Is there any food that’s more synonymous with festival season in Milwaukee than the Sampler Combo from Saz’s? In terms of festivals taking place at Henry Maier Festival Park, the answer to that question is an emphatic no. This deep-fried delicacy—often referred to as “The Sampler Platter”—is an icon, an undisputed summer classic, and a culinary combination worthy of its own T-shirt.
The O.G.
In honor of the restaurant’s 50th anniversary and in accordance with a brand new food-focused festival that will be making its debut on the Henry Maier grounds in the waning days of summer, Saz’s is unveiling a new and decidedly more fancy take on its beloved Sampler Platter that will be served next weekend.
Freshwater Sampler Platter
During the inaugural Freshwater Food & Wine Festival (taking place at Henry Maier Festival Park Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20), attendees can enjoy a “Freshwater Sampler Platter” at the Saz’s stand. The upscale riff on the classic platter has been elevated and fancified in number of ways. Instead of the typical French fries, the Freshwater Sampler Platter features beef tallow fries. There’s a so-called “Beer Glazed Popper” that consists of Miller High Life- and brown sugar-glazed Nueske’s Bacon wrapped around a jalapeño that’s stuffed with pulled BBQ pork and Renard’s aged Wisconsin cheddar.
The Caprese Wonton
The trusty Wonton Mozzarella Stick has also undergone a noticeable transformation, as the local mozzarella is enveloped in a wrapping of Prosciutto, fresh basil, and poached tomatoes, then topped with Saz’s house marinara that’s accentuated with a pesto oil drizzle. Finally, the new and limited time platter is rounded out with some fried Ellsworth Creamery Cheddar Curds that are accompanied by marinara and Central Standard bourbon BBQ “ketchup” dipping sauces.
Just get a load of it! Not only does it look marvelous, but it can all be yours for just $13 only at Freshwater Food & Wine Festival. Saz’s will be serving up the Freshwater Sampler Platter and other leveled-up renditions of festival favorites at the festival between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 20.
“Saz’s is part of the fabric of Milwaukee’s festival culture, so having the opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary and impact on our City of Festivals at the inaugural Freshwater feels incredibly special,” Freshwater Food & Wine Festival President and CEO Wesley Shaver says. “We wanted to take something people already know and love—the classic Saz’s sampler experience—and reimagine it for Freshwater in a way that feels elevated, inventive and delicious, while still keeping everything that makes it such an iconic festival favorite. The Saz’s team knocked this and their entire menu out of the park. They’re the best.”
Come for the enhanced version of the Saz’s Sampler Platter and stay for the cooking competitions featuring world-renowned chefs, stands pouring more than 80 wine options from all over the world, local beer and spirits aplenty, the temporary return of Trocadero, an eclectic live music lineup, appearances from comedian Charlie Berens and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, and so much more. Tickets to the inaugural Freshwater Food & Wine Festival are still available.
Okay, let’s see that platter one last time!
