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Madison, Wisconsin #FundaySunday
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Garver Feed Mill, Madison, WI
Madison Best Bloody Mary. We had a big change in the weather this weekend, (this is Wisconsin). Saturday was in the low 80’s and for Sunday rain was expected all morning, changing to snow that evening. The WiscoMary team headed to Madison’s Best Bloody Mary event located at Garver Feed Mill. We arrived to the event early, so we made a pit stop at the nostalgic Fair Oaks Diner in the vicinity for eating some solid food before the event. What a treat it was!
This diner is right out of the 50’s and 60’s. Most everything is original. There are so many things to see that have probably been since they opened. Indoor and outdoor signage, dish and drinkware, malt machine and so much more. Some items could use little sprucing up but definitely all original equipment. If you’re in the area make sure to stop there. The breakfast was delicious and it’s exciting to see something from that era still preserved for others to enjoy.
On to the event. As a VIP and Bloody Mary Judge, WiscoMary was allowed to enter a little early and ahead of the 300 person anticipated crowd so we can talk to the participants about their bloodies. For us, this is definitely a deciding factor when it comes to judging the drinks in this contest. This is where we get to learn about the composition of each venue’s Bloody Mary. When judging, for some people it’s about all the flavor, for others it’s the garnish, and for us it’s the story behind the bloodies.
All these should be taking into consideration when judging a bloody Mary event. The passion and ingredients used by each Madison Best Bloody Mary location and their squad come into play when judging because we ARE looking for the best of the best!
In Wisconsin, Bloody Marys and Bloody Mary Bars are a “thing” so it is not surprising that this was a sold out event. WiscoMary enjoys talking to attendees, giving out swag, and being a part of the fun.
Here Are The Results.
The event raised nearly $22,600 and attracted 330 people! Congratulations to this year’s winners: Best Overall: Nitro Lounge; Most Madison: Muskellounge and Sporting Club; Most Inventive: Marigold Kitchen; Most Like a Meal: Heritage Tavern.
Who Benefits?
These events by Great Lakes Hemophiliac Foundation are fundraisers to support people with blood disorders. WiscoMary is proud to help promote and participate in this Madison Best Bloody Mary (Dane County) event. Our team enjoys trying so many good bloodies especially for a good cause. We get to see and interact with the passionate patrons and participants that love Bloody Marys. This is truly Wisconsin! #madbestbloody #wiscomary #itsabloodyadventure
Do you have a hangover? We have the cure!
National Bloody Mary Day celebrates the Bloody Mary cocktail. Some say is the perfect hangover cure despite the fact that it contains the very ingredient that made you hung over in the first place, alcohol!
Bloody Marys are a unique cocktail usually made with alcohol (vodka), tomato juice, spices, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce, served on the rocks with a whole array of garnishes.
History of National Bloody Mary Day
Various versions of its origin suggest it was named after Queen Mary I of England or even a waitress named Mary who worked at the Bucket of Blood bar in Chicago.
The name “bloody” most likely has to do with the fact that it is made with tomato juice, or its color resembles the appearance of blood.
No one is quite sure exactly how and where this drink was created. There are at least three different versions of the story behind the creation and naming of the Bloody Mary.
Possible Versions
Fernand ‘Pete’ Petiot, a bartender from France, claimed to have invented the Bloody Mary in 1921 when he was working at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. This was a place that was popular with Ernest Hemingway, Rita Hayworth, Humphry Bogart, and other famous American expatriates at the time. Petiot claims the invented the drink and named it after Queen Mary Tudor of England who was infamous for her execution of followers of Protestantism.
James Rollins, a veterinarian-turned-writer on the other hand, claims that the Bloody Mary was invented in the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Paris.
New York’s 21 Club claims that the Bloody Mary was first made there, though they do have two different versions of the story. One is that it was invented in the 1930s by bartender Henry Zbikiewicz. Another attributes its invention to the comedian George Jessel, who frequented the 21 Club. Jessel claims to have created the drink in 1927 (in Palm Beach, Florida).
One of the earliest printed references in the United States occurred in 1939 in a column by Lucius Beebe called This New York, where he attributes the drink to George Jessel.
National Bloody Mary Day takes place on January 1st. This is probably due to the fact that people have been out drinking and partying the night before. Use this as a great opportunity to enter the new year with a get-together or brunch. So drink up and enjoy a toast to the start of 2023!
ps. Don’t forget the beer chaser.
Happy National Bloody Mary Day! #itsabloodyadventure #bloodymary #wiscomary
Resource: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/bloody-mary-day/
Read More »WiscoMary Heads South of the Border
As great as Wisconsin is, many of the trade shows choose to exhibit in Chicago. Knowing how the traffic is from Milwaukee to the Windy City, WiscoMaryMJ ventured out early to allow enough time for a liquid breakfast. WiscoMary Heads South of the Border. Google maps are great because you can search for #bloodymary and “open now”. That brings up more limited choices but is definitely open. This allowed me to stumble upon a fabulous venue that also said “oyster bar”. It was a short walk from the parking spot on a hot summer morning. The city was already alive and this location opened at 7 am. McCormick Place did not open till 10 so there was plenty of time to relax and enjoy a morning meal.
The pleasant hostess gave me 3 choices of where to sit at Venteux Chicago, outside, inside at the cafe, and inside in the dining room. Oysters were only served in the dining room so the choice was easily made. The server was amazing, her name was Vesna and she was from Serbia and had a beautiful accent.
She offered bottled water and I responded “Sparkling please”. I received a bottle of Evian, I did not know Evian made sparkling water. Next, a bloody Mary was ordered along with 6 east coast oysters.
Then they both arrived. The presentation was perfect and the flavor of everything was very nice. Let’s start with the bloody. The rim was Tajin, and the mix was homemade but used ZingZang. I could not identify all the flavors because it was more seasoned-based vs tomato based which made it light, not heavy. A pinch of spice was evident but again not identifiable. It was served with the citrus slices of lemon and lime, plus an olive, and all placed on a wooden spear with a gold ball on the end. It was served in a pilsner glass with a paper straw.
On to the oysters. for some reason, they just go perfectly with A BloodyMary. These were small, minerally, and flavorful. But the sauces were memorable. The malt vinegar was unique. Vinegar was the base with gooseberry, cucumber, and a drop of Jalapeno juice. The cocktail sauce was another delicious recipe that used Harissa peppers in its creation. Everything was served on a bed of ice, with a lemon and a tiny bottle of Tabasco sauce.
After all that deliciousness, the desert was a must. A raspberry tart was delivered with a gold fork on a gold coaster. Presentation is everything! The taste was melting in your mouth, it was creamy sweet, and tart with coconut, chocolate, and raspberry of course. Coffee was in order to round out this beautiful meal.
I left with a great experience and plenty of time to get to my destination. Thanks, Venteux!
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WiscoMary visits McBob’s Milwaukee
Summertime and baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers are in season and fans love to visit their local bar, park their cars, and grab a shuttle to the game. McBob’s is located in close proximity to the ballpark and offers a great place to have a bite, grab a bloody Mary, and/or a beer before the game.
Today is Sunday Funday and WiscoMary, as usual, does a quick Google search for “Bloody Mary” and away we go! Luckily for us, the bus had just departed so it was not as busy and we could spend time with the bartender Brittany. She greeted us immediately with a smile and said “will you be eating today?”
After a quick introduction, she was so excited to hear about WiscoMary that she told us she has her own tried and true Bloody Mary recipe. So we got started.
Build it!
As usual, we start with ice in a pint glass. This time I requested Absolut Citron because the more citrus the better IMO. Brittany then plunked down a spoon of horseradish, then added a squeeze of Worcestershire, Louisiana sauce, A1, pickle juice followed by tomato juice, and celery salt. Shake, pour and garnish. The garnish consisted of olives, a pickle, a lemon wedge, a yummy sausage stick, and a wad of cheese whips with more seasonings to top it off!
The atmosphere was pleasant. The bar top was made of copper, the chairs comfortable. Everyone was coming and going about the food. There were many take-out orders. I did not eat this time but WiscoChristin said the food is delicious. I am told that McBob’s is known for its corned beef.
They have 11 taps, a garden outdoor patio. I asked about the mimosa towers and was told they get filled with OJ and a bottle of champagne then served at your table. Next visit for sure!
McBob’s is located at 4919 W North Ave Milwaukee, WI 53208. Definitely check them out for bloodied or your next Brewer game outing. -MJS
ps. we skipped a number of posts in 2020-2022 so a random number was created till we catch up
WiscoMary visits McBob’s Milwaukee
2 good reasons to drink bloody marys on Tuesday 2/22/22.
A Wisconsin Bloody Mary is usually served as a day drink but nighttime works too.
Reason 1. Tomato juice in the morning especially with a squeeze of lemon gets your systems started. So you might as well add a little vodka and some spices and garnish to make it the perfect answer to this once a century 2’s day.
Reason 2. Because every day is a good day to have a bloody Mary in Wisconsin. Why not make it a party and invite some friends day or night! Enjoy your special Tuesday and a fabulous bloody Mary! Tag us on Facebook Twitter or Insta @WiscoMary #itsabloodyadventure
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