Wisconsin Smoked Carp Festival Draws Big Crowd

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – The third annual Wisconsin Smoked Carp Festival drew a big crowd to Riverside Park in La Crosse Saturday.

The festival celebrates the lowly carp, which is considered a nuisance by some but a delicious delicacy by others.

"It's definitely an acquired taste. But once you get it, you really get it," said festival attendee Jeremy Snopek.

Carp are abundant in the Midwest and many people say they are at their best smoked.

"I think they're a unique fish. I don't think you can find them anywhere else, smoked or otherwise," said attendee Ryan Gauger.

Attendees could buy smoked carp tacos, carp bratwurst and even smoked carp ice cream from local vendors. There was also live music and activities for kids.

Organizers say the festival is designed to show off the versatility of this often maligned fish.

"People sometimes have a misconception about carp that they are this muddy, bottom feeder fish. But when it's smoked correctly, it's a really delicate, wonderful flavor," said organizer Jami Freeberg.

Eau Claire restaurant bringing in smoked carp for Lent

Eau Claire, Wisconsin – A local restaurant is bringing in smoked carp for Lent.

Smoked carp will be available at Angelo's Pizza and Pasta starting on Ash Wednesday and running through Easter.

The restaurant is getting the carp from a local fish market.

Owner Angelo diGiovanni says he was looking for something different to offer during Lent and came up with smoked carp.

He says the dish has been well-received in the past when it's been offered as a special.

Smoked Carp on the Menu at Downtown Dining Spot

The Downtown Dining Spot is now serving up smoked carp on the menu. The locally sourced dish can be enjoyed in either a sandwich or salad format and pairs perfectly with one of the Spot's many craft beers.

"We're really excited to add smoked carp to our menu," said owner Stan Dunham. "It's a dish that not many people have had a chance to try, but we think they're going to love it."

According to Dunham, the carp was sourced from a local farm and was smoked using hickory wood chips. "The end result is a delicious, smoky dish that goes well with just about anything."

In addition to the smoked carp, the Downtown Dining Spot also offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups. There is something for everyone at this popular downtown restaurant.

Kenosha Restaurant Serves Up a Unique Dish: Smoked Carp

There's a new restaurant in town, and it's serving up something a little different – smoked carp.

The Kenosha Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown, and it's quickly become a local favorite for its unique dish. The carp is sourced from local Lake Michigan, and it's smoked using apple wood, giving it a delicious flavor.

The restaurant is owned by two brothers, who grew up fishing on the lake and learned how to cook carp from their father. They were looking for a way to add a signature dish to their menu, and smoked carp seemed like the perfect choice.

So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Locals are thrilled to have a restaurant that serves something unique and delicious, and tourists are curious to give it a try. The brothers are always happy to chat with customers and share stories about the carp fishing tradition in Kenosha.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, be sure to check out the Kenosha Restaurant – you won't be disappointed!

Milwaukee Restaurant Adds Smoked Carp to Menu

Hey there, Milwaukee! If you're looking for something new and exciting to try when you go out to eat, we've got just the thing. Starting today, The Gandy Dancer Restaurant and Saloon is featuring smoked carp on their menu!

Carp is an underutilized fish that's a great source of protein and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. And, believe it or not, it tastes fantastic when smoked! Our chefs have been hard at work preparing this dish, and we think you're going to love it.

If you're curious about what carp tastes like, come on down to The Gandy Dancer and give it a try. We promise you won't be disappointed!