|
|
Bruisers
|
Oh my gosh, those brownies!!
But, wait. As a responsible diner, you know that dessert first is against the stringent rules set forth by the National Department of Dining. So, the brownies will have to wait until we've enjoyed our Bruiser's repast to its fullest. And, enjoy I did during my recent visit.
Bruiser's is definitely the most pleasant dining surprise you'll find in Burlington. I'm sure that, whether you're a resident Burlingtonian or have only passed through town a time or two, you've driven past this unique establishment located on bustling Milwaukee Avenue just at the edge of Echo Lake. You may have noticed the handsome dudes out there grilling brats during the fine-weather days of spring, summer, fall. That would be Glenn Jante and Dick Schecterle luring brat lovers to partake of their expertly-grilled offerings. Next time plan to stop, because there's more than meets the eye at Bruiser's. Once inside, you'll find myriad choices for lunch or dinner.
When I opened the door to this well-kept restaurant, I was greeted by Kristi Lichtenwallner and Melissa LaVigni, who willingly posed for a photo to show off their regulation t-shirts bearing the quote "Life without pizza is no life at all." Kristi and Melissa were preparing lunch, making pizzas, putting together fresh sub sandwiches, building salads, baking bread, taking orders by phone and greeting customers with friendly hellos. Then, from amidst their chatter, I overheard Melissa utter these words: "Did you make the brownies, yet?" Kristi raised her eyebrows, grabbed a large bowl, and began pouring ingredients together. If there was a written recipe, I sure didn't see it. Although her hands were a blur of motion, I do recall several iterations of chocolate being dumped into that bowl. Then, with her chocolatey concoction safe in the oven, she resumed filling orders for pizzas, subs and salads.
Bruiser's owner, Jim Jante, took a moment to sit down with me to talk about the restaurant and their new business venture. Jim and his brother, Larry Jante, have owned Bruiser's for around 12 years. When Rice's Liquor Store, next door to Bruiser's, came up for sale during 2006, it made sense for the Jante brothers to buy that business, too. They don't plan too many drastic changes to Rice's, except that they've added a more extensive list of wines and cigars to their repertoire. So, if you're looking for that special wine for yourself or as a gift, by all means, stop by Rice's.
Although Bruiser's sign and their bright green menu boast Pizza, Subs, Salads, don't be fooled. There are dozens of other tempting choices, such as soft or hard shell tacos, garlic bread (with or without cheese), and, a favorite for when Wisconsin's wicked winter weather sends the wind whistling across Echo, the Soup of the Day. Of course, Bruiser's invites you to call ahead to find out today's soup offering or for quick pick-up, which is just the ticket for a busy weekday lunch. Even better, you can take advantage of Bruiser's offer to deliver your lunch any time between 10:30 am and 1 pm. You won't even have to warm up the car!
Since everyone was busy, I helped myself to a brief Bruiser's tour. . . (Don't tell, but I was actually doing non-chalant casing of the joint to see if I could catch a glimpse of those brownies.) The glass-doored oven afforded me a view of submarine sandwich buns lined up and wafting their fresh-bakery aroma around the room. I guess there's no doubt about the concept of fresh, as you can choose to have your sub created on white, wheat or rye. . . all moments from oven to mouth. Yum. Pile on the beef, ham, turkey or salami . . . or to make life easy, don't bother to choose, but, get all four on one sandwich. Subs are also available in the hot variety. Cheese, melted and gooey, gets in a pile-up with Philly Steak, Beef, Turkey or Tuna. Double yum.
Are you low-carbing these days? No problem, because salads abound at Bruiser's. Mine was Tuna, with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, j-u-s-t the right number of sweet red onion, and, my standby, cheese. I have yet to guess the secret ingredient in Bruiser's Tuna Salad recipe, but this was, bar none, the best salad I've had in ages. Of course, there's a taco lover in every crowd and he won't be disappointed here. The Taco Salad is a feast in itself, light, hearty and ready to make the trip to your desk or dining room to satisfy that taco urge.
When all is said and done, though, Bruiser's real appeal is definitely pizza. After watching the Bruiser's staff prepare perfectly piled pizzas for awhile, I found I had a hankering for a good, homemade pizza. I'd already had lunch, though. Problem solved. I picked up a fresh pizza to take home and bake. Dare I admit that pizza has never been first on my list of favorite foods? Is it un-American not to love the Italians' version of meat pie? Bruiser's must have some magic, as later that evening I found I'd been converted to an all-American pizza lover. Crisp crust, perfectly-seasoned sauce and fresh, fresh, fresh veggies and meats. Ah, what can be better?
So, you ask patiently, what about those brownies? Because I knew them from birth, saw them grow up in the oven, and didn't want to make envy enemies, I ordered a half-dozen brownies to share with co-workers. You know. An after-lunch morsel to satisfy the sweet tooth. When I stepped to the counter, there in front of me were six brownies, each about the size of Rhode Island. I think I actually gasped. Some of them actually made it successfully back to the office, where they made me some friends. They had all the attributes for which brownies have become famous: gooey, chewy, warm. . . with layers of chocolate and melty chips.
You'll find Bruiser's at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue (Hwy 36) and Grover Street in Burlington. Do not, under any circumstances, leave the place without a brownie. And that's an order.
|
|
