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A discussion about fried chicken in Milwaukee

Fried Chicken in Milwaukee

Each Friday at 8am on 88Nine, Milwaukee Magazine’s dining critic, Ann Christenson, and 88Nine foodie Tarik Moody discuss Milwaukee’s culinary and restaurant culture.

This week on This Bites, we talked about fried chicken. Specifically, the different styles of fried chicken that will be offered at the upcoming The Tandem, a restaurant in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood. We also talk about the closing of Meritage and the events they will be hosting including their fried chicken night on Wednesdays. We also discuss several foodie events including the food offerings at Bastille Days, Palomino's Peach Social and the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce 'Out in the Kitchen' event.

Listen below.

The Tandem pop-up dinner at Amilinda

Later this fall, a new restaurant by the name of  The Tandem will open in the former Wally Schmidt Tavern in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood.  The restaurant will serve a variety of dish including three styles of chicken - Dominican roasted, Georgia-fried, and Memphis-Fried. Ann & I discussed the styles in detail including the fact that we couldn't find any reference to Georgia-fried chicken anywhere on the internet. And being from Georgia, I don't remember any such style growing up.  We also were curious about the Memphis-style. Again no reference to a particular Memphis style on the internet, but we did discover that there is place Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. They not only have the location in

Ann & I discussed the styles in detail including the fact that we couldn't find any reference to Georgia-fried chicken anywhere on the internet. And being from Georgia, I don't remember any such style growing up. But we are very curious to give it a try.  We also were curious about the Memphis-style. Again no reference to a particular Memphis-style on the internet, but we did discover that there is place Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. They not only have the location in

We also were curious about the Memphis-style. Again no reference to a particular Memphis-style on the internet, but we did discover that there is place Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. They not only have a location in Memphis, but there are locations all over the country including one in Chicago.  The Tandem's description seems very similar to Gus's, which is made with buttermilk and cornstarch batter. So we think the Memphis style is inspired by Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.

The Tandem will be hosting a pop-up dinner at Amilinda on July 18. However, the pop-up is now sold out. The Tandem will also offer a different family meal each day of the week except Monday's.


  • Tuesday's: Udon Noodle Soup
  • Wednesday's: Short Rib Stew
  • Thursday's: Lamb Tangine
  • Friday's: Fish Fry
  • Saturday's: Sancocho
  • Sunday's: Hot Ham and Rolls
  • Everyday: Whole Chicken and Sides

Meritage will be closing August 11

On August 11, Milwaukee's Meritage will be closing after 9 years. Before they close, co-owner/head chef Jan Kelly will host several events. Every Wednesday, you can get a fried chicken dinner with gravy and chipotle honey, sour cream biscuits. The chicken will be brined in a mixture of buttermilk and Tabasco.

Running from July 14 - August 11 (Thur-Sat only), Meritage will host "Menu Encores." This where Jan Kelly will serve some of Meritage favorite from the past 9 years. Finally on August 10, Meritage will host a Chefs dinner featuring Sanford’s Justin Aprahamian, Buckley’s Thi Cao, Pastiche’s Mike Engel, The National’s Nell Benton and Maxie’s Joe Muench.

Foodie Events

Palomino's Peach Social on July 16

Stop down between 4 and 8pm for a good old-fashioned summertime Peach Social on our patio. Tree Ripe Citrus will be selling fresh Georgia peaches (buy a ton to take home and enjoy!) and Palomino Bar will be grilling them up to top our BBQ pork sammies. Peach pies, house-made peach ice cream and barrel aged peach + whiskey cocktails will also be served. It's our favorite time of the year!

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce's 'Out in the Kitchen' event on July 19

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual “Out in the Kitchen” event on Tuesday, July 19 at Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event will be a food tasting featuring Chamber members who are restaurants, caterers, and others in the food industry that share our pro-fairness values.

Director of Digital | Radio Milwaukee