Episode Details
Back to Episodes
The history of Italian cuisine in MKE, plus Harold's Chicken is here!
Description
On this episode, Tarik and Ann dive deep into the rich culinary landscape of Milwaukee, and the biggest dive of all is fueled by the Italian-themed takeover of Milwaukee Magazine.
Ann gives us a glimpse of what’s in the pages of the April 2026 issue by sharing the fascinating history of Italian immigration in the Third Ward and Brady Street, explaining how food in those areas evolved from "red sauce" traditions to modern fine dining. She also offers tips on how to master the art of the Italian snack (or stuzzichini) and the joy of starting a cookbook club with friends.
That’s the main course of this episode, but the appetizer at the top is a crispy conversation about the long-awaited arrival of Chicago’s legendary Harold’s Chicken to Milwaukee’s northwest side. Tarik gives a primer on the cultural importance of their famous mild sauce and deep-fried gizzards — a soul food experience Ann is eager to explore further.
Finally, the duo covers the latest local news, including Chucho’s Red Tacos becoming a permanent fixture at Zócalo Food Park and the bittersweet development that Ruta’s Fresh Indian Fare is closing in Walker's Point.