Imagine the world is ending tomorrow, but before it explodes into a zillion chunks of flaming debris, you’re allowed to gorge yourself on one final meal, anywhere you want in Milwaukee. Would you choose Italian? Japanese? Good ol’ American cuisine complete with a dill pickle spear? Specifically, which restaurant would you choose?
The editoral staffers at OnMilwaukee.com had no trouble declaring where they’d spend their last supper:
Molly Snyder Edler
Staff writer
As a hopelessly nostalgic person, I would want to eat my last meal in one of the eateries that had the largest impact on my life. Oddly enough, that would be the Oriental Pharmacy lunch counter where I spent countless hours with my father, drinking so-so coffee and discussing the wrongs and my rights of the world.
However, “The O” has been closed down for years (it’s now the Twisted Fork’s space) and I can’t imagine choking down jiggly scrambled eggs for my final meal anyway, so I would, probably, go somewhere less about past memories and more about my taste buds.
Hence, it would be a toss-up between Izumi’s, 2150 N. Prospect Ave., for a bento box meal, Mama Mia’s, 2615 W. Silver Spring Dr., for lasagna, or Shahrazad, 2847 N. Oakland Ave., for its classic falafel with hummus sandwich.
Julie Lawrence
Staff writer
For my last supper, I think I would be most concerned with an atmosphere that is conducive to chatting and having fun. As far as cuisine goes, I'd definitely choose quality over quantity; I am not going to go all Homer Simpson at some all-you-can-eat buffet.
My first choice might be the quaint, yet sophisticated Nessun Dorma, 2778 N. Weil St. Not only have I been an avid fan of its food and ambience since the beginning, I’ve also had some pretty fantastic memories -- a beer-filled birthday, a romantic anniversary, several $2.75 Riverwest Stein Tuesday nights -- created within its cozy confines.
As a vegetarian, there are only two regular menu options I can eat there -- the Portobello Philly and the formaggio -- and I have yet to tire of either sandwich, even after all these years. For my last supper, I just might order both.
Drew Olson
Senior editor
This is a tricky question for me, because I'd probably want my last supper catered from a number of different spots. Bring me some mozzarella marinara and ribs from Saz's, pork shoulder from Speed Queen, a steak from Eddie Martini's, some wings from Points East, a burger and custard from Kopp's, etc.
If forced to choose one place, though, I'd have to give the nod to Sanford, 1547 N. Jackson St.
I've eaten there a couple times and each time the culinary experience has been beyond fantastic. You walk out satiated, but not stuffed, and feeling like you won't have a better meal in the calendar year.
What would I order? What's Sanford serving that night? It's all good.
Jeff Sherman
President
My final Milwaukee dining experience? What a question to contemplate. Do I gorge or go for flavor? Actually, this is easy. I go for memories and connections. I’ve had many memorable meals at Osteria del Mondo: Easter brunch with family, anniversaries, birthdays, even a New Year’s Eve. I’ve dined there with about every person that I’m close with, including many who are no longer alive. The food is always amazing and there’s Milwaukee history nearly dripping from the walls. A last supper at Osteria would be a fine way to go. A grand order of tagliatelle verde al ragu is a no brainer.
Bobby Tanzilo
Managing editor
Although I think I'd rather have my cousin Maria Grazia make me my last supper, if I had to have it in a restaurant in Milwaukee, I'd choose Sanford. Because why not go out on top, right? I've never been there but by all accounts, Sandy D'Amato's home turf cooking is to die for. I'd tell him what I like most and hopefully he'd take pity and make it for me (there would definitely be pesto, farinata on the menu and lots of dark chocolate and hazelnuts in the desserts).
Andy Tarnoff
Publisher
No doubt, there are fancier restaurants in Milwaukee. But the Mongolian Beef at Yen Ching, 7639 W. Good Hope Rd., has been my single favorite meal in town for almost 20 years. At a reasonably priced $9.45 (though if it was my last supper, I'd probably just charge it), it's the perfect mix of quality beef with a slightly sweet sauce, sautéed green and white onions and rice sticks. Fresh and consistent, it's the dish I'd like to leave this earth savoring. And since it would be the last I'd ever eat, I'd enjoy it with a bowl of sizzling rice soup, an ample side of rice and a pot of Yen Ching's tasty jasmine tea. Come to think of it, that's a lot of rice, but who's counting? No "to go" container necessary this time.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
