I'm originally from the Quad-Cities (eastern Iowa/western Illinois USA, along the Mississippi River), where a loose-meat sandwich called "Maid-Rite" is a favorite there from long ago. We've had discussions about Maid-Rite here at Chef Talk in the past; here's one of the threads: http://www.cheftalk.com/t/20784/maid-rite-recipe. I've long since relocated to southeastern Wisconsin, and make my home outside Milwaukee.
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I just read in this morning's newspaper that a Maid-Rite will open this summer about 10 minutes from my home. It'll be located in the next town, Waukesha (Wisconsin), and will be the first in this area.
If you're in Milwaukee for Summerfest (Foo Fighters were just added to the schedule- see the whole list here: http://www.summerfest.com/) or any other reason this summer or beyond, hop on I-94 and take a quick ride west to taste what this Midwestern classic sandwich is all about. The shop will be located in a strip mall on the north side of Waukesha, easily-accessible from the Interstate. There's a frozen custard stand nearby if you're in the mood for a Wisconsin dessert specialty.
By the way, you music-lovers may know Waukesha is the hometown of Les Paul, inventor of the solid body electric guitar. There's an extensive exhibit about him at Discovery World museum on Milwaukee's Lakefront and another at the Waukesha County Historical Society. The City and County of Waukesha honor him on an ongoing basis. Here's the latest: http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/waukeshas-big-guitars-get-special-coats-215f64q-151975405.html.
***It is better to ask forgiveness than beg permission.***





