Charlie visits Fiddleheads in Lake Leelanau, MI, to speak with co-owner Chef Joshua Deters, who also runs the historic VI Grill in Suttons Bay, MI. They discuss Joshua’s Cincinnati roots, culinary training, and long restaurant career, which led to his ownership and rebranding of the VI Grill.

The episode covers opening Fiddleheads during the pandemic, its breakfast-to-dinner menu, local sourcing, live music and vinyl culture, pop-up dinners, community programs like the Mockingbird Foundation, and the chef’s commitment to mentoring and second chances.

The episode features Fiddleheads Wagyu Corned Beef Reuben, which Charlie and Joshua sampled while chatting about the food scene in Leelanau County, MI.

You can watch the YouTube video of this episode here - https://youtu.be/UBqWB-8GnpI

Join Charlie and Chef Joe Parajecki as they cook Bigos, Poland’s national dish — a hearty blend of pork, beef, kielbasa, sauerkraut, dried mushrooms, prunes, and spices — and let it simmer to perfection.

Along the way, they discuss the Polish Center of Wisconsin, Polish Fest, Joe’s culinary work, and an upcoming foodie tour in Poland, then taste the finished dish.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/A79kQ7OQ3FM

You can find the recipe for Bigos here - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2026/07/24/bigos-hunters-stew-polands-national-dish/

“Local Chef Go International” podcast is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/.

Local Chefs Go International: Charlie teams up with top local Milwaukee Chefs each month to create recipes from a single chosen country.

In this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie visits Momo Mee and talks with owner Himanshu Makansa about the pan-Asian restaurant’s focus on handmade soup dumplings (momo) and noodle dishes (mee), plus its local awards and loyal following.

The episode highlights Momo Mee’s steamed soup dumplings, Korean spicy noodles, craft cocktails, large portions, newly added halal options, and the owner’s strategy of preserving consistency while carefully improving the operation.

Himanshu gives Charlie a tutorial on the proper way to enjoy the soup dumplings.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/dDbW8jNhYRo

“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.

We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.