Taste of the Union: Smoked Beef Brisket at the Sett
It can be easy to miss the new menu items the Wisconsin Union has to offer with the temperature calling us into hibernation. Union South has recently added a range of barbecue style options to the menu that I thought were worth braving the cold to try. One of the many delicious dining options at Union South, the Sett on the first floor offers classic pub food, including burgers, wings and sandwiches. The low prices make the Sett a...
Behind the Scenes at the Union: Rob Gretzlock
For four and a half years, Rob Gretzlock has been an integral part of the dining team at the Wisconsin Union’s Memorial Union. Rob first joined the Union’s tradition of dining excellence as the manager of der Rathskeller. Today, he is the assistant director of restaurants at Memorial Union.* Get to know more about the person you’ve likely seen dozens of times behind der Rath’s counter. What is your favorite thing about your position,...
Fudge Bottom Pie: A Timeless Story of a Pie and the People who Love it
Once upon a time in a place not so far away and a time not so long ago, a pie that would become legend and would be loved by millions debuted at Memorial Union. Some say that Fudge Bottom Pie was created by a University of Wisconsin-Madison Residence Halls chef. Others say it was a Wisconsin Union creation that debuted in 1945 in Memorial Union. While its origin is debated, its deliciousness and the community’s love for it is not. “I...
Taste of the Union: Lasagna at Urban Slice
With an abundance of new foods available at Memorial Union, perhaps you’ve looked over new options at Union South. I know I did. One dining location at Union South, Urban Slice, carries a wide variety of pizza and specials such as calzones, chicken parmesan and pasta dishes. I had previously tried almost all of these options, as Union South is a convenient place to eat between classes. One item new to Urban Slice this school year is...
Behind the Scenes at the Union: Chef Allison Berris
You have one amazing chef to thank for the delicious tomato bisque soup at Carte, the flavorful chili at der Rathskeller, the house-made salad dressings at Carte and der Rath and many more Memorial Union favorites. Let’s get to know Chef Allison Berris. What is your position? I am the restaurants chef at Memorial Union. So, since September 2016, I’ve been in charge of prep for all of the [Memorial Union] restaurant units. Rathskeller,...
Storyteller Series: Coming Together in der Rathskeller
By Andrew Zaruba “Oh, this is a German beer hall!” Designer Leon Pescheret saw what would eventually become der Rathskeller in Memorial Union from the moment he walked into the space. His original design still exists today, providing a warm and inviting environment for every visitor. From inside der Rath, it is almost as though you’ve left Memorial Union and entered a new space entirely. The sounds of music and chatter, the sight of...