Cloud Red

Not a 1950s communist paranoia B-movie but a new tavern taking over an old tavern space on Oakland, near Kensington, in Shorewood. Cloud Red (4488 N. Oakland Ave.) is not strictly a Mexican restaurant, and it's primarily a bar, but it seems that they may consistently serve some type of Mexican related food on their revolving menu. On my first visit I got the impression that the kitchen was inquisitive and somewhat innovative. Alas, I don't live in the heart of Milwaukee's south side Mexican restaurant paradise, but rather north of downtown, and when I walk or bike somewhere it's preferably to the north (avoiding the soul numbing parking lots and faceless offices downtown and the hellish strip of trash filled empty lots south of the Third Ward that have to be traversed to get to the south side). Unfortunately, the neighborhoods to he north, in spite of a university, are culinarily (not to mention racially) un-diverse. It's not so easy to find a taco in Shorewood, sometimes. Still, it's a beautiful area with lots of red-winged blackbirds, apparently, after which this bar is named.

Since I quit drinking, soon to follow was to quit hanging out in bars, but still I like the idea of bars as gathering places, especially when there are positive vibes and something else to do besides drink, like mini-bowling or eating. I feel like this place could be a fine hangout for someone who wants to be among people occasionally, so I may return and see what else the kitchen comes up with. I tried a hefty shrimp taco which was very good, though awkwardly priced at $6; for me, one is too little, and two maybe too much. But the real landmark decision here was the bravery I summoned (without drinking!) to order an appetizer called "Amaizeballs."

Now, I have to say... I have un-friended people just for using the expression "amaze-balls" (even once)—but in this instance, the "maize" pun, and the opportunity (with no small amount of trepidation) to order this dish by name, won me over, momentarily. The gluten-free, panko covered, deep-fried, hominy balls, while edible, were not delicious, and a bit mushy and gross, lacking a variety of texture or flavor, and that white stuff didn't help. But I ate them, I didn't hurl, and I was able to Snapchat all my friends pictures, "Look! I'm eating Amaizeballs!" It was quite a day. But, however, in the future—and I will go back to the place, no doubt—or me, yeah, tacos.

Mad Rooster Cafe

I don't know if it means anything that two of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee are called Happy Chicken and Mad Rooster. I'll try not to think about it. I've passed by this place for awhile and ignored it; in the town I grew up there was a local fastfood place called the Red Barn that was inferior to even McDonald's, and ever since I've discriminated against any restaurant with a farm theme. But don't let the whimsical decor keep you away, everything about this place is legitimate. Everyone knows (or should know) that the best breakfast is a Mexican breakfast, and on my first visit here I settled on breakfast tacos (and it was admittedly my second breakfast of the day) which came with (unexpectedly, but welcome) a side of potatoes—all in all, way too much food, and I ate it ALL out of pure lust for deliciousness.

I read that the Mad Rooster Cafe was opened by Andreas Bouraxis, whose father owned Paul's Omega on S. 27th, which was at one time, for me, the epicenter of the family restaurant universe, and I find this to be no coincidence. This place seems to be getting Omega-level crowds, and based on the quality of food, and value, and overall experience on just one visit, I expect that to increase, so pick your time to visit with due common sense. The location, while close to the ballpark, smack in the middle, as it is in factory, Walmart, chain restaurant, Hell-level traffic hell, might make you feel like you've arrived in the asshole of the asshole of America, but since you're there, at least it's a short jump to the Cermak grocery store, worth a visit, especially for the fresh tortillas, made while you observe, and still warm. Perhaps a bicycle wizard could contribute a suitable route to the restaurant from the nearby Hank Aaron Trail. I'll be back there, any chance I get, as I'd like to try the rest of the menu.

Divino Panchos

New favorite Mexican restaurant in Milwaukee (okay, I was there in March, but I'm still thinking about it) is Divino Panchos - 1701 W. Lincoln Ave. (Lincoln and S. 17th Street) Milwaukee.

It was a slow day, in the middle of the afternoon. It's huge and there's a bandstand. I imagine in the evening this place is very lively. I like going to places in the middle of the afternoon, however, as that is lunchtime. The food should be just as good when a place is empty as when it's full. The guacamole was fine, made fresh. Though I had been warned in advance that "huaraches" are sandals (and I prefer that men wear proper footwear) I fearlessly ordered one. I figured it might be a Nike shoe, and if it fit, I'd then order the opposite foot and get two for one. It was, however, made with masa, kind of shaped like a footprint, I guess, but delicious. Kind of like a big-ass, thick, misshapen taco. The best thing I've eaten so far in '16.

A lot on the menu to come back and try. Tacos De Bistec seem like a specialty. Also, a few oddball things like choco-flan. And pasta. You don't usually see pasta at a Mexican place. Though the menu is mostly in Spanish, so maybe pasta is something else than Italian pasta? I'm always getting my Italian and Spanish mixed up, neither of which I speak. Anyway, I'd be here all the time if I lived on the South Side, and there weren't 200 other Mexican places to try out.