Summerfest opened earlier this week, and there's some new food and drink options added to the mix of all your regular favorites. The most notable additions are new food vendors Milwaukee Ice Cream Company, Ward's House of Prime and Vagabond.
The Milwaukee Ice Cream Company takes the place of Cold Stone Creamery in the building just north of the Johnson Controls stage. They sell Chocolate Shoppe ice cream in a variety of flavors, including brownie cascade and the ever-nostalgic Superman. They also sell the usual shakes, malts, waffle bowls and ice cream cookie sandwiches. You can never have too many ice cream vendors.
Vagabond is located close to the south gate in the Briggs and Stratton stage area. There's plenty of tacos already at Summerfest, but not in the modern fusion style of Vagabond. There's definitely some interesting options, most of which are also served at their restaurant downtown: Argentinian beef tacos, kung pow shrimp tacos, pork verde tacos and even beer battered cheese curds with sriracha ranch dip for a kick.
Ward's has taken the place of John Hawk's Pub in the north end “Ethnic Village” food area. They've kept many of the same menu items, like fish and chips, Scotch eggs and curry fries, but have added a decidedly carnivorous touch with bacon wrapped prime rib bites, maple glazed Nueske's bacon, and a steak kabob.
Water Street Brewery near the south end has added a new menu item this year, the WisConeSin. It follows on the heels of this strange things-in-a-cone trend, stuffing a Miller Bakery pretzel cone with German red cabbage, chicken schnitzel, a wedge of potato pancake, plus crispy cinnamon apple straws and a drizzle of Oktoberfest beer reduction.
On the adult beverage front, there's a couple new carts. The Steel Reserve Alloy Series are malt beverages, presumably aimed at younger drinkers. The cart is located along the lakefront south of the hole in one contest area, and serves flavors in berry, pineapple and fruit punch varieties.
Crispin Cider also has two new carts this year. They serve Crispin, Leinie's Summer Shandy and Blue Moon Belgian White. But the real draw are what they're calling Lemon Tree and Blue Velvet. They're combinations of Crispin and either Shandy or Blue Moon. Sounds refreshing to me.
Upcoming Events
June 27: Burnhearts/Pabst Annual Street Party featuring a full day of music with De La Buena at 6:30, Korbel Brandy slushes (by the glass and quart!), an art and craft fair, food from Goodkind, Honeypie, Classic Slice and The Vanguard, plus PBR, of course.
Around Wisconsin
July 2: Brats, Beer and Beethoven event at the Timber Rattlers stadium in Grand Chute. The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra will be playing, plus fireworks, brats and brews.
