Meeting the New PITC blogger at Maxie's

If you haven’t checked out Play in the City recently, it’s time for a visit.

Karen Cinpinski has been chosen to take the helm, and so far, she’s doing a great job. Already she’s posted about the Lakefront Festival of Arts, Brewers games, and Spidey sightings, amongst other things.

I caught up with Karen for the first time yesterday at Maxie’s. Located on 68th and Fairview (just north of I-94), Maxie’s is fast becoming one of my favorites. With rich red walls, velvet draped windows, and sparkling chandeliers, the boudouir-esque atmosphere feels like it was lifted straight out of New Orleans. Fitting, since the place specializes in southern cuisine inspired by the “Low Country” fare of the Carolinas, Creole and Cajun flavors of Louisiana, and other items commonly associated with southern comfort food.

While I sipped a Sazerac and Karen a Pome-Rita, we chatted about upcoming shows at Summerfest (Spoon – a must see for sure!), why my petunias are dying (apparently I’m not deadheading them properly), and what she plans to cover in future posts on Play in the City.

We also sampled some fried green tomatoes. I know that sounds like a weird combo with the Sazerac but I ADORE fried green tomatoes and absolutely had to try them. Anyway, the thinly sliced tomatoes were dipped in a lightly seasoned batter, fried, and served with a spicy remoulade that was so good I could’ve eaten jars of the stuff.

Figuring Scott might not be able to construct anything decent to eat from the meager selection of stuff remaining in our refrigerator, I also ordered a blackened chicken po’boy to go. Well, okay, let’s be honest. I ordered one for myself, too. Made with crawfish and that amazing remoulade.

Lest you think all Maxie’s has to offer are sandwiches and super strong drinks, let me also tell you that on a previous visit I tried the Supper Club Salad, a delicious mix of field greens, toasted pecans, and paper thin slices of tart apple tossed with raspberry vinaigrette. That was followed by a plate of slow-cooked and perfectly seasoned pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, and a side of bbq beans which are quite possibly some of the best I’ve ever eaten.

On that same visit, Scott sampled the “Chicken-Fried” Chicken, which came with tasso gravy, mashed potatoes and some veggies. For dessert, we split a massive slice of Banana Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie which was constructed from think slices of bananas stacked between firm layers of chocolate, cream, and lightly toasted coconut. The pie, like everything else we ate, disappeared quickly, but the desire to return lingered. 

Trust me, you’ll feel the same. One visit to Maxie’s is not enough. So go there. Soon. And meanwhile, check out what Karen has been up to on Play in the City.

**********************************

Maxie's Southern Comfort
6732 W. Fairview
(414) 292-3969

Comments

[dan]

I went to Maxie's with the folks the other day. I had the beef brisket. I think it was the special that night. I also had some drink that was [remarkably] not a beer. Everything was pretty good. And it's a cool place. I hope it "makes it" way out there on 68th St.

[Derek]

Alright! A fellow Spoon fan. I just saw them at Bonnaroo and they were great. Their new disk (coming out next month) is really good..I mean, I've heard. :)

[KarenC]

I'm going back to Maxie's for another fried green tomato. It was delicious!
I hope to see you around soon, perhaps at Summerfest for Spoon.