Despite dark skies, local food outshined politics Sunday at Alt Bratfest in Orton Park.
At the weekend’s third alternative to the long-running World’s Largest Brat Fest, local eateries served up gourmet brats and corned pork sandwiches, grilled chicken wings and tacos stuffed with portobello mushrooms in roasted red chile sauce topped with fresh pico de gaillo, arugula and crumbled queso fresco cheese.
“It’s nice when activism is delicious,” said Scott Prinster, 45, of Madison as he enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich after already having sampled a chorizo sausage.
Prinster welcomed Alt Bratfest, created for those opting not to attend the traditional Memorial Day weekend brat extravaganza — which continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at the Alliant Energy Center — because executives of sponsor Johnsonville Sausage made campaign contributions to Gov. Scott Walker. Walker’s efforts to strip state employees of most collective bargaining rights.
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The event drew tens of thousands of protesters to the State Capital.
But even without the politics, Prinster said, “If this were here, I’d go to this one.”
All of the food for Alt Bratfest was donated and featured locally raised and processed meats and locally grown produce prepared by local chefs at Mermaid Cafe, Weary Traveler Freehouse, Underground Food Collective, Alchemy Cafe, Natt Spil, Merchant and Coopers Tavern. Like all of the other brat fests, its proceeds go to charity.
Organizers are already planning to continue Alt Bratfest next year in a larger venue. “We’re hoping for Central Park,” said Jeannette Dainty, who helped organize the event with her husband, Joey Dunscombe of Weary Traveler, and her sister Carrie Dainty.
Even with rain falling as the event got started, “people were lined up and starting to come at 11 a.m.,” said Carrie Dainty.
“They’re not talking politics. They’re talking good food, good time,” she said. “We’re embracing the local aspect of it rather than anything related to politics.”
Many early comers got food and left, but as the rain let up, others stayed to eat and listen to bands perform in the park’s gazebo.
Megan Jarosinki, 41, of Madison, made the rounds of the alternative brat fests with husband Dave and 2-year-old son Emet, also going to Saturday’s People’s Brat Fest off the Capitol Square and the Wurst Times festival at the High Noon Saloon, Brink Lounge and Brass Ring on East Washington Avenue.
“It really was the political climate and the Walker (contributions)” that made her want to support the alternative fests, said Jarosinski, whose family was “having just as good a time” despite Sunday’s rain.
But for Emily Clark, 36, and John Schmitt, 35, both of Madison, Alt Bratfest was just a chance to enjoy great food from the local restaurants they frequent.
Theresa Roetter, 44, of Madison, who also came out for “good food and something to do,” appreciated the “gourmet options.”
Munching on an Italian sausage with lemon garlic sauce, Roetter noted, “It’s not just your basic brat.”
