From its inception, Camino has consistently hit the mark with regard to both its craft beer list and menu, which has gained a reputation for its spot-on burgers, pierogi and creative offerings like the beet reuben and kim-cheese sandwiches.
And now, it has taken things a step further by launching a collection of house-made sausages including a Wisconsin beer brat made with Central Waters HHD, spicy Polish and Thai chicken sausage. Each sausage is the product of collaboration between owner Casey Rataczak and Jake Gunville, former sausage maker for Sendik's and feature freshly ground meats.
The sausages make their debut during Camino’s Sausage Fest, which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 24 beginning at 3 p.m.
During the event, Camino will offer $5 grilled sausages served up with a side of potato salad for just $5. Rare offerings from Oregon’s Deschutes brewery will be on tap in the beer garden, and there will be a variety of giveaways throughout the evening.
"This is something I’ve been wanting to do from the beginning," says Rataczak. "The sausages that exist in town are great, but we really wanted to do something a little more special, something that’s unique to us. I’m excited about coming up with new flavors, things that people just can’t buy off the shelf."
Rataczak notes that the beer brat, Polish and chicken sausage will be staples on the menu, but each month, Camino will feature at least one new sausage.
"We might do a lamb or venison sausage, for instance," Rataczak notes. "And we’ll be rolling out a veggie sausage that’s a step above your average ‘not-dog’."
Coming up Oct. 12, Camino will also celebrate its first anniversary with a party featuring a 3 Floyds tap takeover, food and a DJ.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.