In this episode of 'At the Bar,' hosts Tim Hansen and Toby Reynolds sit down with Omar Shaikh, a true Milwaukee icon whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring.
Omar takes us on a whirlwind tour of his life, from his early days training in jiu-jitsu at the prestigious Gracie Academy to becoming a culinary powerhouse in Milwaukee. We dive into the creation of Sake Tumi in 2005 and the birth of Carnevor, the upscale steakhouse that put Omar on the map.
But that's just the appetizer. Omar serves up a feast of incredible stories. Hear about his clever ploy to snag a coveted Chilean sea bass recipe, the jaw-dropping $5,000 tip left for one of his servers, and how he accidentally charmed a restaurant critic.
The main course of our conversation covers Omar's views on work-life balance and his passionate belief in the power of kindness, illustrated by a moving story about helping an ex-con turn his life around. We also delve into his thoughts on social media—a necessary tool he views with healthy skepticism.
For dessert, Omar shares his thoughts on the upcoming 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. And just when you think the meal is over, Omar treats us to a sampler platter of Milwaukee's finest attributes, reminding us why this city holds a special place in his heart.
So, grab a glass of wine and join us for this jam-packed episode.