Milwaukee is segregated. and diverse. and tempestuous. and a really pleasant place to live.
It can be all things to all people, and many residents that leave generally have a way of migrating back in some capacity. There's something in the water (bad reference circa 1993) that draws people to the laid back pace that Milwaukee offers. Officially, we are known as the city that DOES NOT work too much. That's something to be proud of, according to Men's Health Magazine. Not that I read Men's Health, someone posted it on the fridge in the office kitchen. Perhaps to suggest that none of us really needs a vacation so stop whining.
One way Milwaukee does manage to succeed is at it's fests. There's a fest for all seasons and whims, including weed season. But that's Madison. This weekend (Saturday, Sept 22) the West Side hosts Silver City’s Asian Festival: East Meets West National. Since the sad demise of Asian Moon, a poorly attended Summerfest event, the city hasn't seen a fest for the huge Hmong, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Phillipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Laotian population. The new Thai Bar-B-Que at 3417 W. National Ave is playing host, along with several other Asian businesses in the area. This is your chance to experience all that I love about the West Side. It's not too often that I will admit to loving the West Side so take it now, before I start to rant about the noise, garbage, crime, traffic, aging neighbors that don't care about the maintenance of their buildings...oh there I go again.
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The Fest starts off with a parade, and everyone loves a parade. Hopefully we'll be privileged to view some of the great costumes and floats that show up at the new years parades in cities like Chicago and New York. The parade will feature Asian and American Vietnam War Veterans.
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After taking in the parade, head over to the Thai Bar-B-Que for some fabulous snacks. Just don't do the BBQ itself, it wasn't very impressive, considering the moniker. The noodles, Pad Thai especially, are a true experience in typical Thai cuisine (as far as I know. The closest I've gotten to Thailand is watching "Bizarre Foods" on the Travel Channel). This is a dry noodle dish, with a little spice but is light and flavorful. One of the best I've had in Milwaukee.
Other suggestions...the Tom Ka Gai is creamy wonderfulness, the spring rolls are AMAZING and fresh, with pork and fresh herbs. There are pages and pages of appetisers, soups and salads. Then romance novels of main dishes. To make ordering easier, I asked the waitress for her suggestions and all of them were quite good. She was also adept at pointing us in the right direction for the Toddler Who Eats Only Meat and Starch. Chicken Satay and Sticky Rice were exactly what she needed. She loved shoving big hunks of rice in her mouth while poking herself with the sharp satay sticks. Whatever keeps 'em busy as far as I'm concerned.
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Thai Bar-B-Que seems to have developed a following, it's almost always busy in the evenings when I drive by and the night we visited there was a full dining room of mixed ethnicity's, showing that perhaps the average Milwaukean is venturing out past the end of the block to experience the pleasure of ethnic eating. Thai Bar-B-Que, 3417 West National Ave. 647-0812. Smoke free, extremely child friendly waitstaff and an ambiance to fill you're wildest fancy fantasy.
While I know that you, my faithful readers (all 2 of you), have always ventured beyond your comfort zone, will be reveling in the Asian vibe on Saturday. After you're done eating yourself into a comfortable Chinese food coma, balance all that salt out with some more salt and sugar at Mekato's Bakery & Cafe. This place is also extremely unique in it's offerings. Chicago may have a bigger population of Latinos, thus breeding business like this, but we have better ones. This place is clean and friendly and has sublime Cafe con Leche. Just make sure you get it to stay and not to go. The Styrofoam cups somehow destroy the flavor, as well as the environment.
You'll find dough balls of all kinds, so many that look the same but have hidden jewels of flavor on the inside. Little fried patties called Arepa de Choclo, much like a corn fritter. Strange yet satisfying. Empanadas of beef and chicken that are greasy and good. There are sweets of all kinds but the most popular ones have guava in them. Ask to see the Pastel de Guayaba. The Colombian Churro is an interesting contrast to the Mexican Churro. Not as sweet and seems to be baked, not fried.
Mekato's is an excellent addition to the neighborhood, you'll see them giving out Bunuelos at local fests whenever they can. Mekato's Bakery & Cafe, 3500 West national Ave. 383-2233.
In addition to visiting all of my favorite haunts "there will be a cultural stage featuring various Asian dancing groups; Japanese Kendo, or fencing; martial arts demonstrations; carnival games; and food and cooking demonstrations." Not to mention, they have a myspace page, and everyone who is anyone has one of those.
I'm kidding, really.
Hope to see you there!
~Betty
Other suggestions...the Tom Ka Gai is creamy wonderfulness, the spring rolls are AMAZING and fresh, with pork and fresh herbs. There are pages and pages of appetisers, soups and salads. Then romance novels of main dishes. To make ordering easier, I asked the waitress for her suggestions and all of them were quite good. She was also adept at pointing us in the right direction for the Toddler Who Eats Only Meat and Starch. Chicken Satay and Sticky Rice were exactly what she needed. She loved shoving big hunks of rice in her mouth while poking herself with the sharp satay sticks. Whatever keeps 'em busy as far as I'm concerned. 
