized
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imageI can’t believe I haven’t formally reviewed the Bloody Marys at Cafe Hollander yet.

Cafe Hollander has two locations in the Milwaukee area— one on the East Side and one in Wauwatosa.

It is part of the Lowlands Grand Cafes, which include: Cafe Benelux, Trocadero, and Cafe Centraal.

I frequent each of these establishments quite regularly, with Cafe Hollander being closest to home. No surprise as each of these hot spots boasts an impressive and tasty variety of Bloodies.

On my most recent trip to Hollander for brunch with friends last weekend, I was “talked into” trying the special Bloody Mary of the day, what they called the Provincial (top photo), made with scallions, capers and garlic and garnished with a pickle, bean, asparagus, cherry tomato and an olive.

Other standard options at Cafe Hollander include: the Milwaukeean, Hasta Manana, and Frenchie.

My personal favorite is the Milwaukeean, which uses Milwaukee’s own Rehorst vodka and is served with horseradish, cheese and bacon.

Mix: Made from scratch

Chaser: Yes

Fixin’s: Varies by type

Price: Average price is $8

I definitely recommend you to stop into Hollander or any of the other Lowlands Group properties for  Bloody Mary (and great food!)—you won’t be disappointed!

Posted: December 31, 2013 in Uncategorized
Tags: , ,

January 1 is National Bloody Mary Day…no better way to ring in the New Year! Cheers!

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Yesterday, we also visited Libby Montana Bar & Grill in Mequon/ Thiensville, Wisconsin for a Bloody Mary.

Spice: Our bartender asked if we wanted this spicy and we said yes, so spicy it was, indeed. It almost had a smoky, cajun taste to it.

Mix: Made from scratch

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s: Lemon, Lemon, Three Olives

Price: $6.50

Aside from the requested spiciness, overall this was a pretty standard Bloody Mary—they could use some additional fixin’s to make it stand out.

Yesterday, I visited Riverside Brewery & Restaurant in West Bend for lunch and a Bloody Mary.

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Spice: Just the right amount

Mix: Sacramento Tomato Juice and other seasonings

Chaser: Yes—their own ale

Fixin’s: Lemon, Lime, Two Olives, a Pickle

Price: $6.25

This drink was very flavorful, so I inquired to our server, Brad, as to what mix they used. I was not surprised to discover that they create their own using Sacramento tomato juice. Usually, when I really enjoy the flavor of the base of the Bloody, it’s either Sacramento Bloody Mary mix (which is, sadly, only available to restaurants) or made using Sacramento Tomato Juice. It’s just got that light, fresh flavor to it.

But Brad did not stop there, he came back to the table having written down the restaurant’s recipe for me:

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I appreciated him going above and beyond and I loved this drink (although it really could use a few more fixin’s).

Thanks to Brad for a great Bloody!

I recently received a treat from Vintage Vine Mix, a company out of Chicago, IL. 

The mix comes in a 32oz jar for $8 and is gluten-free. The story on the website states that “Two college friends set out to create the perfect Bloody Mary and Vintage Vine was born.”

I used this mix for Bloody Marys on Christmas morning:

It tasted very fresh with just a hint of spice. I didn’t feel the need to add anything to the mix—it was perfect.

Vintage Vine has been involved in many Chicagoland events, from Lollapalooza to other Bloody Mary festivals and it’s easy to see why. If you have the chance, check them out!

I recently dined at the new Red Dot in Wauwatosa.

Formerly Sherbrooke, I had enjoyed Bloodies in this establishment in the past.

Under the same ownership, much of the menu is similar (yep-they still have poutine!); however, it looks like they’ve added some new Bloodies to their list—always a great improvement. I last reviewed the Garlic Basil Bloody, so I decided to try the “Rabbit’s Revenge” this time.

Made with home-infused carrot & ginger vodka with a touch of garlic-infused honey, this was definitely an interesting drink.

Spice: A mix of sweet and spicy.

Mix: Unknown; I have learned that I do enjoy house-infused vodka though!

Chaser: Yes

Fixin’s: Pickle, Olive, Meat and Cheese

Price: $8

I love this little restaurant and am so happy to see Tosa hustling and bustling with all of the new additions. I hope Red Dot sticks around for a long time!

I recently received a treat from The Real Dill, Co., a company that specialized in “hand-crafted, artisan pickles” from Denver, Colorado.

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The mix comes n a 32-oz. jar, is 100% natural and slightly spicy. The ingredients are: fresh cucumber water, organic tomato paste, vinegar, salt, fresh dill, fresh horseradish, fresh habanero, spices, and fresh garlic.

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Very, very flavorful mix and it tasted just so very fresh. The only drawbacks are: 1) I didn’t have any Real Dill Co. pickles to add as fixin’s for a true taste experience and 2) at 32-oz., I was only able to make two bloodies (what are the rest of you guys gonna drink? :))

But all kidding aside, awesome mix. Highly recommend. Thank you so much, Real Dill!

Cheers!