Daylee Public House - To Go

Daylee Public House outdoor patio - on W. Main Street
Photo: Daylee Public House

It's no secret that I am a fan of Daylee Public House. I have introduced many people to Megan and her lovely establishment and have never had a bad experience. She makes you feel like you are with family when you are there (and the good family, not the crazy uncle that bothers you.)

Heat lamp at Daylee Public House
Photo: Daylee Public House

Daylee is good for small groups, large groups, private parties, catering, and more. There is plenty of space inside and out, and she caters to all seasons!

Grilled cheese and tomato bisque at Daylee Public House
Photo: Daylee Public House

My co-workers and I went to lunch on a very chilly Friday afternoon and ordered tomato bisque and fancy grilled cheeses from the menu. Though she has a create your own grilled cheese, we were all drooling over her menu options and ordered those. The boursin cheese and fresh ingredients put her grilled sammies over the top.

NEW Wraps at Daylee Public House
Photo: Daylee Public House

Megan also shared with us that she has four wraps on her menu now as well. I love a good wrap sandwich and these look amazing. I can't wait to try them out.

Soup to go at Daylee Public House
Photo: Daylee Public House

Besides just going to Daylee's for a meal and a good time, you can bring Daylee's home to your family. Megan keeps a fully-stocked freezer of take-and-bake meals that range from soups and sides to entrees and desserts.

Take and Bake Meals
Photo: Daylee Public House

I couldn't resist her freezer when we were there and brought home meatloaf (for two) and lasagna rollups (for the family).

The hubby was very excited to see the meatloaf in the freezer that we made it the next day. Every package comes labeled with the ingredients and directions. I whipped up some of my favorite creamy mashed potatoes and let the oven do the rest of the work with the meatloaf.

Daylee Public House Bacon BBQ Meatloaf

My mom makes a good meatloaf--I have never had much luck making one. Megan's is really, really good. It's juicy and the bacon takes it to another level. As you can see I like my potatoes because the meatloaf portion was decent sized and I loaded on the taters!

Other meals of Daylee's that I have taken home included stuffed meatballs, meat lasagna, and glazed carrots--all were fantastic. You can stop in and seen what Megan has Tuesday through Saturday or email her and she will respond and let you know what is currently available. I have never had a difficult time finding something I would like to eat from her selection.

As for catering, she will make you whatever you wish for your event--the skies the limit. My bridal shower was held at Daylee's and my mom and I put together a menu of our favorite items and Megan surpassed all our expectations with the food.

So consider Daylee's for all your eating and drinking needs. And watch my blog soon as I attempt to recreate her tomato bisque and grilled cheese at home.

Key Westconsin Soup N Salad

I have been trying to bring a lunch with me to work every day, but occasionally I like to splurge and head on out in Waukesha and grab a bite to eat. Sometimes it's with friends and other times I take the meal back to my office.

It was a snowy Wednesday a few weeks back when I didn't bring a lunch and craved a warm, thick, creamy soup. I scoured every soup menu in town I could think of, yet couldn't find a soup that was tempting my buds. Then I remembered Key Westconsin has soup. I called them up to find out the flavors and was told they had a Cod Chowder and Baja Chicken.

I worried the chowder would be too fishy for me, and I inquired about the spice level of the Baja chicken. Rita, the owner, told me it just had a mild kick and was really delicious. I decided on ordering their soup, salad and cheesy bread combo I saw on the lunch menu.Baja Chicken was my ultimate choice, despite the 'mild kick' warning. So, with my decision made, I began my journey.

I bundled myself up and headed over the river to the restaurant. I was able to snap a few shots of the beautiful snow covered Riverwalk on my walk over.

Upon entering Key Westconsin, I immediately regretted my decision to take my lunch back to the office. The tropical vibe was just what I needed to warm me up. (Sorry I didn't take any pics of the inside, but check out their Facebook page for the view). I still took the lunch to go, but I am definitely keeping their inside atmosphere in mind for February and March when I need a break from the gray and snow.

I got back to work with piping hot soup and a delightful salad. The soup definitely had a kick of spice but I liked it - it warmed me up! I could have used a dollop of sour cream, for both the creaminess it would add to the soup and to help mellow the spice a bit. Any person that likes some spice would find this soup excellent. I chose the mango dressing for the salad and was pleased with my choice. It was the perfect amount of sweet to counter the spice of the soup. I was definitely a member of the clean plate club that day!

And the cheesy bread!! I remembered this from other times I have dined at Key Westconsin. It is crispy, melty, and full of yum!

I have dined at Key Westconsin for the Fish Fry, lunch and dinner and it's always consistently good - so full of flavor. A friend of mine keeps mentioning that we need to go back and her birthday is coming up, so I think we are due for another visit very soon.

They are also really well known for their Gluten-Free menu. Some of my fellow blog friends have mentioned this place in their writing about dining Gluten-Free in the Milwaukee area.

From their Facebook page, I saw they just celebrated their 4th Anniversary. Congratulations to them - well deserved! I have also read that the Shrink N Drink dinners are extremely popular and sell out regularly. From what I have read, a doctor or psychologist gets anonymous questions from the diners and using her knowledge and some cunning wit, she answers them. I have been told it is a laugh out loud event. Pair that with some amazing seafood dishes and this sounds like a fun evening.

The Key Westconsin bartenders come up with some great tropical cocktails, Card Game Night looks to be a new feature, and live music on the weekends brings in the crowds. There's a little bit of something for everyone - all decked out in Jimmy Buffet, Johnny Bahama style!

Generations at 5 Points Brunch

At the very end of 2013, my friend Tiffany and I enjoyed a tapas brunch at Generations at 5 Points. They were doing brunches once a month with seasonal menus and the dates hadn't worked out for us to attend any of the others that had happened. But recently I saw via their Facebook page that they are offering brunch every Sunday.

Tiffany and I set up another breakfast date last weekend and stopped in to catch up, relax and enjoy ourselves. It was a gorgeous day and we walked from the west end of Main Street to Gen Five for brunch. We saw that there is a new store going in where Three Sisters Uniquities was but the name escapes me. Looks like it will have women's accessories and more.

When we arrived at Gen Five, a few other tables were already enjoying the brunch but we grabbed a high top in the bar area and settled in. We treated ourselves to a Bloody Mary and a Mimosa while we looked over the menu.

It was quite different from the menu we saw back in January and I wanted to ask a few questions. That's when we were filled in that this wasn't a tapas brunch but regular size portions. This definitely helped us because we were both looking to order two dishes to share. We would have been so full!

The prices were extremely reasonable with nothing over $9 and quite a variety; Panini sandwiches, omelets, Caesar salad, eggs Benedict, french toast, brie and goat cheese dishes and more.Dishes were also labeled if they were vegetarian and gluten free - a little extra step that goes a long way now with food allergies.

We decided on splitting the baked Brie for a starter and Tiffany ordered the Smokehouse Panini and I stepped way outside my comfort zone and went with the Huevos Rancheros with (of course) a side of sour cream in case it was spicy.

The Brie came out quickly and was gigantic! It was inside puff pastry and came with a warm baguette, roasted peppers, apples, candied pecans, spinach and honey. We cut into the brie and it oozed just as it should but I didn't notice the carmelized onions or peaches in it. I did notice it was seasoned with rosemary and other herbs and that combination with the sweet items or the spicy peppers really paired together fantastically. We almost finished it all but realized we had meals coming so we asked for Emma (our amazing server) to take the rest away.

Emma then filled me in that she had pureed a watermelon if I wanted a mimosa made with that she would pour one up for me. I jumped at that opportunity to try something new and it came over really frothy! It was refreshingly delicious and I want to make these at home sometime for the brunch I always want to have for my friends.

Our entrees came out next and looked spectacular. I snapped shots of them quickly before we dove in. My Huevos Rancheros came with verde and rojo salsa and of course my sour cream. The verde had quite a kick so I used more of the rojo and all my sour cream. It also came with toasted wheat bread but not buttered, thank you for helping me watch my weight Five Gen :)

At first I thought the eggs were dry but then realized that normal people probably put all the salsa on the eggs and then they would have been too runny if not cooked this way. I kept the salsa on the side and just dipped and it was perfect. (I keep my condiments on the side whenever possible - I don't drizzle ketchup or ranch on my fries and prefer it on the side so I can put on how much I want.) The chorizo added great spicy flavor but didn't overpower and the cotijo cheese was almost more like Parmesan but was really delicious.  I would order this again and recommend it!
 

The chef accidentally made the wrong panini for Tiffany and so they boxed it up for her to take home and promptly made her the right one. (I appreciate them not wasting the food and just throwing it away!) The "incorrect one" had hash browns, bacon, egg, cheese and jam on it and while we waited we snacked on the potatoes that were nice and crispy on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside. Tiffany got back to me later in the week after trying the Panini and said the salty sweet of the bacon and jam combo really paired nicely together. I think if I do their brunch again, this might be my option!

The Smokehouse Panini had pulled pork, bacon, pickles on it in addition to gouda cheese and chipotle mayo. She really enjoyed it and was able to take half of this one home as well because the potatoes were so good and we snacked on them a bit much.

A decent flow came in for the brunch and Emma was keeping busy. I wanted to ask how the renovations were going on the addition but I didn't want to slow her down. Generations has taken over the location where RiverMill Foods was located (They moved to Elm Grove to expand). That side is going to be more about beer and pub food from my understanding. I'm curious if the buildings will be two separate entities or will they hole cut in the wall to join them. Either way, I'm excited for it to open and glad to not see an empty spot on the Five Points.

I definitely recommend you come for the brunch on a Sunday morning. Waukesha doesn't have too many brunch options on a Sunday and this is one to definitely take in. 

We left and meandered down Main Street on our walk back. It's great to see so much activity in downtown. Although there are still some vacant spots, there aren't as many as there were.

The only corner on the Five Points that is vacant is Broadway & Grand. That building is currently undergoing some renovations because high-end apartments and a skywalk are planned for the adjoined parking structure and will hopefully we open by June 2015. I think that building will have a resident soon because of the new apartments coming. The rest of the locations on the Five Points are currently occupied and I heard a rumor that Sloppy Joes is expanding into the former Riverview Mart. 

I also saw that a Vapor Bar with E-Cigarettes and E-Juices (?) is opening on Main Street between and People's Park - curious about that. And waaaaay down on the West End is a nail studio. We peaked in the windows and it looks really nice.

I do wish more places were open on a Sunday - even just a 10 am - 2 pm. I get that this is one day that many places want to close to have a day with their family (or just a day off as they deserve), but friends of mine commented on just how many restaurants and shops weren't open yet by noon on a Sunday or at all on that day. And it actually caused them to leave downtown and go find somewhere else to go.

Albanese's Roadhouse

First let's start with this beautiful sunset I captured a week ago! I had to take the picture from my car as it was 2 degrees outside (seriously) but it was worth the extra drive to get this shot. I'm definitely printing this to hang up in my place. 

 
And now the real reason you wanted to read this blog post :)

Freshman year of high school I met Kathy in Mr. Staude's math class at Mukwonago High School (class of 2000 baby!). It was a super boring class but I'm glad that I had it with her because we became really great friends. We dated best friends in high school, did it a few more times in college (haha) and even dormed together for a year before she continued her education at UW-Milwaukee for Radiology.

Even though we don't see each other like we used too, we still pick up right where we left off the time before. I love those friendships. She got married this summer and had a wonderful outdoor wedding and super fun reception and is now expecting her first child - a girl!

We were able to meet up for dinner last week during one of the "not-as-bad-polar-vortex" days. She had never been to Albanese's and I suggested it as it's not too hard to get to from my new place and I knew we would want something warm in our bellies.

We pulled into the parking lot at the start of another snow storm and the lot was packed. I couldn't believe it! That many people go out to eat in a snowstorm on a Monday night?

Well we walked in and the bar was completely full, but not a single person was in the dining room. We  picked a bar table and joined everyone else. They were in snowmobile gear and I made the assumption they were a group and road there together. They started to bundle up and were getting ready to "head out" and I wondered where the trails were in the area.


Well silly me, I should have realized this is Wisconsin and we are nuts. They were actually going outside to play in the year-round bocce ball leagues that Albanese's hosts. They have 81 teams and have run leagues for 20 years! I love Wisconsin, and maybe if I had a few cocktails in me I would play one game of it in the snow, but I just don't think I would stay warm enough to play it too long. But everyone seemed to be having a blast.


And then the bar was empty and it was just me and Kathy and two people at the actual bar enjoying dinner. We didn't mind because then we had an easier time chatting and looking over the menu. PS - Plenty of TVs to catch the big game!

 

And now about the food. I went for the special of the Penne Rosa and was not disappointed at all. The plate was piled high with penne pasta smothered in cherry tomatoes, zucchini, artichokes, arugrula and an alfredo tomato sauce. There was a little bit of a kick, but on a cold night, this was awesome. If I would have allowed myself, I could have polished off the whole plate, but then someone would have to roll me out the door. I decided to save some for leftovers!

Kathy went with the Mostaccoli Sorrentina that was pasta smothered with cheeses and topped with a hearty tomato sauce. She was in heaven. It hit the spot and she had plenty to take home as leftovers.

And here are my leftovers covered with Parmesan cheese. It was just as good the next day when the flavors melded a little more.

I have tried Albanese's Fish Fry and am a big fan - Italian seasonings in the light breading give it an extra flavor you won't find elsewhere. The Italian beef sandwich is great and now I love the pasta, I just have to come back and try the pizza, and I LOVE pizza so this will be a true test. I have heard only great things so I hope that this holds true!

The sports lounge had some great appetizer specials Mon-Thursday and a wing night. I might have to get my friends together to try that out some night too! But overall, this is a Waukesha "Must-Try!"

Kathy and I planned a lunch date in the middle of February so stay tuned for where we check out next. Of course I will have other things to write about between now and then in case you were worried :)

Plaza Garibaldi - Pewaukee

Plaza Garibaldi is technically in Pewaukee, but I consider it still Waukesha as it's so close to my new home. After a night of painting and trimming and electrical rewiring, I treated my parents to dinner and we chose this place.

It's at the end of a strip mall on Silvernail and rumor has it, it's in a former Culver's. But you wouldn't know that from the dining room too much. The decor is warm colors and large wooden pillars. Only a glance into the kitchen revealed the signature blue and white tile of a Culver's (and maybe the chairs).  It was all decked out for the holidays too!

We were promptly greeted by a friendly server and brought chips and two types of salsa. The hot was pretty hot so I stuck to the mild that had just enough kick to keep me coming back for more. My dad and I just stuck to the beer menu but there were other options as well.

The menu is endless with so many amazing options, it took a long time to decide.

Mom went for the chicken flautas and I can't believe how many were in the serving! She said they were perfectly crisp and only left one uneaten for me to take home.

Dad went for his favorite - the taco salad with chicken, and he said it was really good. There was nothing left on his plate so I will take his word for it.

And I went for my favorite the chicken chimichangas. I could only eat one, but it was so delicious. The chicken is well seasoned as were the beans. Both my mom and I couldn't get over how yummy and fresh the guacamole was. My rice was a little cold but I'm not a huge rice fan anyways so I left most of it behind.

The service was great and there were quite a few other tables of families in the restaurant when we were there.

I don't really know too much about this place as the website is very basic and the Facebook page hasn't been touched for almost a year. But if you are in the area and looking for a quick Mexican dish, I suggest you stop by :)

Waukesha's A-List Winners

WISN puts on a voting contest each year to find what the consumers consider to be the best of the best for area businesses. Sure it's not scientific but it is great to win this award or be a runner up because that means that those consumers that do vote, care. Over 132,000 votes were tallied and verified before the winners were announced today.

I want to congratulate all the businesses that were mentioned as a Winner, Runner Up or Finalist. I use these results to help me try out some new restaurants and shops because I know I won't be disappointed. Here are Waukesha's winners.

WINNERS

Best Day Spa Winner - Signature Salon & Spa - Also Winner 2012, 2009, 2008, & 2007 and Runner Up 2011 & 2010!

Best Women's Accessories Winner - Bangles & Bags - Winner 2012 & 2011

Best Chinese Food Winner - Golden Gate - Winner every year since 2007

Best Caterer Winner - Ellen Zilli's Catering/Zilli Hospitality Group - Winner 2011, Runner Up 2012, Finalist 2010, 2009, 2008 & 2007

Best Liquor, Beer & Wine Shop Winner - Discount Liquor Waukesha - Winner 2012, 2011 & 2009, Runner Up 2010 (Milwaukee location was Runner Up in 2013 & 2012!)

Best Gift Shop Winner - The Front Porch 

 

RUNNERS UP

Best Women's Boutique Runner Up - Bangles & Bags - Winner 2011

Best German Runner Up - Weissgerber's Gasthaus - Winner 2012 & 2011, Runner Up 2008 & 2007, Finalist 2010 & 2009

Best Fish Fry Runner Up - Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub (Read More)

Best Sandwich Shop Runner Up - Rochester Deli (Read More)

Best Tattoo & Piercing Runner Up - Waukesha Tattoo Company & Galleria Edge - Winner 2011 & 2010, Runner Up 2012

Best Caterer Runner Up - Chef Jack's Catering - Winner 2012, 2010 & 2009, Runner Up 2011, 2008 & 2007

Best Venue Runner Up - Coast/Zilli Restaurant Group - Runner Up 2011, Finalist 2012

Best Videographer Runner Up - J.C. Designs - Winner 2012 & 2011

Best DJ Runner Up - DJ Flacko

Best Pet Photography Runner Up - All Ears Pet Photography - Finalist 2012 & 2011

Best Musical Instruments Runner Up - White House of Music - Winner 2011, Runner Up 2012, 2010, 2009 & 2007, Finalist 2008

Best Comics Runner Up - Neptune Comics - Winner 2011 & 2010, Runner Up 2012, 2009, 2008 & 2007

Best Desserts Runner Up - Allo! Chocolat - Winner 2011 & 2009, Runner Up 2010, Finalist 2012 (Read More)


FINALISTS 

Best Women's Accessories Finalist - Charming Charlies - Finalist 2012

Best Barbeque Finalist - Pat's Rib Place - Finalist 2012 & 2011

Best Mexican Finalist - La Estacion - Finalist 2012, 2011, 2009 & 2008 (Read More)


Best Tapas Finalist - Generations at 5 Points - Winner 2009, Runner Up 2012, 2011 & 2010 (Read More)


Best Coffee Shop Finalist - The Steaming Cup - Finalist 2012, 2011 & 2009

Best Coffee Shop Finalist - Cafe de Arts Roastery - Runner Up 2012, Finalist 2011, 2010 & 2009 (Read More)


Best Beauty Supply Finalist - Senorita's Beauty Boutique

Best Barbershop Finalist - Men's Hair House

Best Sporting Goods Finalist - Velocity Moto & Snow

Best Dance Studio Finalist - Liberty Dance Center - Winner 2011 & 2010, Runner up 2012, Finalist 2009

Best Boot Camp Finalist - Body by Design

Best Personal Trainers Finalist - Body by Design

Best Yoga Studio Finalist - Reaching Treetops Yoga

Best Family Law Finalist - Walden, Schuster & Valkyes S.C. - Finalist 2012

Best Art Gallery Finalist - River's End Gallery - Finalist - 2012, 2011 & 2010

Best Art Gallery Finalist - The Potter's Shop - Finalist 2009

Best Theatre Group Finalist - Waukesha Civic Theatre - Winner 2009, Runner Up 2011, Finalist 2012 & 2010

Best Local Band Finalist - The Itch

Best Local Band Finalist - Higbee Higbee Band

Best Live Music Venue Finalist - Nice Ash - Runner Up 2011, Finalist 2012


Best Pet Boarding Finalist - Camp Bow Wow - Winner 2011, Runner Up 2012, Finalist 2010

Best Animal Shelter Finalist - HAWS - Runner Up 2011 & 2009, Finalist 2012, 2010 & 2008

Best Custom Framing Finalist - Gallery I

Best Antiques Finalist - Waukesha Antique Mall - Winner 2009 & 2008, Runner Up 2012 & 2011

Best Gift Shop Finalist - Plowshare Gifts - Finalist 2012 & 2011 (Read More)

Best Desserts Finalist - Orange Leaf

Best Desserts Finalist - Divino Gelato - Runner Up 2008, Finalist 2012, 2010 & 2009 (Read More)

Best Wedding Planner Finalist - Timeless Events - Winner 2012, Runner Up 2011, Finalist 2010

Best Flowers Finalist - Flowers by Cammy - Winner 2012, 2010 & 2007, Runner Up 2009, Finalist 2008

Best Flowers Finalist - Adorn - A Touch of Zilli

Congratulations again to all of you and now I have a lot of getting out there and visiting to do. There are so many of you that I haven't had the opportunity to enjoy yet - Happy 2014 - here I come :)

Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub - Waukesha

About a year ago was when I noticed the first Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub on about 116th and Bluemound. Then I heard that one went into the former Pabst Brewery that is now a hotel. And when I heard that they leased the space that was formerly J. Lotti's on South Street, I was really excited.

I liked the fact that a local franchise with a business model in place was taking over a restaurant location that has potential. It was sad to see J. Lotti's go, but I'm glad that something else opened up so quickly.

After "Liking" Jackson's on Facebook and following on Twitter, I was made aware of their fish fry options and after a few fun tweets with the business, I convinced my parents to check the place out with me.

We arrived around 6:30 for dinner on Friday night and the place was almost completely full. The first thing I noticed was that they painted the place in Red White and Blue and really made it look like a different place than J.Lotti's.

A pool table right in the front of the restaurant was covered with red, white and blue boards and made a bar table/waiting area for those that came in. We were able to read the menu while we waiting for a server to come over.

The sign said "Seat Yourself" and this is where things got a little messy. We ended up watching the tables but as people came in the door, they didn't know who was waiting and who was just enjoying a beer and we struck out on getting two tables because we couldn't get to them fast enough. When we brought this issue to our servers attention, she admitted that a system wasn't in place as they have only been open for a month but she would inform a manager.

We then watched all the tables that were seated and made sure we jumped at the opportunity for the next one. Once seated, we did notice that when the manager had time, he would head to the front and write names on a waiting list for those that just came in. Also, I saw the manager clearing tables, running food and pouring drinks. I love proactive managers and Tim (as I found out on Facebook) is a great one.

We were helped by a super cheery server that made sure we were never thirsty and our table wasn't too cluttered with empty or dirty dishes. Dad went for the PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) and said it brought back memories and really isn't that bad. I like PBR. There is something slightly sweet about it.

My parents each opted for the cod beer battered fish fry, mom getting the 2 piece and dad getting the 3. I went for the perch as it said it was lightly dusted. While we waited, I looked around the place and noticed a ton of PBR in the cooler in various sizes. And I also got a good laugh at this monster bottle of Tabasco.

The food came out pretty quickly and my mom ended up getting 4 pieces on her plate - whoops! She didn't mind and it was a clean plate for both my parents. They thought the breading was nice and flaky and not overly "doughy" so you could really taste the fish.
 

To say that I liked my perch is an understatement. It really reminded me of the perch fry from Annie's when I worked there and I loved worked fish fry Fridays for that reason!!!! The breading was light so it didn't take away from the flavor of the fish and the plate was packed with fish. The tartar was nice and flavorful and the dill in the coleslaw was a home run. I opted for potato pancakes (upcharge of a $1.00 but worth it!) and they were nice and crispy on the outside and soft, mushy potato in the middle.

I actually had the opportunity to introduce myself to Tim when he had a few seconds of down time.I told him I was impressed and wished him luck with his opening.

According to Facebook, the Grand Opening is Nov. 23 at 7 pm. Free food, drink specials and live music are listed. I'm not sure I can make it that night, but I hope to be back soon. I was impressed with the fish and hope I can be as impressed by the rest of the menu. They have appetizers, pizza, salads and sandwiches. Mmmmm pizza!!!!  Wednesday is $.50 wing night so I think I might drag my friends there to check out how their wings compare to Fox Run and Club 400. And Mon - Fri Happy Hour is from 3 - 6 pm.

A Day/Night Out: La Estacion & J. Lotti's Bar

Last week Friday, I was asked to lunch and dinner out with friends. Two meals out in one day is a rarity for me, but I jumped at the chance to get out of the office and out of the house.

For lunch, a few coworkers and myself went to La Estacion. I hadn't been here for lunch in years and Mexican food was just what I needed. We were asked if we wanted the buffet, but we declined. I wasn't sure what was all on it, and one of my coworkers is a little leary of buffets if he isn't familiar with the place. We were sat in the corner of the main dining room which has very high ceilings and painted a light yellow - really brightens up the windowless room.

If you aren't familiar, La Estacion (The Station) used to be an old train station in Waukesha and you can actually eat in a train car if you are so inclined. They are a little cozy, but great for a large group, because you will get the car to yourself. The train tracks that cut Waukesha in half go right behind the train cars as well. They have a really nice outdoor patio that I enjoyed last year for Carroll's Homecoming and with Good Friend Inc. ladies after a great event a month or so back.

I apologize that I have no images for La Estacion, but the website has a video and galleries to view by clicking here

Anyways, back to lunch. I have had their flautas many times and it had been a while since I had them, so I again got shredded chicken flautas with rice and beans. Another coworker got the taco salad with beef and the other got three tacos a la carte style. The menu is endless and if I would have read any longer, I probably would have found twenty other dishes to try, but I decided to keep it simpler for lunch.

We dug into the chips, salsa and pico de gallo while we waited. The tortilla chips are made in house and served warm. Neither the pico de gallo nor salsa are too spicy, but definitely hit the spot while waiting for the meal.

It didn't take long to get the food and it was just as good as I remembered. The crispy flautas come with sour cream and lettuce on top. I was able to polish off two complete flautas and started on the third, but it was too much for me. The rice and beans are decent, but the flautas are a savory, crunchy combo that just hits the spot for me. My coworkers liked their food as well and we were able to chat, order, chat, eat, chat, pay and get back all in an hour.

..............................................................

That evening, I met a group of friends at J.Lotti's for the famous Waukesha Chicken and Fish Fry. While we waited for more friends to arrive, I got a drink at the bar and chatted a bit. Drinks are reasonably priced but you do have to pay your tab at the bar as they can't transfer it to your table. Shortly after the rest of the group arrived, and no sooner after we sat, than a large group came in the door and filled the remaining tables (talk about perfect timing!!)

We sat at two hightop tables in the middle aisle of the restaurant. Everyone decided to go with the fish fry and here's the breakdown. It's $14 and all-you-can-eat fried chicken, poor man's lobster (baked haddock with melted butter), beer battered haddock, french fries, coleslaw, rye bread and hush puppies! Isn't that insane? You can order all three proteins or any combination you wish and as much as you want on re-orders as well. No one at our table went with chicken, but we all ordered some combo of baked or fried fish.

The coleslaw, bread, fries and hush puppies come out family style in baskets and we helped ourselves to that right away. They want you to fill up on that stuff before the fish and chicken comes out to you don't eat as much I bet. We paced ourselves and waited patiently for our fish. The rye bread was super soft and perfect with the almost melted butter that came with it. I didn't have the coleslaw but the overall discussion at the table was that it was great. I had a few fries and they are just like Culver's crinkle fries. The hush puppies are awesome but I still haven't figured out what best to dip them in. If you haven't had one before its cornbread with onion and peppers in it. I tried tartar, mayo and ketchup so far, but nothing really hit the spot, so I eat them plain.

Super soft marble rye - J.Lotti's

Hush puppies & fries - J.Lotti's

While we were waiting, my friend Brandon showed up, and he isn't a fish fry guy, so he ordered the hog wings. I worked at J.Lotti's for one day right after they opened and realized it wasn't for me, but in that day, I learned that the hog wings were amazing! It is pork on a stick with mild or hot sauce on them and you eat them just like Buffalo Wings. We got our fish and he waited quite a while for the wings. On a Friday when the place is known for their fish, they sometimes forget they have other items on their menu, and those other items take a while to come out of the kitchen.

My plate came with three gigantic pieces of haddock, lemon wedges and tartar. I didn't remember getting this much the last time I was here, and I knew for sure that I wouldn't be in need of a second helping. The baked haddock looked wonderful and one person in the group ended up ordering twice more. I like baked fish, but sometimes it can be just a bit too "fishy" for me and I just went with my safe go-to and went with fried.

It's a heavier breading, but I liked it. The lemon added great tang to the supposed "Yuengling" beer batter and made it really scrumptious. (The reason for the "" on the beer is because you cannot get Yuengling in Wisconsin yet, so I'm not sure how the beer batter is made or if it comes pre-made that way.) I finished two pieces of fish and offered my third untouched piece to my friend as she was already taking home one whole piece and coleslaw. She gladly took it and filled her to-go box so full it was bursting at the seams.

The hog wings looked much larger than I remember but smelt delicious and spicy (the cook put hot sauce instead of mild on them and I think Brandon didn't want to wait forever for the correction and ate them with the hot). He said they were really good and filling. He did order a water and Fat Tire right away when they arrived, probably in case they were too spicy. J. Lotti's does have $2 Miller Lite taps to go with the fish fry, but I went with Fat Tire as well.

Hog Wings - J.Lotti's

Fat Tire - J.Lotti's

 
So if you are in need of a fish fry to feed any appetite, J. Lotti's is your place, and if you want an awesome margarita, mojito and Mexican food, check out La Estacion. Carroll Homecoming is this weekend, so I might end up at La Estacion again :) Until then, Happy Eating!