COULEE REGION COOKS Mike Hayes

Get ready for a mouthwatering episode of Coulee Region Cooks! This week, we welcome back the ever-entertaining Patrick Longmire from Fat Pat's Brewery in Spring Grove. Join us as we dive into the delicious world of barbecue, burgers, and brews, and get an inside look at the grand opening of Fat Pat's new location.

Patrick shares the journey of their opening weekend, the serendipitous timing with Spring Grove's Norwegian Independence celebration, and the lessons learned from a bustling start. Discover the secrets behind their top-shelf barbecue, from the oak-smoked brisket to the meticulously crafted sides like their creamy jalapeño "crack sauce" and apple cider vinegar-soaked fries.

We also explore the dynamic menu at Fat Pat's, including their famous burgers, delectable pizzas, and the special items reserved for certain days of the week. Patrick's passion for quality and consistency shines through as he talks about the importance of using certified Angus beef and the joy of creating everything from scratch.

Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, a beer aficionado, or just someone who appreciates good food, this episode is packed with flavorful insights and hearty laughs. Tune in to hear about the latest happenings at Fat Pat's Brewery, the stories behind their signature dishes, and why this new spot in Spring Grove is a must-visit.

Don't miss out on this delicious conversation that will leave you craving a visit to Fat Pat's Brewery. And remember, in the Coulee Region, if you're not having fun in the kitchen, you're doing it wrong!
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Get ready for a culinary adventure in this week's episode of Coulee Region Cooks, featuring the dynamic Chef Mitch Weber from Sagra Restaurant in downtown La Crosse. Join us as we dive into Mitch's passion for cooking, his creative process, and the unique challenges and joys of running a top-tier Italian restaurant.

In this episode, Mitch shares his journey from dreaming about food to becoming a celebrated chef. Discover how Sagra has quickly become a community favorite, nearly doubling its seating capacity and adding a bar to enhance the dining experience. Mitch discusses the importance of local ingredients, seasonal menus, and the collaborative effort with local foragers and farmers to bring the freshest produce and unique flavors to the table.

From the intricacies of crafting cocktails with Italian liqueurs to the ever-changing menu dictated by what's fresh from local farms, Mitch gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous and passionate work that goes into every dish. Learn about the special items like morel mushrooms, ramps, and the fun, musical influences behind some of their unique cocktails.

Whether you're a foodie, a fan of Italian cuisine, or just someone who enjoys a good meal, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and delicious insights. Tune in to hear about the latest menu changes, the stories behind the dishes, and why Sagra is a must-visit spot in La Crosse.
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Heat up your ovens and get ready for a slice of the action with this week's episode of Coulee Region Cooks, featuring the pizza aficionado Tyler from Pizzeria Dolorosa. Join us as we knead through the daily grind of running a bustling pizza joint, where the dough is as fresh as the ideas and the toppings are as unique as the culinary duo behind the counter.

Discover the secrets to their mouth-watering pizzas, from the three-day fermentation process of the dough to the meticulous selection of seasonal ingredients that make each slice a masterpiece. Tyler shares the challenges and thrills of menu creation, the art of perfecting the classic crust, and the quest for the ultimate pizza that never sees the light of a menu.

But it's not just about the pizza. Dive into the world of their exclusive Thursday sandwiches, a hit so sensational they often sell out before the doors even open. Learn how weather influences the choice between a hot or cold sandwich and why the concept of leftovers is a foreign idea in their kitchen.

Whether you're a pizza purist or a sandwich enthusiast, this episode will leave you craving a taste of Pizzeria Dolorosa's innovative creations. And remember, in the Coulee Region, culinary passion is the main ingredient, so if the kitchen's not fun, you're not at the right oven!

Don't miss a slice of the action. Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even find yourself queuing up for that next Thursday sandwich reveal. Because at Pizzeria Dolorosa, it's all about crafting the perfect bite, every time.
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Join us for a delightful blend of culinary expertise and coffee connoisseurship in this week's episode of Coulee Region Cooks, where we're stirring the pot with Jen Barney of Meringue Bakery and her new partner, the coffee virtuoso Sam Sveum. As they team up, they're brewing a storm in the local food scene, combining world-class baked delights with top-notch coffee creations.

Sam, a self-proclaimed coffee snob and former coffee truck owner, brings her passion for high-quality, locally-sourced coffee to the table. She intricately details the science behind the perfect espresso pull and the art of milk texturing. With Jen's baking prowess and Sam's coffee expertise, they're set to tantalize taste buds with their collaborative menu, featuring items like the nutrient-packed Bliss Bowls and the indulgent protein coffee milkshake.

But there's more! The episode dives into the nuances of coffee flavors, the importance of seasonal ingredients, and the joy of creating food that not only tastes good but feels good. From discussing the various coffee origins to the artistry of latte foam, Jen and Sam share their journey towards creating a harmonious space where health meets indulgence.

Whether you're a die-hard foodie or a coffee aficionado looking for your next fix, this episode of Coulee Region Cooks is a concoction of inspiration, dedication, and a dash of hippie spirit. Tune in to discover how these two powerhouse women are redefining the local culinary landscape, one sip and bite at a time.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for May 21st, when Meringue Bakery and Nom officially invite you to experience their combined magic. And remember, in the Coulee Region, cooking is all about the fun, so if you're not enjoying it, you might be missing the secret ingredient!
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In this savory episode of Coulee Region Cooks, we're spicing things up with Wayne Oliver, a culinary enthusiast whose love for cooking knows no bounds, whether it's in the kitchen, on the deck with the grill, or even in the garage during winter. Wayne's passion for cooking shines as he whips up a delectable seafood feast, proving that the love for seafood extends beyond the annual Lobsterfest.

Wayne takes us on a flavorful journey with his garlic parmesan shrimp, a dish that's a breeze to prepare but packs a punch with every buttery, garlicky bite. He shares his simple yet scrumptious recipe that's perfect for any gathering, ensuring your guests are reaching for napkins as they indulge in these succulent shrimp.

But it's not just about the recipes; it's the tips and tales that make this episode a treasure trove for food lovers. From discussing the nuances of aluminum foil usage to the joy of cooking with handcrafted pottery, Wayne and Mike dive into the heart of culinary creativity and tradition. They reminisce about favorite seafood experiences, debate the merits of a classic New England lobster roll, and even tackle the age-old question of shiny versus dull aluminum foil.

Whether you're an experienced chef or a home cook looking to add some new flavors to your repertoire, join us for a hearty conversation that's as rich and varied as the dishes discussed. With Wayne's infectious enthusiasm and Mike's curiosity, this episode is a banquet of ideas that will leave you hungry for more.

Don't miss out on the fun, laughter, and the occasional moldy cheese discussion—because when it comes to cooking in the Coulee Region, if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong!
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In this appetizing episode of Coulee Region Cooks, we're breaking bread with Katie Glaze of Wild Child Homemade, the local sourdough sensation that's making waves in the Coulee Region with her handcrafted loaves. Katie shares her story of how a sourdough starter, born from a low point in her life, blossomed into a thriving business fueled by community support and a passion for the craft.

With a nod to her family's baking heritage and a dash of resilience, Katie has cultivated a menu that boasts a variety of sourdough wonders—from the tangy classic to the innovative double chocolate espresso loaf, using local coffee to enhance its rich flavor. She also dishes on her other creations, including cinnamon rolls that are too tempting to resist and bagels that give a twist to the traditional.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of sourdough baking, from the fermentation that gives it its distinctive taste to the cottage food laws that guide Katie's home-based operation. Whether you're craving a spicy jalapeño cheddar slice or dreaming of a double chocolate espresso treat, Wild Child Homemade has a loaf with your name on it.

Discover how Katie is keeping the art of sourdough alive and well, and how you can get your hands on these delectable baked goods through her unique delivery service. If you're a bread lover or simply curious about the rise of artisanal sourdough, this episode is a mouthwatering journey you won't want to miss.
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