By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Oct 17, 2023 at 10:02 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

This is one of our favorite stories from 2023! Thanks for reading OnMilwaukee. 

There's no shortage of articles and television shows that showcase the dishes chefs cook at their restaurants. But, what do they love to eat when they're not at work? In this beloved series, we ask Milwaukee area chefs to share three of their favorite dishes from locally owned restaurants.  Love this? Check out the rest of the series.

Hacienda Taproom + Kitchen
2018 E. North Ave., (414) 296-7200
haciendabeerco.com/hacienda-north-ave 

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When Chef Ashley Turner accepted the offer to reimagine the menu at Hacienda Taproom & Kitchen, she brought a wealth of experience to the proverbial table, including a deep cultural knowledge of Texas BBQ and Southwestern fare.

With a culinary point of view shaped by living and working in Western Texas, Turner has helped to reshape the menu at the East Side restaurant and taproom where she's woven Texas-style barbeque, Southwestern and TexMex fare into a delicious and cohesive slate of offerings.

However, the accomplished chef has done much more. Since moving to Wisconsin, the Texas native has worked as chef and culinary director for East Troy Brewery Co., created Sporkies finalists like the Sconnie Slugger (2022) and the Glazy Boy (2021; Golden Spork Winner). She's even gone head to head with three other chefs on the Food Network's "Chopped."

But, what does Turner eat when she's off the clock?  That’s what we wanted to find out.

Video by Courtney Bondar.

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Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.