On this week's episode of Milwaukee's longest running culinary podcast, we're talking about the annual Phobruary event happening this month in Silver City, and some big news from Dino's in Riverwest. But we kick things off by talking about a new Laotian restaurant that opened on the city's northwest side on Tuesday.
Located at 7411 W. Hampton Ave., it's called An Ox Cafe, and its owners are from Laos. They serve comfort food based on family recipes that draw from both Thai and Lao cuisine. The reason for the name, Ann explains, is that both of the owners were born in 1973, which was the Year of the Ox. For now, they're serving a temporary menu that could change in the coming months, but it's got some great staples on it, including the meat salad larb, pad thai, drunken noodles, crispy duck, volcano chicken and pho.
It's officially Phobruary in Milwaukee
Speaking of pho, the Silver City neighborhood is celebrating its annual Phobruary event. Two of the neighborhood's most popular restaurants are offering specials to celebrate. Vientiane (3422 W. National Ave.) is offering $5 bowls of pho (Monday-Friday, dine-in only), while Thai Bar-B-Que (3417 W. National Ave.) will be selling $5.99 bowls of pho (available from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., dine-in and carryout) as well as $1 crab rangoons. We can't think of a better way to warm up this winter -- it's a great way to clear out those sinuses.
Dino's is serving food again
A popular Riverwest restaurant is back. Dino’s (808 E. Chambers St.) recently reopened under the new ownership of Dan Budziszewski and Mike Brumm, but for the last few weeks only the bar has been open. Now Dino's is preparing to begin serving a food menu with a soft kitchen opening on Saturday from 4-10 p.m.) "It’s a limited menu to start, but the offerings will expand over time, to include fish fry, brunch, pizza and entrees," Ann writes for Milwaukee Magazine. We're excited about those grilled chicken wings.
Hear us talk about all of that and more (including the joys of fish sauce) on this week's episode below.
