Munching Around Milwaukee: Charlie DeSando Loves to Eat

Charlie DeSando is the kind of Milwaukee food personality who’s equal parts teacher, connector, and enthusiastic eater. He grew up in a restaurant family and built Cooking Secrets for Men—a recipe site plus YouTube channel—so home cooks can feel more confident in the kitchen through practical shortcuts and everyday, doable recipes. Along the way, the project landed on Feedspot’s roundup of top men’s cooking blogs.

But Charlie’s not just publishing recipes. He’s also documenting the people behind Milwaukee’s food culture.

He hosts Munching Around Milwaukee, a conversation-first show with local chefs, restaurateurs, and food folks, and Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, where the format is literally “talk, cook, then eat” with guests working to make Milwaukee better. Recently, he announced the Milwaukee Podcast Network as a collaboration hub for Milwaukee-centric podcasters with more cross-pollination and local stories.

In the Q+A below, Charlie shares what pulled him into this “next chapter,” why he prefers to dine anonymously, and the Milwaukee spots he thinks everyone should try.

What’s your origin story? Why did you want to start Cooking Secrets for Men and Munching Around Milwaukee?

My wife said I needed to do something in my next chapter, as my work life was coming to a close. She said, “You like to write, and you like to cook, so how about writing a cooking blog?” In subsequent research, it was shown that 77% of chefs in restaurants are men, but most men don’t cook.

I wanted to explore why that was so, I launched “Cooking Secrets for Men” to hopefully show men (and other home cooks) that cooking is no different than any skill; you just have to work a little at it. 

Charlie chats with Carlos Mejia, a Rockwell Automation engineer named among "30 People Shaping Milwaukee's Future," about his Puerto Rican roots, military service, education, and years of mentoring youth in STEM and technical careers.

“Amateur YouTube Chef & professional eater” is a great line for your bio. What’s your skill behind being a “professional eater”?

My aunt used to say, “That Charlie. He’s a good eater. Always a clean plate.” I grew up in a time when you cleaned your plate, because “children are starving.” I worked in country clubs through high school and college, and became very comfortable in a professional kitchen.”

My parents owned restaurants in DC when I was born & raised, so the combination was a comfort level in a kitchen. My logo aprons say, “I like to eat, therefore I like to cook.”

You’ve been voted a Top 30 Men’s Cooking Blog. What do you think made your voice stand out?

I consider myself a teacher. I'm not just putting out recipes. I'm trying to teach people that you can make a recipe easily, you can get the ingredients without any problem, and get it on the table on a Tuesday night, in half an hour or less. Because the reality is that's how most people in the world cook.

How do you decide which restaurants are worth your time (and your audience’s time)?

I don’t review restaurants in the sense of a food critic or influencer. I have chefs and restaurateurs on my “Munching Around Milwaukee” podcast, mostly from places I know well or chefs that I know well.

I am promoting Milwaukee and the Milwaukee food scene. And I have found that most chiefs in the area are happy to promote their restaurant on my show. My time in Milwaukee (since 2011) mirrors the explosion of the Milwaukee food scene. And I like talking about it to those in the know.

When you walk into a place for the first time, what are you evaluating?

I like to go to places and be anonymous. Especially before I have someone on my show. I like to absorb the atmosphere and the experience of the establishment. And being anonymous allows me to see how the staff reacts to a regular patron, as opposed to someone with 3 podcasts, a large social media following, and a website about food. I don’t want special treatment, I just want to have a good meal and a positive experience. That would be a true experience, not a manufactured one.

You recently announced The Milwaukee Podcast Network. What is your hope for this network for local podcasters and listeners? 

I like to promote Milwaukee. I want other podcasters to have a place to collaborate and help grow their audience. No fees. No agenda, just trying to promote the city. 

Charlie interviews Dominic the Reviewer on Munching Around Milwaukee

What’s one Milwaukee story you think hasn’t been told enough yet and you’d love to hear a podcast tackle?

I can point to two subjects. Milwaukee has multiple restaurant groups (Bartolottas, Black Show Hospitality, Bensons Group, etc.), each with several different restaurants. But they are all different concepts. That fascinates me.

The second is the camaraderie of the chiefs and restaurant owners, who subscribe to the "A rising tide lifts all boats" theory. They help each other; they attend each other's charity events. They actively work to promote Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Food Scene. Most people have no idea that this goes on every day. 

When looking at food, what do you think Milwaukee’s North Shore does especially well?

Even though I lived in Shorewood for several years, my focus has always been on downtown Milwaukee and the southern, ethnic enclaves. I think the elevated food scene has pushed restaurant owners to produce a quality product, or risk going out of business, because of the enhanced competition.

That being said, Shorewood is best suited for casual dining, places like Benji’s, Collectivo, and the other coffee shops, The Brat House, and Harry’s Bar. Being a walking community, Shorewood is best for casual spots.

Give us your Milwaukee area restaurant starter pack. What are your top picks, and what do you order at each? 

I’d put the restaurant groups together and say pick one from each group. Bartolottas, Black Show Hospitality, Bensons Group, and Lowlands are the biggest ones. That gives you casual, fine dining, and a variety of different parts of the city. It’s like a version of “City Tins” without paying the $35 to buy it.

Charlie visiting Viareggio, Italy. He speaks Italian and became friendly with the proprietors of one of the local shops. “They invited me back to show me their operation, and we have been connected since.”

Best Milwaukee area place for a weeknight meal when you want something great but easy?

I am very spoiled because I live in the 3rd Ward. There are 5 restaurants on my street, and another 15-20 within easy walking distance. If you throw in the Milwaukee Public Market, add another 10-12 places that serve great food. And because there are so many options here, restaurants have to keep their prices in an acceptable range.

Best spot for a “celebration meal” in the Milwaukee area? 

Harbor House is my go-to for a night out for special occasions. In the summer, almost any outdoor spot near the water is also special.

Best coffee stop + best pastry/dessert stop in the Milwaukee area?

I like Peter Sciortino Bakery for Italian treats, Honeypie Cafe in Bayview for pies, and Simma's Ovens Bakery. Stop into Amilinda or Buckley’s downtown for after-dinner desserts. Better than most bakeries.

Anything else to add? 

Thanks for asking me to participate. I am a 100% proponent of promoting the city and the surrounding areas relative to our wonderful, vibrant food scene in Milwaukee.