Good Things Brewing

S1 Ep1 – Jesus Gonzalez & Paul Bartolotta

This episode join host, David Caruso, and his guests, Jesus Gonzalez and Paul Bartolotta. From hidden gems like Vientiane Noodle Shop to historic, Cream City staples like the Pabst Theater, discover what makes the Good Land home for these two Milwaukee connoisseurs.

Meet the Cast

Jesus Gonzalez

First-generation Mexican American Jesus Gonzalez and business partner Sean Phelan transformed an empty gravel lot into Zócalo Food Truck Park, the first of its kind in Milwaukee. Its blend of street food and diverse culinary culture makes it one of Walker’s Point’s most popular attractions.

Gonzalez believes Milwaukee’s character stems from the hardworking immigrants who built the city and how they welcome visitors into their neighborhoods. Out-of-town friends often tell him that Milwaukee feels like a warm hug.

“This warmness is evident in the creative and small business community,” Gonzalez said. “They are proud of the spaces they’ve created, are willing to share their struggles and success, and genuinely care about the communities they’re in and the memories they can help create.”

Paul Bartolotta

The two-time James Beard award-winner is one of the country’s most respected chefs and restaurateurs. And though Paul Bartolotta can tell you all about running a Vegas restaurant or being named an ambassador of cuisine by Italy’s president, he’d just as soon explain why his heart and soul remains in Milwaukee.

“The people are everything. They are truly the soul of this city,” Bartolotta said. “Milwaukee rivals any city in the world with hospitality, and that is what I love most about it.”

He remains, of course, a champion and promoter of Milwaukee’s dining scene. “From cultural mom and pop shops to impeccable fine dining,” Bartolotta said, “Milwaukee’s ever-growing culinary scene is poised for national and international recognition, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.”