I Don't Do Taverns

When I first came to Iowa, I was introduced to these sandwiches called Taverns. Sometimes Maid Rites. Maybe they are not the same thing. I don't even know. I've lived here for 15 years and I'm not sure. 

Because I don't do those "other" ground meat sandwiches. 

I do BBQs. Sometimes referred to as Sloppy Joe's, but that's not what I grew up calling them. Maybe it's a Wisconsin thing. Maybe it's just a Star Prairie, Wisconsin thing. I'm not sure about that either. 

Nonetheless, a ground meat sandwich, simmered with onions and "red stuff", including BBQ sauce, was the sandwich I grew up with. Orange. 

To the best of my knowledge, taverns do not have "red stuff" although there are bastardized versions of ground meat sandwiches that appear to be the offspring of a traditional Iowa tavern and a sloppy Joe, that some still refer to as a "tavern." When I looked up the recipe, most included mustard and/or vinegar. 

Nope. That's not what I make. 

"Barbeques" always made an appearance at potlucks of all kinds. You'd see them on the menus at ball parks and town festivals and county fairs. Sometimes as "Barbeque" or "Barbeque sandwich" or just "BBQ." If you ordered one, you'd get an orange ground meat sandwich on a bun, especially tasty with pickles in my opinion, but Andy isn't a fan of the pickle. He prefers his with a slice of sharp cheddar. 

I've changed my grandmother's recipe over the years. I've added more vegetables and more seasoning as you can see! I bet you can't name everything in there!

Even with the modified recipe, it's still a favorite childhood comfort food in all of it's orange glory! 

You'll find this tasty meat concoction featured in the Li'l Kitchen!

But it's not a Tavern. 

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