Comfort Food in Milwaukee’s Backyard

The COVID pandemic has cost the world a great deal, ranging from a price as severe as a life to as minimal as yeast and toilet paper. Sometimes warming our bellies with something a little different is exactly what we need to forget the horror and stress this year has brought. El Charrito and Thai Bar-B-Que are two locations if you want to switch up your normal food routine.

The cook at El Charrito jokingly exclaimed, “I’m chef number one,” when asked how many years he had been cooking. He expressed he did not expect to become a cook, but he enjoys it.

A steady flow of customers circulates up-to and away from the window getting tacos, burritos, tortas and tostadas giving credit to the popularity of this truck. It is a cash-only business model, so make sure to hit the ATM beforehand if you do not carry cash.

By the flow of customers and the constant work of the cooks, it seems to be well worth it. They are parked outside of Pete’s Fruit Market on the corner of North Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and can take orders over the phone or in-person.

Food that requires a little more thought, patience, and self-awareness comes from Thai-Bar-B-Que. The owner George Chai sat down and explained not just what his menu is, but what Thai food represents.

“You walk around and see what? A bunch of fast food,” said Chai. “Thai food is not fast food, fresh ingredients, herbs, vegetables, spices.”

Chai explained how living well starts with eating well.

“You have to take care of your body,” he said. “Your blood needs certain things from your food and you have to give it.”

He spoke about maintaining a schedule of when you eat, and just like muscle memory your body needs a schedule to follow of when you eat. Chi swears this is the first step to living a good life. The second is how you take in the food. Chai thinks that the food should be eaten slowly and enjoyed. Chai likes to drink warm water throughout the day and with his meals because he believes warm water helps flush out toxins and aids in digestion.

“People here eat so fast,” said Chai. “You need time to enjoy the food.

Across the South 35^th street bridge and a hard right onto National Ave. you will find authentic Thai soups and dishes. Thai Bar-B-Que does a lot right but the dish they excel at is the Tom Yum.

Tom Yum is a hot spicy and sour soup and incredibly healthy. Typically, it has shrimp, veggies, spices like lemongrass and others generously applied to the broth. If spicy is not for you there are other options. Their spring rolls can fill you up and assorted plates that can be found on their menu.

“Eating well, exercising, drinking water are how to be healthy,” said Chai.