The Milwaukee Public Market Report

Oy. Let me start by apologizing for a bit of overzealousness on my Milwaukee blogging expectations. Being a holiday weekend, and a Harley-filled one at that, many places I wanted to check out were closed (At Random) or filled to the brim with bikers from all over the world. Plus, my parents totally failed on their annual home-pickling endeavors. But luckily one of my favorite markets around town was open and I had a chance to check it out. Once inside, I was surprised and saddened to encounter probably the worst red velvet cupcake in history of elizabites. The colored sprinkles and paper American flag ensconced via toothpick should’ve tipped me off, but it’s the Milwaukee Public Market! And everything else there rocks, so why wouldn’t the cupcakes? Their version was just really dark red, bland, dry and I had to try the frosting a few times to detect if it was cream cheese or vanilla. Maybe I should’ve given the Harley (or Halloween?)-inspired orange and black “Harley-O’s” a chance instead. Anyway, don’t let the bad bakery dissuade you from visiting this place if you ever do make a trip to MKE. They have the requisite Wisconsin cheese curds, sausages and other local gems, but they also sell fresh crab legs, dry-aged meats, spices, great wines and more including a confectionary and fresh produce. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor tables to enjoy lunch items from curry rice to sushi and salads before you hit up the Calatrava.