http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=1171&mname=ArticleGroup Restaurant Reviews en-us 60 By Michelle Williamson Of the Frontpage Milwaukee staff July 2009 Stack’d Burger Bar 170 S. First St. (414) 273-7800 www.stackedbar.com Business hours: Bar: 11 a.m to last call Kitchen: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are a couple of things that fun-loving Milwaukeans take seriously: bars and burgers. And while there are plenty of both here, we’re constantly keeping an eye out for something new. So when the Social, a bar on 170 S. First St. (just footsteps away from my apartment) closed, I was anxious to see what would replace it. As the old saying goes, when one bar closes, another one opens. Not long ago, a sign appeared in the windows of the shuttered Fifth Ward building, announcing what the space was to become: another bar. Of course. But this one’s not like the others. This is Stack’d Burger Bar. Now say ‘burger’ once and I’m interested, but throw owner Tim Dixon (the man behind the Iron Horse Hotel and Roots Restaurant and Cellar, my favorite brunch spot) into the mix with Milwaukee chef Bruce Evans and I’m there. Dixon’s developments mix unique urban design with innovative menus, and Stack’d is no exception. The impeccably clean interior of the cream city brick building is certainly much more inviting than the typical burger hole. The lounge in the back room, with its cushy booth and leather lined arm chairs, says ‘stay awhile.’ The red pool table in the main dining area says ‘play awhile,’ which the energetic children of one dining family certainly do on one of my visits. The bar stretches along the entry way and eventually merges with the exposed kitchen, with employees happily chatting between themselves and customers alike in between tending to the tables. It’s a very comfortable environment inside and out, where diners can relax on the tall grass-lined patio on First St. with the company of their canine companions. However, you’ll probably want to savor the food all for yourself, rather than share with Fido. Like the décor, the generally young wait staff is friendly and welcoming, neatly dressed, casual yet clean. Eager to please, the service is quick and ready to accommodate your needs and checks up on you more than in the average pub restaurant. Any burger connoisseur worth his buns could tell just by looking at the menu that this is a burger joint unlike any other in Milwaukee. Luckily for me (and unluckily for my scale) I’ve been able to dabble in its offerings a few times since its opening. The list of specialty burgers (1/3 pound after cooking, boasts the menu) offers both the traditional beef patty to the slightly more creative, like veal and lamb, bison, and chopped salmon. Thanksgiving dinner your favorite meal of the year? Give the Gobbler a whirl: a thick (really, I mean thick) serving of all-white, sage-seasoned meat topped with thin but still satisfyingly crisp celery slices, sweet potato crunchies and a blanket of gravy. Didn’t get tickets for today’s Brewers game? Let the German Stack, a juicy beer brat patty with sauerkraut, raw onions and mustard, take you there. It’s exactly like the real thing, just not in racing sausage form and not charred by your best friend who neglected the grill to take a hit from the beer bong. The Pulled Pork Stack is also billed as a burger, but in reality is more in the form of any pulled pork sandwich. But the ring of pineapple that crowns the meat takes the taste far from average. Warning: this one’s a messy eat. There are two vegetarian burgers on the menu: the Portabella Stack and the Black Stack, a black bean patty that needs to be held with both hands in order to keep it from escaping the bun. While the patty shape may not be upheld very long, there’s no shortage of flavor. This is one of the best tasting black bean burgers I’ve tried and also one of the spiciest, even when tempered by the addition of avocado, lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. All burgers, with the exception of the salmon, are served on a soft and lofty, slightly buttery pretzel roll, which adds an additional flavor element to the burgers with a very subtle sweetness. Each order of the specialty burger comes with choice of side: potato wedges, onion rings, fruit, mac and cheese, or coleslaw. I enjoyed the coleslaw for its freshness; rather than the usual pale, creamy concoction, this one was bright and colorful, drizzled with an oil and vinegar dressing and a light, crisp flavor. The mac and cheese is certainly notable, not your average blue-box variety of flimsy noodles and runny cheese sauce. Thick and rich with three types of cheese (blue, gouda and cheddar) and topped with bread crumbs, the mac seems to be a favorite among the employees, as all three servers from my separate visits broke into a smile when it was ordered. Appetizers range from loaded potatoes to portabella mushroom fries to fried pickled spears. There’s even a list of interesting sounding and fairly priced ($6 to $7.50) salads. Once your meal is over, you can satisfy a sweet craving with a milkshake, which can be prepared virgin or spiked (this is a bar as much as it is a restaurant, after all.) Stack’d should definitely be added to the list of burger destinations in Milwaukee because of the fresh ideas its menu provides. I kind of see it like I see our hometown: deeply appreciative of tradition yet constantly striving to discover and explore new perspectives. It’s certainly worth the trip into the constantly evolving and upgrading Fifth Ward. Even if it takes more than a few footsteps. Rating scale: :|= boo! ?????= yay! Service: ???? Setting: ??? Food: ???? Value: ???? Overall: ???? Cuisine type: burger specialty Price range: $10 to $13.50 Attire: Casual Reservations: No Payment: Cash and credit (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:33:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=23298&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=23298&mname=Article Head: Balzac, not your average name Sub: Not your average place Author: Lacy Kutz Cuisine Type: worldly - tapas inspired Price per entrée: $5-$16 Attire: Casual - Business Casual Reservations: Yes Payment: Credit Cards Accepted Internet Service: Free Wi-Fi Balzac 1716 N Arlington Pl Milwaukee, WI 53202-1619 (414) 755-0099 M-F 3:00 pm- 2:30am Sat & Sun 2:00 pm- 2:30am Maybe my friends are just immature, but tell your friends you want to go here and see if you get a snicker out them. Balzac, as it initially sounds, is not a play on the male body part, but the last name of a French novelist and playwright – Honore de Balzac. Right off Brady on Arlington, tucked across from its sister company Hi Hat Garage, Balzac Food x Wine offers a chic dining experience influenced by its owners’ worldly travels. Balzac believes in the motto “sharing is caring” and offers tapas inspired twists on classic dishes. Leslie Montemurro and Scott Johnson were apart of the ever-popular Milwaukee restaurant owners, the Diablos Rios, who own Trocadero and Café Hollander among other restaurants, when they opened Balzac four years ago. The owners split the business shortly after Balzac got on it feet. Balzac continues to thrive with its ever-changing décor and new menu, which debuted only a few weeks ago. Balzac is, without a doubt, perfect for dinner with a group of friends or family, drinks at the bar, or a bottle of wine with a special someone. Deer heads and antlers anchored to the walls throw you for a loop, but that’s the whole point. Nude statues, strange chicken figures, and a collage of miscellaneous pictures add the perfect amount of spunk to veer this place away from feeling uppity. The dark-candlelit atmosphere is ideal for a first date or a night out on the town. Its appeal to an eclectic crowd is one of the things that make Balzac unique. Older business class men and women are sure to love the elegance, and young party goers get down with the funky music, energetic staff, and of course, the happy hour (M-F 3-7pm). I’d put myself right in between. I am not a partier per se, but I enjoy good food and wine (or beer), and a bar where I can actually hear myself think. Balzac encompasses all those qualities and much more - I haven’t even gotten to food yet! I arrive at Balzac on a Tuesday night, an hour before my two girlfriends. Balzac’s cool staff and inviting atmosphere encourage me to sit with my computer and a beer in a dark corner. I’m more than pleased to be able to sit by myself, at a restaurant, and feel perfectly comfortable, thank you Balzac! My friends arrive, I pack my things, and we move to the back patio. Thick vines enclose and seclude the outdoor seating, while white Christmas lights bring it to life with vibrancy. I feel like I’m not in the city anymore, but in some quaint village abroad. Balzac has an extensive wine list of international selections ranging from $20 bottles to $302 bottles. Don’t worry if you don’t want a whole bottle; Balzac offers glass pours as well as tastes and splits. If you’re like me and you love wine, but most of the time you just want a good beer, or if wine just isn’t your thing once again, don’t worry. There’s a plethora of beer and cocktail choices, again keeping the place attractive to a diverse crowd. The three of us start with a Tamarack Cellars bottle of Chardonnay ($38). Happy hour ended fifteen minutes ago, but our server has no problem giving us the half-price discount on our bottle without us even asking. Are you kidding me? That kind of service goes way beyond my expectations for servers, who make their money off up-selling, not giving discounts away willy-nilly. Nevertheless, if he’s offering, we’ll take it. We jump right into our entrees, although the appetizers look delicious (cheese plates and dips). The Firecracker Shrimp ($11) comes as a recommendation from the server and what a recommendation. Panko, a Japanese word for breadcrumbs, is the perfect light and airy batter for jumbo shrimp. The smoked chili sauce hits you right after you swallow – zing! Aha, that’s why they call it Firecracker Shrimp. The cilantro pesto smoothes the spice, and to my surprise my mouth is not on fire. This dish is small, but when it comes to Balzac size doesn’t matter. No pun intended. Well maybe it was. All jokes aside, this dish is amazing and well worth the price. My vegetarian friend has no trouble picking out an entrée that suits her needs. I take that back. She may have more trouble than usual because there are so many vegetarian dishes to choose from. She goes with the Pine Nut Crusted Portabella and Spinach Napoleon ($9). It’s all in the name for this one. Pine nuts and seasoned breading swathe the jumbo portabella. Sautéed spinach topped with fresh-melted mozzarella rests on top to the portabella. Another piece of pine nut crusted portabella tops this dish off, making it into a mini sandwich. A small side salad adds color to the dish and a little something extra to snack on. This plate looks small, but is the perfect amount of food. You won’t need a crane to lift you out of your seat and you won’t be craving Jimmy Johns in an hour. The Napoleon (as the server shortened) is a must at Balzac. I took the advice of the menu, “Sharing is caring” and chose the Sac Mac ($8), something a little more filling. This entrée is perfect to share and to act as filler to the small dishes, if you decide to pass those around. The cavatappi pasta is al dente, which is exactly what I was looking for. Mushy pasta just isn’t what you want with this cheesy dish. The smoked Gouda blends flawlessly with the béchamel sauce, a cream based sauce sometimes referred to as the mother sauce. Don’t let the blue cheese scare you away. There’s just enough to give you a hint of it, but in no way does it overwhelm the dish. To perfect this dish, the Sac Mac is sprinkled with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, baked just long enough to brown. Like I said, classic dishes with a twist. The Sac Mac is the ideal twist to old-fashioned mac and cheese and definitely a worthwhile indulgence. Whether it’s summer and you can’t get enough of Milwaukee’s outdoor seating or it’s the dead of winter and you need something dark and cozy, Balzac is the place to go. Balzac’s wine list is up to par for any sommelier, but approachable to the novice wine drinker. The food is delicious whether it be for snacking or an all-out meal. Whichever way you want your evening to go, Balzac can more than accommodate your desires. Oh, and yes, by the end of the night your friends will be tired of making fun of the name, hopefully. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:28:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=23293&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=23293&mname=Article By Amanda Koch July 2009 Of the Frontpage Milwaukee staff Restaurant Review Jose’s Blue Sombrero Restaurant & Cantina 6430 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53406-3920 (262) 886-5600 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00am – 10:00pm Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday Closed Cuisine type: MEXICAN Price per entrée: $8.49-$19.99 Attire: CASUAL Reservations: NO Payment: CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED I’m looking to have a fun night out with my friends, but no one has an opinion of what to do or where to go. Where’s an affordable place where we can eat, drink and be wild? For me this is simple! The first thing that comes to my mind is margaritas, guacamole, chips and salsa. What better place to get your fix of all those things at a great price than Jose’s Blue Sombrero Restaurant & Cantina. Jose’s Blue Sombrero Restaurant & Cantina has two locations, one on Bluemound Road in Brookfield, and the one that I frequent on Washington Avenue in Racine. Your typical Mexican food and beverages are offered here. The décor inside has a Mexican feel with bright flashy colors, and the up beat music makes you want to get up and shake it! Be warned though, this place is busy, with wait times on weekends usually around 45 minutes. It is possible to call ahead and get your name on the list though! I would eat at Jose’s everyday if I could. The chips and salsa are the best in town, and the guacamole cart that comes to make the guac right next to your table cannot be beat. Though you may have to wait to be seated, the service is fast and your chip basket is never empty. Some, unique features about Jose’s are the cool decorations that they have. At the Racine location there is a mariachi band made out of metal! In the bathroom they have Spanish lessons running where you can learn useful phrases while using the facilities. Although I already mentioned the guacamole, it is SO worth mentioning again. Hearing the sweet sound of the wheels of the cart bumping over the stone floor makes my mouth water. Jalapenos, onions, avocado, cilantro and tomato make up the mix, the making of which is entertaining to watch, finished off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The location itself of the Racine location is not ideal, nestled between two buildings making it easy to miss. Though there is another Mexican restaurant very close by, Jose’s is the better choice. Last Tuesday I took a half day off of work to spend some quality time with the fiancé. The minute I walked in the door Andy asked if I’d be interested in going to Jose’s for lunch. I hesitated a moment only because I had plans to go there on Thursday with my girlfriends from work, but of course I said yes. You can never visit Jose’s too often! We arrived at the restaurant at around 1pm. There was a good amount of people in there for it being an odd time and a Tuesday, but we didn’t have to wait to be seated. Andy isn’t a fan of guacamole (even though he’s never tried it) so I knew that unless that was going to be my whole meal that I’d have to wait until Thursday to have that. Andy ordered his usual, the chimichangas with shredded beef, and I tried something new, the taco salad with chicken. I didn’t really care of the lettuce in the salad because it was dipped in some sort of lemon dressing, but the mix of meat, cheese, tomatoes and guacamole was perfect. Andy’s chimichangas were just as good as he remembered, cheese oozing out after the first slice into it. Everything was delicious, and we were out of there in less than 30 minutes. The service is so speedy here you won’t believe it. Your food will be delivered to your table less than 10 minutes after you order it, no matter how busy the restaurant is. At night there is someone who’s sole purpose is to make sure that your chip basket and salsa bowls are never empty, and with a pitcher of water with glasses on the table before you even sit down, you are never thirsty! The servers are very friendly and even with a casual uniform, they always look presentable. They have knowledge of the menu and how the food is made, and they have no problems customizing dishes. The servers always come back for a satisfaction check, and they will bring you something else if you don’t like your dish. The staff is very accommodating so satisfaction is guaranteed! When you walk into Jose’s in Racine there is a small lobby and two doors. This is a bit confusing as which to choose. One leads to the host station and one leads to a dining room. Even if you chose the wrong door, it’s not hard to find your way to where you need to go. The lighting is dim, the walls are the color of clay, and the décor is bright and vibrant. The look of a typical Mexican restaurant I would say. One down fall to the ambiance is how LOUD it is in there. This is definitely not the place for a romantic dinner, but a great place to meet up with friends or have a birthday dinner. The birthday boy/girl gets serenaded by the wait staff while wearing a giant sombrero, which they get to keep and a yummy dessert on the house. The floor in one dining room is made of stone while the other is carpeted. The smell in the air is spicy. The entrées are not unlike every of there Mexican restaurant in Wisconsin. You have your fajita’s ($12.99), sautéed onions & peppers, soft tortillas, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese and grilled chicken breast. They also offer grilled skirt steak or sautéed shrimp as options for an additional $3.00. I personally go for the chicken because it is so moist and delicious. Then we have Andy’s favorite, the chimichangas ($9.99), shredded or ground beef, chicken or pork, rolled w/cheese and beans, and then deep fried. Here too I go for the chicken usually. Andy prefers the shredded beef. I personally recommend staying away from the ground beef here. I’ve never had a dish with it that I liked here. It just has a different taste than I prefer. Another favorite of mine, which is a bit boring, is the quesadilla ($9.49). Here again you can choose beef, chicken or pork, then add cheese and top it with lettuce and pico de gallo. I always add a little guac to the top for the added goodness. It costs a bit extra, but to me it’s worth it. They have some fun drinks here too, although I prefer the drinks at other restaurants over these. Their margaritas are subpar. They don’t use enough alcohol, and a lot of times, no matter what flavor of margarita I try, it ends up tasting like coconut. They have frozen sangria, which you don’t find at too many places, and when the twist it with margarita, it a unique treat. Compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area, Jose’s would be my pick, mainly because of the guacamole, but also because of the quick service and friendly staff. For me, the perfect Mexican restaurant would be a mixture of La Fuente’s drinks and patio, La Perla’s giant jalapeño pepper, La Merenda’s tapas and Jose’s guacamole, chips and salsa, and chimichangas. Unless I open my own restaurant, it will be pretty difficult to achieve such perfection in one place. Overall, I love Jose’s! Whether you’re looking for a place to have after work drinks, looking for a place to take a big group before a fun night out, or if you just have a craving for some delicious Mexican food, and unbeatable guacamole, Jose’s is the place to go. I highly recommend it! Besides the good food and fun atmosphere, it is high affordable compared to other restaurants in the area. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food or a quiet night out, I would not venture here, maybe head to one of the more fancy places in the city or downtown. Rating: (4 out of 5) Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:25:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=23291&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=23291&mname=Article By Sarah J. Worthman Of the Frontpage Milwaukee staff July, 20, 2009 Z Spot Coffee House Cuisine Type: Coffee house Price per cup: Ranges from $1.00 - $6.00 Attire: Any Reservations: Never Payment: Cash, Credit, Check Cards Z Spot Coffee House 1024 Indiana Avenue M-TH: 6AM-9PM Sheboygan, WI F-SAT: 6AM-10PM p 920.457.6690 SUN: 7AM-6PM Located at1024 Indiana Avenue, Z Spot is “Z Spot to be”. Remarkably helpful service and an inviting atmosphere always allow me, or any coffee connoisseur to indulge in rich and flavorful adventures. Bottles and bottles of flavor syrup persuade any experienced coffee drinker to construct and design a tantalizing experience that, with a little help from one of the experienced staff, can make tongues dance with smooth, savory flavor. For those who don’t have a passion for coffee, Z Spot offers two large blackboards loaded with other recipes. Teas of every spice and aroma, juicy smoothies and even chocolate milk for the young at heart are available. Even when I’m running from class, to home, so I can change for work, eat, and finish my homework, Z Spot offers a convenient drive-thru window so it’s possible for me to receive the same excellent service and flavor of this traditional coffee house, with the speedy delivery of a “Jo To Go”. I have been there numerous times, particularly when I am in need of some serious studying time. The background music keeps my mind focused on what homework or essay I may have for the afternoon, while the splendid coffee keeps me surreptitiously amused. Natural colors splashed on every wall always invite me into a feeling of earthy, practical and sensible flavor. Large, oriental style fabric lights drop from the ceiling, allowing a glow of luminescence to escape and drape the walls in warm light. On my last encounter with Z Spot, it was a Thursday afternoon. It had been raining all day, and I was having an increasingly difficult time not falling asleep despite the bountiful amount of homework I had been so graciously prescribed. So, I walked in and as usual, was greeted gleefully by Z Spot owner, Jeff Zenk. I ordered my choice beverage, a large iced mocha, paid the below standard price and bee-lined it straight for my preferred nook. Most coffee houses are one giant room, but Z Spot has this interesting small additional room, within the larger room. One could almost assume this would be comparable to Queen Elizabeth’s walk-in closet in size. Here we have multiple leather chairs, nearly sofas in size, and a nicely sized round table. Half way through my homework, Jeff walked in and, as usual, his superior customer service skills shined through. He asked how I was doing, how school was going, and if I wanted anything else while he was up. Of course, I could not possibly turn down one of “Joni’s Bisconis”. These are wonderful little biscottis that Joni, another Z Spot employee, makes by hand in the back of the coffee house. These are made especially with tiny pieces of chocolate and toffee, and incredibly moist. If I had been feeling a bit hungrier, unlike many other coffee houses that only feature baked goods, Z Spot also includes hot ham sandwiches on a Sheboygan hard roll, Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) from Aleka’s Authentic Greek Kitchen, and usually has a vegetarian special soup prepared. Most coffee houses focus solely on the beans and flavor shots, but Z Spot also takes into careful consideration, how coffee consumption can bring hunger. Food is not really listed on their black boards of treasures and teasers, but just mention that your tummy is grumbling and immediately they’ll start the food profile. Asking question after question to see what you like, the Z Spot staff will make anything from soup to sandwiches. They also have a collection of fresh daily bakery. Homemade scones, muffins and turnovers overflowing with fruit and flavor can keep anyone here for days. The signature snack of the “Joni Bisconi” softly crumbles into a menagerie of chocolate and cookie, without the normal rip and tare of a typical scone. Original developer and owner, Jeff Zenk opened this café in June of 2005. Originally a “One Hour Moto Photo”, Zenk gutted and renovated this pebble into a diamond. The portion of the new Z Spot that has kept its original structure is a small room, off to the side. This room, a favorite of most Z Spot goers, has three large and cozy leather chairs. A hefty sized table fills the rest of the room, allowing drinkers to sprawl out books, play games, or write a review. Just outside this room is another, taller table, with entertainment for all ages. Scrabble, checkers, chess, cards, and all kinds of books allow a Z Spot regular to stay an entire day if their heart needs that much tranquil repair. Sheboygan does offer a few other coffee houses of nearly equal caffeinated options, but Z Spot wins my heart over every time. Paradigm is probably the second most popular within this area, but the atmospheric mood emits a sense of pain and misery. The staff is very pleasant, but it feels as if you’re entering a cave of deep, dark secrets and despair. The Funky Bean and Weather Center offer a sunnier environment, but are smaller and feel more commercial. Z Spot will always and forever steal my vote from other potential caffeinated caregivers. The friendly staff not only makes the effort to be pleasant and patient with my questions, but knows me by my first name. Due to these diligently dedicated employees and other outstanding characteristics, I give Z Spot five out of five of my coffee cups. When entering Z spot it doesn’t feel like a commercial pushing Starbucks chain, but more like the serenity and completeness of finishing the lengthy and difficult, “War and Peace”. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:27:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22966&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22966&mname=Article By Michelle Williamson Of the Frontpage Milwaukee staff July 20, 2009 Soup Brothers 209 W. Florida St. (414) 270-1040 (not in service) Business hours: Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday At many restaurants in Milwaukee, soup is merely an appetizer, an attempt to stave of hunger prior to the entrée. Then again, Soup Brothers is not like many restaurants. Here, soup is the star of the show. No starter snacks, no desserts, just soup. And it’ll be the one of the best bowls of your life. If you have the patience to wait for it. Tucked away on 209 W. Florida St. in Walker’s Point, this popular lunch-hour destination is a nod to a time when things were slow and simple, despite being just a couple of blocks from the fast-paced stream of cars whirring by on 1st Street. As the nearby traffic suggests, city life is all rush, rush, rush. Does a little homegrown shop like Soup Brothers have a place here? From their place in line, any of Soup Brothers’ loyal customers would tell you yes, of course. In the rush, rush, rush of daily routine, this tiny little soup nook is a breath of fresh air, a step away from our technology-laced lives. For one thing, although the little sign propped up facing the window proclaims that the daily menu can be accessed at (262) 860-SOUP, the line isn’t in service. Nor is the listed website, www.soupbros.com. There’s only one way to check the constantly rotating menu: go there. And go there they do. And so do I. Once a week. Okay, okay, maybe twice a week, but I’m hardly alone. It’s hard to deny the charm of the place. Eating there is kind of like having lunch at an eccentric friend’s house. An eccentric friend’s tiny house, where you eat bumping elbows with your tablemates while surveying the work of local artists hanging on the walls and a mix of knickknacks collected over a lifetime of world travel sitting on the well-used tables. Vases of dried flowers and tall grass, as well as potted plants, rest among decades-old foreign soda bottles and dog-eared books about the places to visit at least once in your lifetime. Of course, on a nice day, you can always take a seat on one of the two weathered wooden benches outside, shaded by some of the trees that line the street. Occasionally there’s even a sole table set up in a sunny spot out there, furnished with a few bottles of hot sauce and a pinch bowl of course-grain salt. An iPod sitting on a shelf in the corner provides the music, which ranges from jazz to reggae to European-sounding accordion tunes and suits the décor completely. The eccentricity of the interior reflects the constantly rotating menu, which is scrawled onto chalkboards on the wall. Soup Brothers offer fresh, hearty spins on classic soups in either 12 or 16-ounce porcelain bowls. (Carry out is offered if you prefer.) Served up with a hefty chunk of salty, poppy seed-sprinkled homemade bread, it’s definitely enough food to qualify as a full meal. There are several soups on rotation (usually six per day) with options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. I have yet to try them all, but so far it’s what’s billed as “Mario’s barrio stew” that has me salivating in my sleep. A chunky concoction of pork, rice, beans, and jalapenos in a tomato sauce topped with a pinch of cilantro, it’s pretty much the stew of my dreams (sorry, Mom.) Often it’s served with a dollop of sour cream, but usually I spoon that out because it can make the stew less warm and I like mine piping hot. Although the main attraction is soup, the menu does have a decent selection of sandwiches. I favor the Jamaican jerk sandwich, which features warm jerk pork, onions, thinly sliced cucumbers, and spicy mayo on a crusty baguette, perfect for dipping into your soup of choice. Try the roasted red pepper bisque; their version is creamy and colorful with a scoop of rice and sour cream and a sprinkling of scallions on top, a burst of flavor with every spoonful. Nope, don’t even try to sip (I know you will.) This stuff needs to attention of a utensil. While it’s hard to argue with a perfectly prepared bowl of soup, it seems that some people caught up in the rush have a hard time with the relaxed process that goes into eating at Soup Brothers. Usually there’s only one employee there, who acts as both cook and cashier. This often results in a line of customers that can sometimes snake out the door and at least a ten-minute wait for your food once you’ve ordered, especially during the weekday lunch hour crush. You are also responsible for cleaning up after yourself. Of course, this may deter a potential customer, but I would advise anyone with a healthy appetite and a little time to spare to wait it out. This little soup nook may be considered a lunch place, but it’s not a fast food joint. I think that taking a little time away from the ringing phones and a constantly full e-mail inbox to get a good bite to eat is a little taste of heaven. And it seems that Soup Brothers would agree. Rating scale:??= boo! ?????????????????= yay! Service: ?? Setting: ???? Food: ???? Value: ????? Overall: ????? Cuisine type: soup specialty Price range: $4.50 to $8 Attire: Casual Reservations: No Payment: Cash only Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:26:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22965&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22965&mname=Article Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} By Tammy McCubbin Riverwest Co-Op Grocery & Café 733 E. Clarke St. 414-264-7933 M-F 7-9/ Weekends 8-9 Riverwest Co-op Rating: 4 forks! Cuisine type: Miscellaneous organic dishes Price per entrée: $4.50-$7.50 Attire: Casual Reservations: No Payment: credit cards accepted Nestled in the heart of the Riverwest neighborhood lies a convenient grocery store. Within that grocery store lies a pleasant organic café that seems to blend right in with the neighborhood. The Riverwest Co-Op Grocery & Café, located at the intersection of Fratney St. and Clarke St., has been serving the neighborhood since 2001. With a diverse menu, ranging from veggie burgers to vegan burritos, the Riverwest Café is a pleasant surprise. Seeing as though the Riverwest Co-op is a cooperate, there is no central owner, either is there one main chef. The Co-op is volunteer run and each member equally contributes to the operations of the store. Free from corporate ties, the co-op seems to have a light, care free feel surrounding the store, which seems to reflect through the diverse clientele. Aside from the uplifting atmosphere, the quality of food meets, and exceeds, expectations. Appearing to beat the trend of environmentally friendly services, the co-op now seems to be setting the standards for organic cuisine. With a menu that is reasonably priced, for a heaping quantity of food, the most expensive thing I could find reached $7.50. There are also options of readymade sandwiches and cold pastas which are also reasonably priced. After a late night, I recently woke a little late with a yearning for a hearty breakfast. Good for me, the Co-op is only two blocks from where I live, and serves breakfast till 11am on the weekdays and until 2pm on the weekends. Entering the very small café that only holds five tables, there is outdoor seating to accommodate the lack of space, my father and I found a small two seat table that looks out the wide window. Decorating the walls are paintings by local artist that are for sale, which adds to the laid back ambiance of the café. The building itself is an obvious classic. According to their website, www.riverwestcoop.org, the building was built in 1904 and has been a vital part of the community ever since. From the outside, the old brick building is lit up with an original Schlitz beer painting, which is reminiscent of the days when the building used to be a Schlitz Tied House . Outdoor seating, which is regularly packed, welcomes customers to the café. The inside is more welcoming with the natural wood floors and brick walls. The old garage where the café resides is bright and pleasant. A huge garage door has been converted to a window which allows plenty of natural light pour in and for table plants to grow. Though the café is small and is often crowded, it never feels overwhelming. Trying to satisfy my huge appetite, I chose a traditional Korean dish called Bi Bim Bop ($5.50), a slice of banana bread (miscellaneous price by weight), and a Green Banana smoothie ($3.25). The Bi Bim Bop, which is a dish of mixed vegetables on a bed of rice traditionally served with beef, was offered with tofu or fried egg instead. The completely vegetarian dish was popping with spicy flavor and there was definitely a heaping amount. The banana bread and the banana smoothie were also delightful. The smoothie was extremely thick, smooth and creamy, and crammed with natural banana flavor. The green banana smoothie can be made with dairy or soy milk. The banana bread was nothing out of the ordinary, just regular banana bread. Though average, the ingredients are all natural and fresh. Yes, the food is amazing, healthy, and reasonably priced; the wait to get the food is another story. I waited over a half hour, and the café was not even busy. Three cooks appeared to be vigorously producing orders, that after a while I thought my ticket was misplaced! Though the wait was overly long, the atmosphere definitely compensated. People watching alone in the café is worth the visit. Just remember, Riverwest Café perfects the art of slow food. Along with the food being slow, there isn’t much customer service in the café section. The café is so small, and the three chefs in the open kitchen are often busy, that it is really hard to feel the whole customer service aspect. When the food finally arrived at the table, the server/chef did not ask further questions to make sure I was satisfied, or needed anything else with my meal. Luckily, the food was great, because as time passed the café became more crowded and I doubt I could have gotten close to no service. Connected to the café is grocery store which serves all organic, natural produce and assorted items. While waiting for the food, the grocery store is always an interesting place to roam around. Amazingly, the store holds a lot of stock even though it is fairly small. There is almost so many things in the store that it is almost claustrophobic. But don’t worry, if there is any particular healthy or local item that you are searching for, chances are the store will have it, aside from meat of course. The service in the grocery is a completely different story. Here, the customer service is friendly and heartfelt. If one is not sure of an item there is always someone there to help. The volunteers know about all of the products, and are willing to share their knowledge. The store also is not a hectic and jammed as the café, so it serves as a nice break from the bustle. The Riverwest Coop Grocery and Café is a must try. If one is looking for an authentic, Riverwest experience that is also healthy and helps the community, this is the place to try. I am confident to say that one will not regret the experience or the food. One suggestion, do not go if time is an issue. Allot at least an hour and a half to the experience, because the service of the food alone will take up most of the time. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:12:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22957&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22957&mname=Article Alterra Foundry, home sweet home Author: Lacy Kutz Five stars Cuisine type: American Price per entrée: $3.25-$6.95 Attire: Casual Reservations: No Internet Service: WiFi Payment: Credit cards accepted Alterra Foundry 170 S. 1st St. Milwaukee, WI 877-273-3747 Hours: M-F 6:30am-9 pm Sat 7am-9pm Sun 7am-8pm My roommates and I walk into the Alterra Foundry in Milwaukee’s Fifth Ward, only a few blocks from our house, on a Saturday morning, feeling similarly to any other Saturday morning, a little tired, a little hung-over, and in desperate need of food and coffee. The sounds of hipster music, customer chatter, and the grinding of coffee beans fills the air and stills our desperation. Ward Fowler, Lincoln Fowler, and Paul Miller opened the doors to their first Alterra in 1994, where they started experimenting with different roasts. These owners now pride themselves in bringing strong coffee to Milwaukee, thank God someone did. Alterra Foundry is one of the nine Alterra cafés, serving a slew of specialty coffee drinks, pastries, breakfast, and lunch. The café opened in early 2006 and since then has become a popular destination for the downtown, Fifth and Third Ward residents. The Foundry’s new menu, which premiered about a month ago, keeps the place fresh and inviting to the regulars. Alterra Foundry is well worth visiting, whether it’s for a quick cup of coffee or a full meal. The cream-city brick and exposed ceilings, distinctive to the industrial feel of this side of town, reinforce the foundry-like appeal and atmosphere. Plants sprawl out of the four-foot long plant pots hanging from lofted ceilings across the entire café making a miniature floating forest above my head. I love this look and might steal the idea for my own apartment. Customers feel comfortable enough to move tables around leaving hanging light fixtures to dangle in the open. Every time someone walks right into one, smacking his or her head embarrassingly, I can’t help but giggle to myself. It’s a little too cool to sit outside, but the outside seating is available in the front, back and side, a classic Milwaukee custom for the summer months. The baristas at the Foundry all have a unique yet harmonious style. They all look like typical Milwaukee cyclist - tattoos, tight paints, and funky hair, perfect for the Alterra atmosphere. They are all pleasant, yet blunt and to the point. Take the customers order, ask what size, what kind of chips, total, change, here’s your number for food and pick your drink up at the counter, nothing more, nothing less, exactly what I expect in a coffee shop. Having worked in the service industry, in many different positions, for the past 10 years, I’m almost always cognizant of the speediness of service. Although customers packed the place, the barista made our drinks quickly and brought our meals out to us in about ten minutes, which is to be expected. The baked oatmeal ($3.95) is a dish everyone must try at some point in time. I’m usually not the type of person to order oatmeal for breakfast, but my roommates insisted that it was delicious and that I had to try it. They were right. Seasonal fruit, brown sugar and vanilla are the perfect combination for baked oatmeal. The fruit wasn’t too tart or too sweet, it blends flawlessly with the rest of the ingredients. Baked oatmeal always runs the risk of being too dry, but not this oatmeal. As I dig towards the center of the piece, stem rises and I pull out a spoonful of moist baked oatmeal. If it’s not moist enough for you, Alterra offers a choice of organic yogurt or milk on the side. I chose yogurt and often combined the two on my spoon, mmm. With a sweet treat like this, don’t think too much about the drink, the mild blend of black coffee ($1.50 12 oz) is strong enough to get you moving for the day. One of my roommates went with an avocado BLT ($6.95), a sandwich combination of breakfast and lunch. The Usinger’s bacon, lettuce, tomato isn’t what makes this sandwich special; it’s the avocado and pesto mayo that gives it the extra kick needed. This fresh-green avocado almost melts on top of the warm bacon and toasted bread. The sandwiches and wraps all come with a choice of plain, jalapeño, or salt and vinegar chips. The jalapeño chips are a spicy combination to add to this dish and are highly recommended. Don’t rub your eyes, ouch! The avocado BLT and the iced latte ($2.75 12 oz), my roommate sipped on, perfect for summer, are definitely worth trying. My other roommate got the grilled vegetable burrito ($5.95), perfect for her, a vegetarian looking for something with some substance and nutrition. The burrito’s grilled sweet potatoes and carrots are an interesting flavor that could overwhelm the burrito, but instead compliment the other vegetables very well. As I sink my teeth into the burrito to find the vegetables cooked to perfection, not hard and not too mushy, just right. Zucchini and yellow squash are also nestled in the burrito bring out more color, texture and flavor. Black and refried beans, manchego, a Spanish goat cheese, and chipotle rice fill the burrito, making it into a dense, filling dish. Ranchero salsa is on the side for dipping. The salsa leaves my mouth hot and my nose running, just a little. It’s the perfect amount of spice needed for a lunchtime dish. A handful of tortilla chips would be perfect for this meal, but instead it comes with sliced apples, which is my only critique of this meal. The grilled vegetable burrito is also a dish worth trying at the Alterra Foundry. Fresh-squeezed orange juice ($2.25 8oz) is a light and refreshing drink to go with this filling meal. Overall, the Alterra Foundry is a place that anyone could grow to love. The atmosphere is a pleasant combination of hustle and bustle of workers and relaxation of customers. Milwaukeeans know Alterra mostly for their coffee, but the food just as appealing. Alterra Foundry is a home away from home. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:06:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22955&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22955&mname=Article v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} 5 Star Rating 1 star is poor * 3 stars is average 5 stars is excellent Café Centraal Cuisine type: European influenced American Price per entrée: $7.95-$21.95 Attire: CASUAL Reservations: NO Payment: CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Service *** Setting ***** Value ***** Food ***** Overall ****1/2 Café Centraal 2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Bay View, WI. 53207 Phone:414-755-0378 Monday-Thursday 11-2 am Friday 11-2:30 am Saturday 9-2:30 am Sunday 9-2 am Café Centraal continues a tradition of excellence Artisanal approach to atmospheric dining creates loyal customers By JODEE BENAVIDES Food and drink snob July 3rd, 2009 Café Centraal speaks my language. The business model created by the Diablo Rojo group (the restaurant group behind Trocadero, Fat Abbey, Café Hollander, and Café Centraal) reflects how I like to approach life. I prefer to savor all the fine moments that life has to offer. A quality establishment attempts to saturate not only the palette, but also the senses of touch, sight, and hearing, creating a wholly unique experience. Not many restaurants actually capture and convey this concept completely. When I dine out I prefer to patronize establishments that reflect a sincere dedication to the craft of atmospheric dining. Life experiences in two arenas shape the way I approach dining. Nearly ten years in the restaurant business as a server allows me to truly critique the service I receive. I am always watching for negligence. My experience as a student at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design believe it or not shapes the way I view food preparation. At MIAD I learned to truly appreciate craftsmanship. Café Central is a casual café nestled on the triangular corner of Kinnickinnic and Lincoln in the Bay view neighborhood of Milwaukee. Café Centraal specializes in Belgian craft beers and a European inspired menu. There is a distinctively old-world European feel to this building which possesses the unique triangular architecture as a result of being on a street corner with less than a 90 degree angle. The building choice is very important to the dining experience, it sets the stage. Even before Café Centraal arrived I always thought that space would be perfect for a quality eclectic restaurant, a true anchor point for the buzz happening on KK and Lincoln. Café Centraal is the sister restaurant of Café Hollander. Open since last September, the restaurant receives its inspiration from the Benelux region, which is the area nestled between France and Germany in the northwestern tip of the continent. Café Centraal boasts one of the strongest craft beer selections in the city, featuring many Belgians. It is a true destination spot for those with a more cultured palette. Again, a quality establishment attempts to saturate not only the palette, but also the senses of touch, sight, and hearing, totally enveloping the customer in a complete experience. As stated earlier the restaurant is run by the Diablo Rojo restaurant group owned by Mike Eitel and Eric Wagner. Wagner explained in a previous interview that he and Eitel would take yearly vacations to Europe to conduct research on new products and new relationships to keep their concepts fresh. It is evident from my visits to Trocadero and now numerous visits to Café Centraal that the research is dedicated to creating a unique experience. Atmosphere plays as much of a role as the food and service. I have visited Café central on several occasions, experiencing two separate perceptions of the restaurant. I visited with my brother, who has traveled Europe extensively in the evening to try out some of the high end specialty beers available. I also enjoyed a summer afternoon lunch with my wife. The establishment transitions from a restaurant to a local night spot seamlessly. My first experience with Café Centraal came when I met up with my brother one Friday evening. He is a frequent customer of Café Hollander and was looking forward to the experience. Immediately upon entry, we both being artists were impressed by the interior design. The bar is massive. There are so many different textures through the place. Everything is authentic from the recycled brick to the sturdy wood tables. Warm colors create a spacious yet cozy experience. The building and interior design reflect there is an artistic approach to the planning of the space. I appreciate the craftsmanship that is apparent throughout the establishment. We settled in at the bar and started sampling some of the wonderful beers available. My brother and I have an adventurous palette and are always looking to experience new flavors. We started out with Leffe Blonde($6.00), described as a farm-house ale with hints of honey and citrus. To pair with our beer we ordered a pound of the green curry mussels ($11.95). Ordering by the pound gave more of a market feel to the ordering process. Sometimes it feels good to be a glutton, especially with good food. The bartender approved our order confirming that the green curry mussels were delicious. Of course I expected him to say that but after they arrived I think he was sincere. A giant plate of mussels soaked in light curry sauce arrived in short time accompanied by slices of baguette for mopping up the sauce. The mussels were excellent. They were not overcooked and had the perfect texture that gives at just the right moment releasing the juices inside when bitten down on. The sweet coconut based curry sauce had an excellent consistency, like whole cream that coated the mussels. The sauce did not overpower the mussels either, but rather balancing out the strong aroma mussels have. The baguettes were perfect for soaking up the sauce left behind. The sauce was too good to leave on the plate. The Leffe Blonde was a perfect partner for the mussels as it helped cut through the creamy sauce without overpowering it with robust flavors as other beers would. The excellent beer and mussels combined with a lively night scene made my first experience at Café Centraal memorable. I became a eager fan, willing to visit again. My next experience was for an early afternoon lunch with my wife. It was perfectly sunny outside and we the first customers to arrive. After being promptly sat at the table of our choice, we waited a bit too long for a server too arrive. I tend to be very forgiving if service suffers due to the normal issues that arise in the business. However, our server, who I know saw us sit down was just a bit too chatty with her co-workers on the far end of the bar. Being the only people there it should not have taken so long for her to introduce herself to us. It was not enough to disappoint me, just enough to not be served by her again. I do not know if she was new, but her sense of timing and attention were off. As stated earlier table negligence is unforgiveable. Since more visits to Café Centraal I have found her poor service to be more of an anomaly than a trend. Once she finally arrived we were ready to order I ordered the Centraal Burger($10.95) and my wife ordered the KK Ave BLT($7.95). The cooks took short time in getting the food to us and upon arrival both I and my wife were pleased with the presentation. Both the burger and the BLT were paired with pommes frites (French fries). The burger was cooked to the right temperature and perfectly seasoned with smoked black sea salt. The meat was juicy and full of robust grilled flavor. I am particularly critical of any less than stellar toppings that get piled on top of burgers. Attention to detail in the presentation of food is what separates top notch establishments from the rest of the pack. The lettuce, tomato, and onion were plentiful, crisp and fresh. Too often burgers get paired with soggy tomatoes, wilted iceberg lettuce, and slimy onions. The cool freshness of the toppings contrasted nicely with the robust flavors of the grilled beef and mushrooms. The myriad of colors on the plate was also pleasing to the eye. If there was one flaw it would be that the gruyere cheese had little presence on the burger. It did not leave enough of an impression on my palette. Overall, the Centraal Burger was a success and has been consistent in subsequent visits. The KK Ave BLT was another success. My wife is a simple eater, never too adventurous in exploring new flavors. This sandwich was a slight twist on the classic sandwich. Unlike many establishments that cut cost by holding back on the bacon, this sandwich featured a generous amount of apple wood smoked bacon. Notable was the garlic aioli spread which added just enough flavor to give the sandwich extra depth. The most surprising, yet pleasant twist on the sandwich was thin slices of green apple within the sandwich. The apple slices balanced out the intense flavors of the aioli and the bacon. Who doesn’t love apples and pork together? The only issues my wife had with the sandwich was she felt the French bread was toasted too long, drying it out. However, she said she would order the sandwich again requesting the bread not be toasted as long. Just like my visits to Trocadero, the whole experience was a pleasure. The atmosphere and food were excellent, with very affordable pricing. For any customer who appreciates a simple artistic approach to food and beverage Café central is the perfect choice. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:45:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22949&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=22949&mname=Article By Amanda A. Schenkenberger August 23, 2008 For a late Sunday lunch, a friend and I decided on a well-established American style restaurant right on Main Street in downtown Oshkosh, Wisconsin. For over 50 years, this classic supper club has offered a wide-range of delectable entrees from spaghetti and meatballs to a stuffed tenderloin Sicilian. Restaurant owner Bob Wolf has managed this fine diner for 21 years now and seems to know a thing or two about keeping the clientele satisfied. His all-star chef Mark Gonzalez, also known as “Chico”, has been serving up cuisine for the Roxy for about two decades as well. The most enjoyable aspect of the Roxy, besides the fine food, is the casual atmosphere. The dimly lit restaurant sets a calm, soothing mood for patrons of all ages. Customers’ attire ranges from students sporting jeans and a sweatshirt, the Monday morning lecture look, to Church-goers dressed in their Sunday best. Smokers are welcome; however nowhere near the restaurant or main bar since the ban on restaurant smoking in Oshkosh was initially passed in 2004. Through a separate set of doors, there is a second bar which permits smoking to pair with an afternoon cocktail if you can’t fight the craving. While most restaurants tend to change with the times and try to offer a more modern feel to your dining experience, the Roxy chooses not to. The interior design of the restaurant matches that of a supper club you might find in the 50’s, and it appears as if the owner has no intention of changing that. The simple floral patterned booths and wooden tables weren’t anything spectacular, but the hanging chandeliers and decorative shelving spiced up the scenery. The table settings are simple yet refined and the cleanliness is nothing short of impressive. The dining room isn’t all that big, although there are private dining rooms which can accommodate up to 80 people. Reservations at the Roxy are accepted but typically not needed unless stopping in on Friday or Saturday night. One a peeve of mine, and of many people I know, when going out to eat is “fake service”. This is when the waiter or waitress puts their work smile on and gives you that obnoxious pitchy voice that you know they never use on a normal basis. Although I suppose they feel it is part of their job, I think it’s a bit excessive. Thankfully, the Roxy’s service was the opposite. Beth, our waitress, got straight to the point in a manner that wasn’t at all haughty or rude, but real. She gave us her genuine personality, a take it or leave it attitude with a shot of cynicism. Coming from someone who eats out more than eats in, Beth’s mannerisms were refreshing. To start, Beth brought out some homemade chicken dumpling soup included with the entrees. Instead of the usual overuse of salt and lack of dumpling, this soup was scrumptious and complimented the fresh baked bread nicely. For the main course I had the queen cut New York strip ($17) topped off with homemade breaded onion rings and a baked potato. The New York strip was prepared a bit on the medium side, though it was ordered medium rare, and came with a side of sautéed mushrooms and onions for an extra charge of $2.79. You can get your potato loaded with crisp bacon, green onions and cheddar cheese sauce for only $1.29, but I stuck with the plain old baked and a side of sour cream. Overall the steak was pretty tasty and came with a side of au jus to add a bit of extra flavor. On the other side of the table, my companion decided on veal parmesan, which was served with mushrooms, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, as well as a side of buttered noodles and a breadstick ($15). The pure sight of the dish was unappetizing and very sloppy, although the taste wasn’t all that bad. Topped with a homemade marinara sauce, the veal was extremely tender and had a nice blend of flavor. Though the taste wasn’t dreadful, the mere appearance of the dish could have been improved with a little more organization to enhance the meal overall. Compared to most other restaurants in the Oshkosh area, the Roxy is rated pretty high by many of the city’s residents. After speaking with a couple of college students in the area, they agreed that the pricing definitely doesn’t beat the local Toppers pizza joint, but the quality of the food definitely far exceeds most other campus area restaurants. I would have to say that when in the Oshkosh area in the future I would definitely not pass up the Roxy. With such a wide variety of food on the menu, I would be interested in trying out some of the other dishes. As I said previously, the service alone was enough to guarantee a return, and the casual atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable. With a little extra effort on the presentation I would have no complaints. Regardless, I would certainly recommend the Roxy to anyone in the area. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:08:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17931&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17931&mname=Article By Megan Schmidt mes6@uwm.edu Frontpage Milwaukee news editor April 1, 2008 Cusine: Mexican Price Per Entrée: $3-to-$7 Attire: Anything goes Reservations: No Payment: Credit Cards Accepted Conejito's Place 539 W. Virginia St. Milwaukee, Wis., 53204 (414) 278-9106 Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight Rating: 4/5 sombreros If you ask my Californian cousin what a Milwaukeean eats, he’d say we slosh on brats and cheese, then wash our meal down with a swig of beer. Contrary to his stereotypical notions, I love spicy food—and there are many Mexican restaurants on our turf. Skirting downtown and nestled on a South Side corner is Conejito’s Place—an award winning Mexican joint offering about 15 dishes. But I warn you—Conejito’s Place is not a restaurant for Prima Donna diners. There are no frills; however, its food can win over any open-mind that can take the heat. Conejito’s Place has been serving the city authentic and affordable Mexican food since 1972, when Jose Garza founded the restaurant named “little bunny” in Spanish. Frankly, Conejito’s Place is a dive—kitschy knickknacks adorn the tea-stained stucco walls, and food is served on paper plates. However, its quirks become less apparent after the first bite. I’ve been wowed by Conejito’s Place for years, so naturally I wanted to celebrate my approaching twenty-second birthday there at 6 p.m. on a busy Sunday with my family. We were greeted by a woman who told us to seat ourselves. We zig-zagged through the packed restaurant and finally found a free table. Crumbled up napkins and plates from the last entourage remained, but a waitress rushed over with a wet rag to clear the table for our south-of-the-border feast. Almost every inch of Conejito’s Place is plastered with charmingly tacky wall décor, some of which is out of character for a typical Mexican eatery. Stuffed gigantic bubble-gum pink and powder blue bunny heads hang from the ceiling. About a dozen hummingbird wall figurines dance around the framed newspaper clippings and restaurant awards, artistic renderings of Mexican rodeos, and photos such as the one of Garza with his arm around comedian Cheech Marin. A big screen TV on mute played futbol, or soccer in English, as guests conversed over rhythmic Mariachi tunes. Soon our waitress started us on drinks, which arrived in less than five minutes. Our growling stomachs were remedied when our food followed 15 minutes later. Unlike many restaurants, the wait staff doesn’t buzz around the table, interrupting conversations every ten minutes to make sure we don’t need anything else. Yet, when it is time to go, the check magically appears. The speedy service was consistent throughout the dinner, despite every seat was full. Dinner began with a kick to our taste buds. A pint of fresh salsa ($2) was served in a Styrofoam cup, accompanied with warm corn tortilla chips made from scratch. Crushed tomatoes were blended with minced cilantro, white onion, and jalapeno bits, finished with a splash of lime juice for acidity. Personally, I enjoy stronger hints of cilantro and lime—but for two George Washingtons you can’t beat it. The salsa burned my tongue, but I couldn’t stop shoveling in the chips heaping with salsa. I always order a plate of four chopped beef tacos ($4)—in fact, if I was only allowed to eat one taco variety the rest of my life, these would be it. Four round toasted corn tortillas are wrapped around savory shredded beef, chunks of potatoes and green beans. It’s slow cooked in tomato sauce, smoky cumin and chili powder, and topped off with diced tomatoes and julienned lettuce. Sauce drizzled from the end when I bit into the tacos, leaving my hands messy but my stomach satisfied. However, the enchiladas ($3.75) were a disappointment. Conejito’s Place was out of chicken and beef for the enchiladas, so I settled for cheese and onion. Three golden, rolled-up tortillas were stuffed with Colby cheese and white onion, and baked under a layer of more cheese. Needless to say, it was cheesy— and because it is served on a paper plate I had to pry off every bite with my fork. In addition to being stuck on the paper plate, the cheese and tortillas were tough because the enchiladas were baked at too high of a temperature. Cheese should be slowly melted to achieve gooey goodness. Deliciously creamy refried beans were served on the side with a perfect touch of salt. Conejito’s Place is a haven for anyone that yearns for a little spice and doesn’t mind a déclassé atmosphere. Admittedly, Jaliscos beats them in the enchiladas department. But, I will keep devouring Conejito’s Place tacos as long as I call Milwaukee home. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:21:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17813&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17813&mname=Article Ma Fischer’s Restaurant Review By Danielle Schmidt April 1, 2008 Ma Fischer’s Restaurant 2214 N. Farwell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414)-271-7424 Open 24 hours Cuisine Type: All American Diner Food Price per Entrée: $3.95-$17.95 Reservations: No Attire: Casual Payment: Major Credit Cards Accepted Everybody loves enjoying a great meal with the person they love. I am always looking for a restaurant that will consistently serve delicious food that my boyfriend and I can call “our place” to go and eat. The cozy diner environment that Ma Fischer’s has to offer just might become that place for us. Ma Fischer’s is located on the eastside of Milwaukee in a trendy area. The diner has been serving guests since 1947. Ma Fischer’s has an interesting history behind it. Jackie Fischer, the original “Ma” and owner of Fischer’s sandwich shop, sold her business to a man named George Panos in 1975. Panos, his wife, and three kids moved upstairs from the restaurant, which at the time had only 2 booths and 16 stools. The family lived and breathed Ma Fischer’s 24 hours a day and prided themselves on the family owned business. As a result of excellent business and a lot of regular customers, the restaurant has been remodeled 4 times in the last 30 years. The restaurant’s all American food menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served 24 hours a day and keeps the residents of Milwaukee constantly coming back for more. Ma Fischer’s is a classic diner that has all the favorites like, eggs, bacon, pancakes, burgers, homemade soup and famous meatloaf. However what sets this diner apart is the diverse crowd that it serves and appeals too. On any given day you can find businessmen, families, retirees, teachers, Bucks or Brewers, as well as the students from several of the local universities sitting in it’s booths. At my second visit to the diner I was impressed when the waitress remembered my boyfriend and I. She immediately commented that she was happy for us to return. This is very impressive for a restaurant that is continuously busy. This waitress probably serves over 50 tables a day. We were seated a clean booth by the window, with breakfast on our mind. The menu is very expansive and you can order anything from classic breakfast dishes to broiled New York strip steak. The waitress then took our order and she was very familiar with the menu and answered any questions we had. I ordered a sausage and cheese omelette ($7.95) which included breakfast potatoes with toast and jelly on the side. My boyfriend also chose a breakfast dish which was titled “Ma’s Special” ($7.95). This dish included two pancakes, two eggs (any style), and 3 strips of bacon, sausage links or ham. Before we had chatted very long our food arrived. This was the fastest I have ever received a breakfast dish at a restaurant before. It was not as if the place was empty either. There were several others tables occupied with other students, businessmen, and families. That is excellent service. The waitress clearly put our order in immediately and the chefs wasted no time in preparing our dishes. My omelette was made with 3 country fresh eggs and fresh ingredients. Omelettes should be light and fluffy and stuffed with lots of cheese and meat. I was happily surprised when I cut into the omelette and cheese oozed out and my bite was filled with spicy sausage links and cheddar cheese. The breakfast potatoes were also cooked to perfection. Crispy around the edges, just how I like them. The toast had enough melted butter and jelly on top to cover the entire slice. I was in heaven. It was one of the best omelettes I ever had. The other dish was also prepared to perfection. Although both dishes had a great presentation, the “Ma’s Special” looked extra enticing. The big and fluffy pancakes coved the entire plate and the scrambled eggs were whipped till they were soft enough to melt in your mouth. The bacon was also crisp and full of flavor. The syrup was heated and provided on the side. This is a really nice added touch. Not all diners will heat the syrup. We both enjoyed every minute of our meal. Our bill was promptly given to us. The price is very affordable for the food. I would have been willing to pay more for a meal this good and the excellent service we were provided. This restaurant may even become a weekly tradition for us. I have a feeling that this breakfast will be compared to every breakfast I receive in any restaurant in the future. A diner should have friendly service, hot, delicious food, and a clean and classic atmosphere. Ma Fischer’s delivered all of this and more. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:13:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17812&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17812&mname=Article By Elisabeth Reischl April 1, 2008 Painted Parrot 8028 W. National Ave. West Allis, WI 53214 (414) 257-1012 Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday- 11:30 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. Dinner: Monday – 4 through10 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday – 11:30 through 10 a.m. Closed on Sundays Bar: Monday – 4 p.m. through 12:00 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday - 3:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m. Friday – Saturday – 11:30 a.m. through 2:00 a.m. Closed on Sundays Service Setting Food Value OVERALL: 4 out of 4 thumbs up Cuisine type: Caribbean/American Price per entrée: $3.25-$14.50 Attire: Casual Reservations: Yes, except on Fridays Payment: Credit cards accepted, ATM on site As spring seems so close, but yet, so far away, I dream of being somewhere tropical, sipping a drink served in a coconut, and losing myself with the sounds of reggae music. Painted Parrot is that hot spot in the middle of Milwaukee’s winter wonderland. Painted Parrot owner, Greg Barczak, had the same dream I did and so he brought the tropics to the middle of West Allis. He enjoyed the Caribbean and went there quite often. When coming back to Milwaukee, he noticed there was nothing here that emulated the food and life from down there. Six years ago he bought the old Bowman’s Supper Club on the corner of 80th and National and the Painted Parrot made its own tropical oasis there. On a recent Friday night, a few of my friends were in search of a fish fry. Being the type who loves to try a new restaurant, I did some research and discovered the Painted Parrot was getting mention in many publications. I brought it up to my friends and we headed from the East side in hopes the fish fry would be worth the drive. It was easy to get there after getting off I-94. I was very excited when I saw the restaurant. It had patio seating that I could picture myself sitting at had they not been covered in piles of snow. It made me wish for summer. Upon entering, the sounds of Bob Marley envelop you and bring you from West Allis to Jamaica. The walls are painted with reds, yellows, and greens in the shapes of human figures singing and dancing. It has all sorts of decorations on the walls. You forget you are in Wisconsin and it is 20 degrees outside the doors. A hostess greeted us and took our party’s name. We would be called when our table was ready. It would be an hour to an hour and a half wait. We were very surprised. She must have seen the look on our faces and kindly offered us a drink menu to keep our blood sugar up while we waited. The drink menu was extensive and offered more than just your typical Milwaukee favorite. It was the only Milwaukee area restaurant I have been to that offers a rum runner. After living on the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida, I am quite fond of rum runners and have not had one in the two and a half years since I have been living in Wisconsin. I was very excited. I ordered one from the bar and the tender asked if I wanted it served in a coconut ($13.00). Of course I said yes, and when it came out to me, it was as if a spot light was on it. The sea of people parted to let it through to our bar table. It was huge. Carved into the coconut was the head of a smiling monkey and written beneath it was the phrase, “Have Fun.” A bit tacky, but the monkey was totally appealing in the same sense. Inside was a hole cut from the coconut, big enough to place a plastic cup which contained my drink. I was almost relieved to see that I would not be drinking a rum runner the size of the coconut itself. Drinking that much on an empty stomach would not have done the food any justice. My first sip was like a flashback to my Florida days, watching the sunset every Sunday night while sipping on a rum runner. The flavors of oranges and pineapples swirled with grenadine and rum was just what my dry pallet and mindset needed. It was perfect. Flash forward to early March 2008, when, “Ellie, party of five,” was called and our table was ready. After being seated, our server was at the table promptly and joked with us about my coconut drink. He was a happy fellow, with a sarcastic sense of humor which made our experience much more delightful. He asked right away how many people were ordering their famous, All You Can Eat (AYCE) Fish Fry ($9.95). It clearly was why the restaurant was so packed that evening. Four of us wanted it and I ordered their Half Ass (versus Big Ass) Nachos ($10.50) with spicy chicken as an appetizer and the Belizean BBQ Pork Sandwich ($7.95) for dinner. The Half Ass Nachos came about 10 minutes later and our mouths dropped when we saw how big it was. It beats any other restaurant’s nachos platter by the distance it is from Painted Parrot to Jamaica, about 1,800 miles. It was piled high with vegetables: tomatoes, lettuce, onions, olives, jalapeño slices, sour cream, and cheese, cheese, and more cheese. There were plenty of tortilla chips as well which some restaurants slack on and the end result is eating a taco salad without the taco. The chicken was shredded and scattered throughout the platter. It was by far the best nachos I have had in a long time. About 10 minutes after we devoured the nachos, our entrées arrived. The fish fry was served in a tin trash can lid with a red and white checkered piece of wax paper on the bottom to catch the crumbs. The lid was loaded with big battered pieces of cod, seasoned french fries, rye bread and butter, coleslaw and for an extra cost, potato pancakes with applesauce for dipping. The cod was battered in a spicy crunchy crust and the fish was cooked to perfection. Try to stab the cod with a fork and it would fall apart. The scoop method was the way to get the fish from trash can lid to the plate. The best part is that it was AYCE so my friends kept ordering more. It was a tin lid filled with never ending Friday night favorites. The smiles on my friends’ faces and the fact they wanted to come back before we even left says it all. My food was also fantastic. I will admit, I love a BBQ pork sandwich and it is very difficult for me to pass one up. I fell under its spell while at the Painted Parrot. I ordered mine with the seasoned fries. This Belizean sandwich was served on a platter and took up about half the plate. It was doused in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, just the way I like it. I usually have to order a side of the sauce, but not here. It was served on toasted French bread and was not greasy. The pork was tender, a tell tale sign of slow-roasting and all together the sauce tingled my taste buds. The fries were the perfect side item. I took half of my sandwich home and ate it the next day at 10 a.m. My excuse was that it was close enough to lunchtime. I simply couldn’t wait any longer to have my taste buds tingle again. The only other negative besides the wait on a Friday night, (which was totally worth it), is their tiny dessert menu. There are only three items, Peanut Butter Panic ($5.00), made with peanut butter ice cream, Key Lime Ice Cream Pie ($5.00), and Jamaican Coffee ($7.00), an after dinner coffee flavored martini. I am a dessert fanatic and was hoping to try something there. I wouldn’t say I was disappointed because I was still incredibly full and satisfied with everything else I ate or drank that evening. A few rum runners later, around 10 p.m., a DJ started spinning great music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and the waiting area where we had our first drink transformed into a dance floor. With its island twist on food and fun, the Painted Parrot is a local hot spot and a perfect two hour get-away from Wisconsin winters. The Painted Parrot really is a vacation away from the snow outside our doors and the wind burn on our faces. Its warm, inviting, tropical atmosphere, reggae and calypso music, and its friendly staff and fabulous food make this one very affordable and must-try vacation. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:12:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17811&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17811&mname=Article By Kesha Packer April 1, 2008 Qdoba Mexican Grill 12345 W. Captiol Drive Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. QDOBA IS SERVING UP CUISINE FOR EVERYONE Early Saturday morning, I ate breakfast at Qdoba Mexican Grill located at 12345 W. Capitol Drive in Wauwatosa, Cuisine: Fast-casual nouveau cuisine American Price per entre’e: $1.45- $7.09 Attire: Casual Reservations: No Payment: Credit Cards Accepted WI. This particular Qdoba is located where developments of commercial businesses are abundant. Although Qdoba is in a highly concentrated commercial area, it is distinctive because of its capability to serve cuisine to every customer that enters its’ doors. Qdoba Mexican Grill also referred to as Qdoba, was formerly known as Z-TECA Mexican Grill is a chain of fast casual Fresh Mexican restaurants in the United States serving Mexican-style cuisine. The company is owned by Jack in the Box. Anthony Miller, founder, and his partner, Robert Hauser opened the first Qdoba restaurant in 1995. The restaurant was located in Denver, CO, and was an immediate success with the first year revenues exceeding $1,500,000. The cost of opening the 1,300 square foot store was only $180,000. Qdoba now operates over 450 fast casual restaurant locations throughout the United States. There are numerous Qdoba restaurants in Wisconsin; however all do not serve breakfast. Breakfast is only available at the Qdoba restaurant located on Capitol Drive and Mayfair Road. Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. daily. Since Qdoba restaurants are available for franchise there is not one owner of the Qdoba located on Capitol Drive. On Tuesday evening, my son and I went to Qdoba for dinner. Based on the large volume of people, it was obvious that Qdoba is a well-liked. Although the restaurant was extremely crowded, the Qdoba staff appeared to have all under control. While serving such a large volume of people for dinner, the staff demonstrated their knowledge about menu items by answering questions from customers. The employees were dressed in identical uniforms, creating a sense of comradity In comparison to Moe's Southwest Grill, Panchero's Mexican Grill, and Chipotle Mexican Grill it is apparent that Qdoba makes every effort to be inimitable. What many people value in a restaurant experience are things Qdoba delivers. Qdoba offers unique flavors and inventive taste combinations that one cannot find just anywhere. It offers fresh, great-tasting food even when you are hard-pressed for time. Also, Qdoba permits the customer to play an active role in determining what they eat because it offers plenty of options and the ability to customize choices for their particular tastes. When you enter Qdoba it is obvious that the décor was carefully planned. The appearance of Qdoba screams excellence to its customers. The earth tone colors painted on the walls creates a serene environment. The seating options include booths, tables, = POOR = FAIR =EXCELLENT _____________________________ SERVICE= SETTING = FOOD = VALUE = OVERALL = and pubs style seating assuring that all customers can be accommodated. The service counter system has an area for placing orders and on the opposite end an area to pay for orders. This system is evidence that hygiene and sanitation are important to Qdoba. The food preparation counter is protected by glass, which allows customers to see their food being prepared. The counter itself sits low enough that the preparing of food is visible to a small child. Directly in front of the service counter, an area is roped off forming a line so that customers can order their food. This setup provides structure and organization thus decreasing the probability of confusion or chaos occurring. Throughout the restaurant there are numerous windows that not only provide additional lighting, but allow customers to enjoy a scenic view while they eat. Last, but not least there is a self-serve beverage counter where customers can choose from a variety of drinks including, but not limited to soda, water, and tea. When customers dine- in they receive unlimited refills on beverages. Qdoba has two different menus available for customers to view. Basically, the menu options are the same, but one menu is for catering so larger quantities are available for ordering. Qdoba menu items appear to be very reasonable. Qdoba breakfast menu items range from $1.45 to $5.49. For breakfast one can enjoy a breakfast quesadilla which consists of a flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs and cheese. The quesadilla is then folded and grilled, and can be served with sour cream and salsa. The breakfast quesadilla is cut perfectly into four pieces; hence Qdoba’s passion for what they do is reflected. Qdoba has so many mouth watering menu options for lunch and dinner. While at the restaurant, I observed customers place orders and a popular item was the Qdoba Signature Burrito. All burritos start with cilantro lime rice and a choice of black or pinto beans. You can choose to top your burrito with salsa and cheese or sour cream. Burritos can be made with or without meat; therefore a person who may be a vegetarian can also enjoy a tasty burrito. For children 12 and under Qdoba offers a Kids Meal. Kids Meal allows a child to order a taco or cheese quesadilla. Also, the Kids Meal comes with a small soft drink and side of chips. Qdoba has so many menu items that everyone is sure to find a menu item they can devour. There is something to eat for the breakfast lover, the dieter, and small children. While Qdoba is serving up food for the entire family, it has not forgotten to provide people with a comfortable environment in which they can enjoy their food. All this and more while mastering excellent customer service skills is the secret to Qdoba’s success. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:57:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17808&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17808&mname=Article Brigitte Kiepert April 1, 2008 REVIEW | ROAST COFFEE COMPANY “You look like you need a cup of coffee” glares brightly on a large poster right out side of Roast Coffee Company located at 2132 E Locust St at the corner of Maryland Ave. Now, whether or not the sign is just plain rude, you cannot deny it’ll grab the attention of a passerby. Upon closer review of the poster, centered at the bottom it states “now serving sandwiches and salads.” Being an avid coffee drinker, I am always apprehensive about a coffee shop and their focus on coffee quality when food hits the menu. The same thing could be stated about of the food quality as well. With the addition of food to Roast’s already extensive specialty espresso and coffee menu, can Roast maintain quality drinks and serve delicious sandwiches as well? The verdict is in: Finally a coffee shop that can tackle a menu expansion with the addition to food and not lose sight in providing a quality product. There is definitely a unique vibe to Roast. Unlike any other coffee shop around the area, Roast is bustling with character. Immediately when entering, a sense of warmth and comfort is emulated. The exposed cream brick combined with the soft reds painted on the walls and a visually stimulating copper ceiling set quite an ambiance in a coffee house setting. For the most part college students frequent the shop but on previous weekend trips for my morning coffee, neighborhood families seem to fill the place. Since I am already a loyal customer of Roast, their brewed coffee in particular, trying a sandwich from the new food menu that was added this past year, was something I have been meaning to do. I was eager to find out if the coffee shop I frequent can serve a tasty sandwich. My friend and I decided to test out the menu in the late afternoon after class when we figured it would not be terribly busy. In addition to ordering sandwiches we ordered a specialty espresso drink as well; to challenge to Roast and to see if they can pull it off on both ends. I primarily drink just regular brewed black coffee but for the purpose of the review I ordered the Euro Cappa ($2.60) – a traditional 6 oz. cappuccino. It consisted of two shots of espresso combined with equal parts milk. I don’t like espresso drinks that are largely milk based so the 6 oz. serving was just right. The creamy and warm milk soothed the espresso making it still a strong but decadent drink. I felt as if I should be sipping this at a café somewhere in Paris. As well of the specialty drink menu, my friend ordered the Raspberry Truffle ($3.75/16 oz., $4.00/20 oz.). The combination of two shots of espresso, a creamy white chocolate blended with milk and a whispering of raspberry was truly delightful. We had ordered both the drinks and sandwiches together; however, we received our drinks right away, which was nice to enjoy while waiting for our lunch. There was only one barista working at the time so the 10-minute wait was acceptable. My friend and I were both pleased with our drinks; we both became even more eager to try the food. The barista who also made all of the sandwiches upon order brought the two over to us with a smile. Out of the four vegetarian options on the menu (two sandwiches and two salads), I ordered the Janes Addiction ($4.95). A tortilla filled with cilantro hummus, red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers and field greens. The vegetables were fresh and crisp and the cilantro hummus was a perfect compliment to all. Served in a cool metal shape basket, accompanied with a generous portion of salty and crunchy potato chips, the five bucks for the sandwich was more than reasonable. My friend ordered the My Morning Jacket ($5.95), which also happened to be served on a wrap as well. On a side note, the Roast menu is split pretty much between ham, turkey, roast beef or veggie sandwiches served either on a wrap or ciabatta bread. Just looking at the My Morning Jacket, you could tell it was a hearty sandwich. It was layered with smoked turkey, bacon, cucumbers, tomatoes, provolone cheese, field greens and smothered with a homemade chipotle mayo spread. This sandwich as well and along with every sandwich is served with classic potato chips. As in the words of my friend, “absolutely delicious!” The portion of the meats, cheese and vegetables was just right – nothing over powered one another. The provolone cheese was a perfect balance to the slight zing of the chipotle mayo, which provided a creamy zip to the rest of the ingredients in the sandwich. My Morning Jacket priced at six dollars was also declared as worth it. Leaving Roast stuffed and satisfied, I grew quite pleased to have such a fantastic and locally owned coffee shop in the area. Time and time again it’s those little mom and pop places that seem to always consistently serve quality products and with such a level of dedication and heart. Roast Coffee Company can definitely be added to that list. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:29:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17805&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17805&mname=Article By Megan Reinertson March 8, 2008 The Grind Coffee Shop Exist at various locations around the UW-Milwaukee Campus The Second Floor in the Union next to Credit Union The East Wing of the Library The First Floor of the Engineering, Mathematical and Science Building The First Floor in the Sandburg and Riverwest Dormitories (414) 229-3733 Union: Monday-Thursday 7am-8pm; Friday 7am-6-pm; Saturday 7:30am-3pm; Closed on Sunday. Library: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-7pm; Friday 7:30am-3pm; Closed Saturday and Sunday. Dorms: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-9pm; Friday 7:30am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. Campus Coffee Shop Attire does not matter Credit Cards are accepted The demands of a college campus are apparent in students, professors, and faculty members. All around faces portray focused masks, zoned in on constant thoughts, or depict burned-out brains, wanting nothing more than to return their exhausted bodies home and pass out. With the constant pressure of deadlines, assignments, tests, and academics lurching around every corner, the campus population would be lost without some kind of caffeinated motivation which saves each and every day from certain peril. But is any kind of coffee sufficient for such an ongoing crowd? Should the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee subject itself to mediocre caffeinated beverages for the sake of caffeine intake? Thanks to The Grind Coffee Shop found at various locations around campus, we don’t have to. Owned by the University, The Grind is an Alterra-based company - a popular, locally owned, Milwaukee coffee business. Since 1994, Alterra has been serving the Milwaukee community and branched out to UWM in 2004 when the Union Grind first opened. Not only has The Grind added to UWM’s dining operations, it also only hires students. This provides on opportunity for students to have the relaxed luxury of an on-campus job. Being a 5-year coffee/espresso drinker, I follow my feet to one Grind location each day. I find the added jolt helps kick-start my studies, yet relaxes me at the same time. Passing each location becomes very difficult with the ever-inviting ambiance The Grind reflects. The focused track lighting is set dimly, enhancing the dark blue and maroon/orange fire blazed countertops. Dark cherry walls enhance the pine-colored cabinets, while the stainless steal coffee brewers and espresso machines give off an industrial glow. Even if your eyes were diverted toward some other location, the freshly ground roasted coffee beans arouse your nostrils, giving off an invigorating aroma that calls to your taste buds. Seeing that I am not the only coffee drinker on campus, it is a rare deal to see any Grind have less than a 15-person line in between class periods. As I await my turn to order, I notice how every aspect of The Grind inner-workings is apparent to customers. Every assembly line process is visible from when the cup leaves the cashier’s hand to when the barista announces a drink has been finished. I notice a specialty drink has been ordered. Adding an exact one oz. measured frosted mint flavor shot to one oz. scoop of mocha powder preps the Thin Mint Mocha ($3.50). A barista then pulls an espresso shot, hoping for a pull between 19 and 29 seconds. Anything other than that 10-digit radius would create an acrid espresso shot, making the drink bitter and undesirable. Next, skim milk is poured into a metal pitcher and a steam wand is engulfed in the liquid. Minor sprits of air should be heard in repetition to create a smooth milk texture, thus producing the perfect latte milk; thick, yet no foam. The 21-second espresso shot is mixed into the chocolate mixture, stirred and followed by steamed milk. Not to my surprise, whip cream is added and a happy customer’s eyes’ illuminate as he walks away with is warm cup of mint-chocolate goodness. In less than 6 minutes, my turn arrives, and I am greeted with a smile and “What can I get started for you today?” With an array of beverage choices and bakery, to know what you want before arriving at the ordering station is a task in itself. If it appears to be a “basic Betty” day, a 16oz. Bold coffee ($1.55), which is filled with flavors ranging from an Organic Fair Trade Mexican Kulantic to Blue Healer could be paired with one of four different kinds of scones ($1.55.) If flavored coffee isn’t something that strikes your fancy, the mild brew satisfies The Grind’s house blend. What happens when lunch or dinner seems to far away, and a small snack is in order? Choose a 12oz, double-shot latte or cappuccino ($2.75), grab a blueberry, cranberry/pumpkin, lemon poppy seed, bountiful garden, or bran muffin ($1.65) and cuddle up in a cozy chair. Perhaps a sweet tooth is calling. The only way to satisfy that is picking out a specialty drink. The 20oz Turtle Mocha ($3.75) is an espresso latte mixed with chocolate mocha powder and caramel and hazelnut syrup. Then grab a giant cookie ($1.65) in the Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Ginger Snap, Cowboy, Black &White, or Peanut Butter category to complete the satisfying treat. The Grind provides an enormous menu, fit for coffee drinkers, espresso addicts, bakery buffs and non-coffee drinkers. The fresh bakery made daily is equipped with what any small coffee shop could want. Bagels, scones, biscotti, cookies, muffins, tea breads and energy bars all fall under 2 dollars, and contain their own personal flavor. Any espresso drink is made to order, either hot or iced, with your choice of milk or milk substitute, and can be injected with 22 different flavor shots ranging from Amaretto to Pumpkin Spice. For those beverage connoisseurs who dislike coffee, herb and iced teas are available ($1.90) along with Italian sodas, ($1.95) Hot Chocolate, ($1.75) Steamers, ($2.00) and Chai tea ($3.25.) Compared to other popular coffee sellers around the community, Starbucks, The Roast on Locust, Eighth Note Coffee House, Caribou Coffee, etc., The Grind’s prices range quite similar but become more personal due to personalized orders and strategic made drinks. With the popularity of Alterra invading all around Milwaukee, creating a smaller chain seemed only natural, and what better place to obtain such a business move than a college campus? UW-Milwaukee’s stressed-out population was in need of an energy/focus boost and The Grind has proven itself a valuable asset to this campus’ dining genre. It creates a comfortable atmosphere with personalized drinks, made to order. Since when has any fast paced dining establishment displayed so much effort to satisfy a customer? Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:41:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17759&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17759&mname=Article By: Danielle Chatham March 8, 2008 Texas Roadhouse 15425 W. Rock Ridge Road New Berlin, WI 53151 Phone: (262) 784-7427 Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu: 4-10 pm Fri: 4-11pm Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-10pm Ratings: Cuisine Type: American Service: 4 Price Per Entrée: $8.99-$29.99 Setting: 5 Attire: Casual Food: 4 Reservations: Not required, but available Value: 4 Payment: CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Overall: 4 Thick steaks, juicy ribs, creamy mashed potatoes… the vittles our southern neighbors are known for. But no need to travel south of the border for these scrumptious dishes. Now, we can enjoy these all-American delicacies right here in blustery Wisconsin. Texas Roadhouse in New Berlin is a great place where your family can enjoy a tasty meal similar to grandma’s home-cooking. Texas Roadhouse offers our favorite items of the grill, including hand-cut steaks, award-winning ribs, and roasted chicken. They also serve homemade side dishes such as baked potatoes, vegetable medleys, and their own famous chili. And to help wash these hearty helpings down, you can try an ice-cold beer or choose from one of their many margaritas, including the Jamaican Cowboy, Roadhouse Roadie, or the Razzlesnake. Although Texas Roadhouse has only been in Wisconsin since 2004, this celebrated restaurant was first introduced in 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana. Founder Kent Taylor wanted to open a restaurant that featured food the whole family could enjoy, as well as afford. New Berlin Texas Roadhouse manager Gary Plassmeyer tries to uphold that image that Taylor created by following the restaurants’ one-of-a-kind motto, “Legendary Food, Legendary Service.” As a restaurant that prides itself on providing delicious meals at inexpensive rates, along with a fast and friendly wait staff, Texas Roadhouse is a terrific place to eat. One of the most unique things about the Roadhouse is that it’s not your typical American restaurant. Most restaurants that are “all-American” pride themselves as being fast and efficient, such as McDonald’s and Burger King. However, Texas Roadhouse is not your local drive-thru. The Roadhouse allows families to sit down and enjoy a meal together that lasts longer than ten minutes, but no longer than an hour. Another unique thing about the Roadhouse is that it can be a fun place to go and have a few drinks with friends, even if you’re not planning on eating there. The Roadhouse can be your destination, or it can be a fun place to stop and enjoy yourself before you head somewhere else. About two weeks ago, my boyfriend and I went to the Roadhouse at 6:30 p.m. for dinner before a movie. As soon as you walk in, you feel as though you’ve just walked into a southwest saloon. Peanuts cover the floor and protrude out of huge barrels and potato sacks. To the left is a big glass case containing fat slices of steak and huge stacks of ribs to purchase for grilling at home. The lighting is warm and inviting, and the smells of meats sizzling and potatoes frying fill the air. Decorations including horseshoes, horns of various animals, and pictures of Willie Nelson adorn the walls, giving the restaurant that country feeling of sitting on your ranch and drinking lemonade. Our waitress, dressed in jeans, boots, and a black T-shirt with the Texas Roadhouse symbol of an armadillo in a bandanna and a cowboy hat, seated us right away. Before we even ordered, she brought us a pail of salted peanuts to munch on and a plate of fresh, warm rolls with their signature honey-cinnamon butter. With rolls that fluffy and butter so sweet, I couldn’t help myself to asking for three baskets filled while I was there, not to mention the ones I took home with me in my doggie bag. After looking through the menu, I decided that I’d start off with one of their classic margaritas. After I ordered, I had my drink within three minutes. Made with top shelf Petron and sweet and sour mix, my on the rocks margarita rimmed perfectly with salt was to die for. It took me at least the entire meal to finish, and for six dollars, you can’t beat that. Cocktails in Milwaukee are twice as expensive and half the size. If Texas Roadhouse knows one thing, it’s how to make a great margarita. For the main meal, I decided to have the roasted chicken. After only fifteen minutes, my dish was ready to be enjoyed. However, I wasn’t sure where to start. The meal included the breast and drumstick of the chicken, the skin sparkling with sprinkled herbs. As soon as I cut into my piece, the juices seeped out onto my plate, allowing me smell the spiced portion of succulent meat I was about to savor. I kept switching back and forth between the chicken and the side of mashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It felt as thought the potatoes just slid down my throat, allowing me to relish in the light, buttery flakes mixed with the contrasting flavors of the smoky bacon and the rich cheese and sour cream. I also had to indulge in my boyfriend’s meal as well. Seeing as how he didn’t have an appetite, he decided to just order a salad. But Texas Roadhouse doesn’t serve salads like you normally expect them, typically as a precursor to your main dish. Instead, his plate was just as big as mine, filled to the brim with crisp lettuce, fresh spinach leaves, grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, sprinkled parmesan cheese, and topped off with creamy Caesar salad dressing. And while he wasn’t that hungry, he managed to finish off the entire plate. He even confessed half way through that although he was full and wanted to stop, he couldn’t because it was just so good. Although the food was outstanding, one of the more entertaining parts of the night was not found on my plate. About halfway through our meal, a dinner bell was rang and one of the employees got on a chair and announced it was time to hoe-down. All of the employees then proceeded to dance around the bar, singing together and getting the crowd involved. With all the hand clapping and yee-haws, I wasn’t sure if I was at a restaurant or a rodeo. Finally, probably one of the finest moments came when the staff brought out a birthday cupcake to a young boy and made him sit on a horse’s saddle attached to a seat as everyone, including guests, sang “Happy Birthday.” Now that’s something you don’t typically see at your Perkin’s or Denny’s down the road. Taken as a whole, Texas Roadhouse is a great family restaurant that everyone can enjoy. With its down-home cooking and upbeat atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the Roadhouse has moved from down south to all over the U.S. Texas Roadhouse offers hearty meals at inexpensive prices with entertaining staff that provides you with the best service possible, making it a wonderful choice of dining to recommend to anyone. And who said you can’t do the hoe-down in Wisconsin? Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:06:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17755&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17755&mname=Article Brigitte Kiepert March 7, 2008 Living in Wisconsin’s winter weather can be the dreariest time, ever. As soon as the first snowfall hits, you know it will be another five months, at least, before a warm breeze fills the air. Thus, any type of vacation or escape from the frigid cold is always welcome in my book. So, when over the weekend I went to Cubanitas, Milwaukee’s first Cuban restaurant, located at 728 N. Milwaukee St, it occurred to me since there was nothing I could do to move along our Wisconsin winter, I could at least find ways to make it tolerable. Cubanitas, I hoped, would do just that. The restaurant's atmosphere and look was truly unique. The tangerine painted walls, the glow from the white candles dancing across the place, truly gave it an authentic feel. Ridden with awards and praises, on first impression, it was not hard to assume all was true. Did Milwaukee’s first Cuban restaurant, Cubanitas, live up to all its hype? I was on a mission to find out. And where did I start? Well, when I saw that the Shepherd Express labeled Cubanitas with “Best Mojito in Town” in 2005, I found that to be a perfect place to begin. Because Cubanitas does not take reservations and it was around 9 o’clock on a packed Saturday evening, an hour wait did not come as surprising. My mother (who accompanied me on this dinner) and I started our evening out at the bar. Upon ordering two mojitos, we found out that all through March Cubanitas' mojitos are five dollars instead of ten - wonderful. A bit on the strong side (not saying that’s a bad thing), the Cuban rum mulled with the lime, mint and sugar was completely refreshing. The verdict? You can’t just have one of those, as they are delicious. The hour wait passed quite quickly. The patrons and staff, the aromas, the mojitos, all made it quite enjoyable. My mother and I lucked out scoring a corner table, enabling us to get a good view and the restaurant. The menu, only being a couple of pages long, is not to be judged by its length. With an array of traditional Cuban dishes, it would be hard not to find something on the menu that didn’t sound appealing. Ranging from sandwiches to entrees, a lot of the plates consisted either of seasoned chicken, sirloin steak and roasted pork. Being a vegetarian, I was a bit nervous at first thinking I won’t find a meatless entrée; however, the menu contains a whole section of inexpensive side dishes that enables you to create your own plate. After careful deliberation, my mom and I ordered a few things to split. To begin with our favorite dish was the appetizer Cuban Guacamole with Plantain Chips ($6.75). UNBELIEVABLE. The plantain chips were sweet with a hint of salt and crisp to the bite. The Cuban guacamole was amazing; the combination of avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lemon and lime was an absolute perfect pair to the chips. Another appetizer we tried was the Espinaca con Queso ($2.25) – a tasty turnover filled with sautéed spinach and manchego cheese (a Cuban version of American Swiss cheese). The empanada was also quite delicious. Even though it was fried, there was no overt taste of it being “fried food”, and they did not skimp out on filling it with the spinach and cheese either. We both gave it a thumbs up. Next, my mom and I both ordered the Sopa de frijoles negros ($2.75) – a cup of black bean soup served with sides of chopped onions and sour cream. We found the soup to be quite good; however, the success of it was overridden with the fact that it was not hot. It was warm enough to be tolerated which had to be done since our server did not come back to check up to see how we were doing; which is too bad since the black bean soup had great potential. We also shared the Ensalada de la Casa Salad ($4.50) – mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados with a pineapple-citrus dressing. Talk about refreshing and bringing you back to the days of summer. With plenty of big perfectly ripe slices vegetables paired with the greens, the mouth-watering pineapple-citrus dressing was indeed scrumptious. And, lastly, the night could have not been complete without dessert. We ended up choosing the Flan ($4.00) – a caramelized and creamy egg custard. And that is exactly what it was. It was simple yet sweet and tasty. My mother, whose favorite desert is crème brulee, was very partial to the Cuban version. It was a great way to finish the meal. Overall, I was impressed by Cubanitas. The service was satisfactory; the bartenders were always on top of things, while on the other hand the wait staff could have been a bit more attentive. The authenticity of not only the menu but also the restaurant itself was done quite well. There is no question that Cubanitas earned its spot in “Milwaukee’s Top 30 restaurants” for the past four years. Along with other positive perspectives on the place, Cubanitas will definitely be kept in mind not only the next time I need an escape from Wisconsin’s harsh winters but whenever I am in the mood for a great meal and dining experience. Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:41:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17752&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17752&mname=Article By Rose Davis March 5, 2008 Quiznos 3116 N. Downer Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 414-967-7090 Mon-Sun 11-11 Cuisine Type: Sub Sandwiches Price per entrée: Sandwiches range from $2.00-$9.99 depending on size. Attire: Casual Reservations: No Payment: All major credit cards accepted Service: 5 Setting: 4 Food: 4 Value: 4 Overall: 4 As long as I can remember. sandwiches have always been a staple in my diet. From my elementary school days when my parents would pack me a sandwich in my school lunch and now in my college life, when throwing some meat and cheese on two pieces of bread provides a quick and healthy meal any time of day. It seems that there are many others who love sandwiches as much as I do. Take a walk down Oakland Avenue and within four blocks you will come across three different sub sandwich restaurants. The quality of bread and the variety of meats and vegetables to choose from varies at each of these unique sub shops. However, take a walk over to Downer Avenue, and there is one sub shop unlike all the others. Quiznos opened its first store in Denver, Colorado in 1981. According to quiznos.com, after hearing the unsolicited comment, "This is the best sandwich I ever ate!" Rick Schaden bought his first Quiznos franchise in Boulder, Colorado in 1987. After partnering with his father Dick Schaden, the pair began open franchises across the United States. By 1996, the Quiznos chain opened its 100th restaurant and ten years later celebrated its 25th anniversary, now having more than 4,000 restaurants across the nation and in 30 different countries. Quiznos is known for itstheir perfectly toasted subs. Each sandwich is put open-faced through a conveyer oven, making the bread crispy on the outside, but leaving it soft on the inside, making the cheese warm and gooey, and bringing out all of the unique flavors of each individual sandwich. Quiznos also provides an array of fresh vegetables, put on the sandwich after theyit travels through the hot oven so they crunch with every bite. Sauces such as the sweet and smoky Baja and the light and creamy Bacon Alfredo can’t be found at those other sub shops. When put on a sandwich with the right meats, cheeses, and veggies, a delicious masterpiece is created. Quiznos also has a variety of flatbread chopped salads ($5.99), made fresh when you order, each served with warm, gooey flatbread, straight out of the oven. It was a chilly winter afternoon in March when my boyfriend, Dave, and I decided to have lunch at Quiznos. The restaurant, with its soft overhead lighting and brightly painted walls, was warm and welcoming after being out in the cool air. As we walked in, there was no question of where we were supposed to go to order, as often happens at other sub shops. We went straight to the “Order Here” sign and there was the menu, right in front for us to see. Sarah greeted us with a smile and cheerfully took our order. We watched through the plastic shield, sanitarily separating the customers from the area for food preparation, as she sliced the bread and put the meat, cheese, and sauce on our sandwiches. She placed our order on the conveyer belt and as our sandwiches disappeared into mouth of the hot oven we walked to the other side of the counter to pay. We paid for our order and watched as our sandwiches completed their journey through the oven. Still steaming, the cashier removed our sandwiches and topped them off with fresh vegetables. He handed them to us as our mouths watered and said, “Have a great day,” with a sincerity rarely heard at your typical sandwich shop. There was plenty of seating, some long sets of tables, a few taller ones with high stools, and an area near the front of the restaurant with a little more privacy, which is where we chose to sit. As we sat down, I noticed the booming sound of sing-song pop music radiating throughout the restaurant. However, I accepted the fact that Quiznos is a sub shop, not a classy sit-down restaurant where soft, classical notes quietly complement your meal. I decided that I could get past the music; all I wanted was to wrap my mouth around the thick sandwich in front of me, packed with delicious fillings and still warm from the oven. First, I took a bite out of my Bistro Steak Sammie ($2.00). The Sammie is a recent, low calorie addition to Quiznos’ menu. With 300 calories or less, these Sammies are served flat on a round piece of flatbread, about 5-6 inches in diameter, and then folded to make kind of a taco-like sandwich. There are six different kinds, each with a unique blend of meat, cheese, veggies and sauce. My Sammie had thinly-sliced Black Angus steak, creamy mozzarella cheese, a mild Peppercorn Sauce, lettuce and tomato. From the commercials and pictures I had seen of the Sammie, I expected flatbread bursting with meat, cheese, and vegetables, but my Sammie was tiny, with a small layer of steak, a pizza-like covering of cheese and barely a sprinkle of lettuce and tomato. The warm, chewy flatbread muffled the flavor of the steak and cheese and completely overwhelmed the vegetables. After opening my Sammie and searching for the peppercorn sauce, I finally discovered a light layer underneath the steak. The sauce was creamy and complemented the taste of the steak;, however when taking a bite of the whole Sammie the taste of the sauce was almost lost entirely. The ratio of bread to fillings was a big disappointment. As I was taking my last bites, the folded half of the Sammie ripped in two, giving an appropriate ending to a sandwich that didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Next, I tried Dave’s broccoli cheddar soup ($1.99). From the picture on the menu board, I expected a soup with creamy, cheesy broth and chunks of broccoli and carrots. Rather than being smooth and creamy, Dave’s soup was thick and clung to the spoon. There was no evidence of broccoli except for small green specks throughout the thick, gooey, yellow mass. The carrots were there, small and mushy, but at least present. However, despite its appearance, the soup had a smooth, rich flavor that gave you the feeling in your stomach you often get when eating classic “comfort foods,” like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes. The cheesy flavor felt delicate in my mouth, and although my first impression was that this soup would not be good, one spoonful was more than enough to completely change my mind. The Turkey Bacon Guacamole sub ($4.39 for a small) made with sliced turkey breast, bacon, guacamole, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Ranch dressing was my next victim. The wheat bread crunched as my teeth sunk into the crust, but instantly was chewy and soft once I got through the outer layer. The guacamole, added after the sub passed through the oven, tasted like it was made with fresh, perfectly ripe avocados. The bacon was crisp, but not crunchy or over-cooked, and it added a delicious, smoky flavor. The vegetables were plentiful, and the sandwich stayed together through the last bite. This sandwich was above and beyond any that I have eaten before. Finally. I tried Dave’s Chicken Carbonara ($7.99 for a large) made with chunks of chicken, bacon, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and bacon alfredo sauce. Biting into this sandwich, I first got the taste of the crunchy, chewy wheat bread and then the flavor of the warm, delectable chicken, fresh and soft, exactly how it should be. Next, I could taste a hint of smoky bacon, melted, gooey mozzarella, meaty mushrooms, and finally, as I took the sandwich from my mouth, the creamy, bacon alfredo sauce hit my taste buds and I felt a smile come to my face. The sauce was thick, but creamy, with a hint of garlic and parmesan and a slight flavor of smoked bacon. It brought out the individual aspects of each different ingredient in the sandwich, and then blended them together, creating a flavor explosion in my mouth. My meal at Quiznos was unlike any other I have had at the numerous other sub sandwich restaurants. The sandwiches combined flavorful ingredients on perfectly baked bread and were great for a meal any time of day. Although the Sammie did not live up to my expectations the other sandwiches more than made up for it. With a variety of different types and sizes of sandwiches it is easy to get a great meal without spending a lot of money. So next time you get a craving for a sandwich, head to Quiznos for a one-of-a-kind sub that will show up all the rest. Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:31:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17750&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17750&mname=Article By Amanda Mattefs Nov. 11, 2007 Poco Loco, as the name suggests, is a bit crazy. The oddly shaped, curvy counter-top which wraps around the restaurant and bubbly wait staff can be thanked for that. Witty personalities radiate from the bartenders to the waiters, creating an atmosphere of energy and fun that you won’t find at most bars. Located in the old village of Brown Deer, this tiny restaurant was formerly an old coffee shop. It was turned into Poco Loco by Dean Gardner, former owner of the old restaurant La Frontera, which was located just minutes west of his new eatery. Gardner is the chef himself, personalizing every aspect of his restaurant. This coffee shop turned teeny restaurant has nothing but a big personality. Unlike other Milwaukee Mexican restaurants such as La Fuente and La Perla (located on Milwaukee’s south side), Poco Loco fits only about 20 people inside, and weather permitting, the small outside patio is open. The motif gives you a Southwest feel, slightly different from the other Mexican restaurants in Milwaukee, which have overly eccentric painted walls that make your eyes hurt. With warming orange, blue, red and yellow colors splashed all over the walls, it gives you a definite traditional atmosphere. Paintings are on the walls, portraying different Mexican landscapes and sunsets. It’s nothing short of a delightful viewing experience. Poco Loco stands out (not only because of its name), but most importantly from its overly friendly staff. From the moment I walked in, I knew my service wouldn’t be as bland as “Hi, my name is ‘so and so’, and I’ll be your server tonight.” I was being told jokes and constantly laughing from the conversation my friends and I were having with the waiter. Their witty comments really made me feel as if I was at home; enjoying the company of people I’ve known for years. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner for two, this isn’t the place for you. As thrilled as I was about the service, I genuinely hoped the food was just as exciting. To my surprise, it was even better. When you first arrive, chips are immediately put on your table, with your choice of a chunky or blended home made salsa. The menu consists of tacos, tamales, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, chicken mole; you name it, and they have it. Fish and lamb tacos were also uniquely offered, bought from local vendor Strauss Veal (one of the major supplier of premium meats in the area.) All items were between $5-$10 dollars, extremely reasonable for the type of flavors I received. I ordered a blended strawberry margarita, and a steak quesadilla, served with beans and rice ($10 total). I’ve ordered both items before from numerous Mexican restaurants in the Milwaukee area before. Margaritas, being the most popular tequila based cocktail, should be fruity and flavorful, without having too strong of a tequila taste. At restaurants such as Jalisco’s and La Perla, the tequila was so potent it was hard for me to drink. While at Poco Loco, the combination of flavors was just right, leaving me wanting another (Which I had!) As for the steak quesadillas, at La Fuente the steak was a bit dry, and cheese wasn’t melted all the way. At Jalisco’s there wasn’t much cheese, and the steak was slightly over-cooked. Being a Mexican cuisine, translated into “little cheesy thing,” you can say I have been disappointed in the past from the lack of ingredients. But Poco Loco was different. Quesadillas are made by throwing a corn tortilla on a griddle to cook, then flipped and sprinkled with grated melting cheese such as Monterey Jack. Once the cheese melts, it gets a smear of guacamole and is folded and served. Lately, I haven’t tasted even the slightest bit of the guacamole in my quesadillas. But sure enough, Poco Loco added enough of it, helping mix the flavors of the ingredients inside. The steak was also exceptionally prepared, flavorful, and tender. Looking to my left and my right, I could tell that everyone in the restaurant was enjoying their experience just as much as I was. A look of satisfaction filled the faces of the children and adults who filled the eatery. From hearing “another margarita please” to, “these tacos are exceptional,” I knew these customers would be back. This little Mexican restaurant has nothing but gigantic potential, and should definitely not be overlooked. It will definitely be an eating experience to remember. Get out your pocket book, and get crazy at Poco Loco! Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:10:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17638&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17638&mname=Article By Carl Engelking Lisa’s Pizzeria 2961 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414)-332-6360 Monday-Thursday (4 p.m.-10:30 p.m.) Friday-Saturday (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) Sunday (4 p.m.-10 p.m.) Casual Italian/American $8.00-$16.00 (depending on toppings) Reservations aren’t necessary Credit cards are accepted Lisa’s Pizzeria If a food pyramid existed to describe the diet of a typical college student, the foundation would definitely be the pizza. Fine foods like Jimmy John’s, Ramen Noodle, and Chinese take-out would make up the middle. The pyramid would be capped off by small amounts of beer at the top, of course. Many customers claim that Lisa’s pizza is the best pizza in the East Side. Online restaurant review boards ooze with compliments of this superior pizza. These gushing compliments struck my curiosity, and I set out to judge this pizza for myself. There’s no doubt Lisa’s pizza tasted great, but dubbing it the best on the East Side is a bit overzealous. Lisa’s Pizzeria has been providing UW-Milwaukee students with that integral foundation of a collegiate diet for 41 years and counting. Chef Gary Bongiorno serves up a wide variety of Italian and American dishes along with his famous pizzas. Spaghettis, Raviolis, Mostacollis and Italian sandwiches all find a place on Lisa’s menu too. Fried chicken ($8.95) and ribs are also cooked up for those looking for a dish outside of Italy. Just like many other pizza joints, Lisa’s also runs its own delivery service anywhere within the East Side. The minimal delivery fee is a small investment for a pizza that is already quite inexpensive. A large 14-inch, one topping pizza, only costs $13 before fees and tips. I spotted Lisa’s in a coupon booklet sent to my doorstep just one week ago. The coupon took two dollars off the cost of a large pizza. My bank account is rather small, and my stomach is often empty, so I clipped the coupon and decided to venture to Lisa’s before it expired. Well, the next day in class my stomach began to do cartwheels in my belly. So much so, I interrupted a few focused students during a lecture. They seemed very surprised that the bellowing grumble actually originated from my stomach. Fingering the $2 coupon in my pocket, I decided to walk to Lisa’s immediately after class concluded. It was a warm autumn evening, and the walk was very pleasant. Soon, I found myself at 2961 N. Oakland Ave. Lisa’s wasn’t as I pictured it. The tiny white building looked like it extended from someone’s home on the corner. But the food smelled great and drew me in. I needed to adjust my eyes to the dimly lit restaurant upon entrance. After my eyes adjusted, I quickly flashed back to memories my childhood. When I looked around the small quaint room, I felt like I was back at my Grandmother’s house some 15 years ago. No more than 60 people could possibly fit into this tight room, and all the tables were snuggly arranged to accommodate as many people as possible. Quiet conversational mumbles added ambiance below the classic rock playing on an old fashioned jukebox. The walls were painted deep red, and an antique clock collection rested on a shelf that wrapped around the room. The floors had a home-like squeak to them as I followed the hostess to the table. I instantly felt at ease and comfortable in this cozy setting. It was simple but impressed me. I took my seat at a very small table, and a low wattage lamp mounted to my left on the wall quietly lit my dining area. My waitress filled my glass and brought out silverware and small plates. She wasn’t one for small talk, and was very orderly in her ways. She took my order immediately, since I thought about my dinner all through class. I ordered a large thick-crust pepperoni pizza ($16). The thick crust option cost dollars extra, but my coupon covered that. Most other toppings range from 50 cents to two dollars. My waitress brought out my piping hot pizza about 30 minutes after my order, and I dug in. My waitress didn’t stick around to talk but quickly filled my water glass and left. I’m not usually one to converse in depth with the waitress, but a few friendly words would be nice while ordering and receiving my food. She just seemed to be a very quiet person, but her countenance could be interpreted as indifferent or upset. It didn’t bother me too much, but Lisa’s service lost a few points on this account. The pizza sat in front of me with only a fork and knife available to transport pieces to my plate. I tried to finagle a first piece on my plate, but all the cheese and toppings slid right off. I think it would have been nice to have a spatula or some other device to wrangle my pieces. I really enjoyed my first bite of the pizza. The sauce was the most remarkable aspect. It had a wonderful tomato flavor, yet a very distinct hint of sweet and sour added zip to the flavor. Lively sauces determine the fate of a pizza’s flavor, and this tasted great. The crust was very crispy and slightly overcooked. I checked the bottom of my piece, which was more black than brown. I could taste the carbon of the burnt crust in my pizza. It didn’t disrupt the flavors too much, but it did add a very noticeable and unwanted flavor. The cheese and pepperonis were cooked to perfection, however. There wasn’t any blackened cheese, and the pepperonis were slightly moist and brown at the edges. They were done just right. The cheese didn’t extend to the crust to all the places on the pizza, which left some pieces simply void of anything but sauce. It was a little disappointing to eat pieces with nothing on them. The crust, which is my favorite part, was soft and flaky on the inside. It was slightly chewy, and I enjoyed the time it took to finish the bite. Compared to other pizza places like the Pizza Man and Pizza Shuttle, Lisa’s pizza stands out solely because of the unique homemade sauce. However, Pizza Shuttle’s thick crust competes with Lisa’s in texture and flavor. Pizza Man’s unique restaurant and tasty pizza give “The Man” a slight edge on Lisa’s too. Lisa’s was a great dining experience. The pizza was very tasty; however it didn’t seem to rise above other East Side pizza places. The great-tasting sauce gives Lisa’s a unique advantage over other pizzas. However, the burnt crust reminded me that no pizza is perfect. Overall, Lisa’s is a great destination for famished students. Splitting a pizza with a few friends may only cost a few dollars, and you’ll definitely get a great pizza at a great value. It isn’t the best pizza on the East Side, but you won’t be disappointed if you decide to dine at Lisa’s Pizzeria. Service: 6 Setting: 8 Food: 8 Value: 10 Overall: 8 out of 10 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:03:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17637&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17637&mname=Article By Jesse Roelke Koppa’s Fulbeli Deli 1940 N. Farwell Ave. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (sandwich hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) 414-273-1273 After waking up hungry from a taxing night of watching infomercials until the wee hours of the morning, I browse my mental catalogue of acceptable places to grab a bite to eat—I’m not sure why I spend time thinking about this, it’s a no-brainer. I let out a death-rattle grunt before I decide it’s time to trade in my warm sheets for yesterday’s uniform, that hours earlier, I threw across my room and on to a chair that is there for that exact purpose. I walk to my living room in a slight sleep stupor and peer out the blind-covered window to make sure the beautiful blue and white oasis amongst the dreary concrete wasteland that is downtown Milwaukee is still there. The fact that one of the main selling points of my current apartment was its disturbingly close proximity to Koppa’s Farwell Foods aka Fulbeli Deli (1940 N. Farwell Ave.) is rather pathetic, I know. Putting my pathetic nature aside, however, they make a damn good sandwich. The Fulbeli Deli, which has been family-owned for over 25 years, offers a menu that boasts over 20 sandwiches—from the Bread Favre which consists of shaved Cajun turkey breast, sharp cheddar, bacon, avocado, red onions, tomato, lettuce, mayo, and dressing on a fresh baked roll, to the Elvis, which is (you guessed it) a fried peanut-butter and banana sandwich—as well as the best french-fries you’ll ever put in your mouth. I can remember the first time that I had the Atlantis—melted Mozzarella and Colby cheese, crisp green pepper, juicy tomato, cucumber, crunchy red onions, pepperoncini rings, alfalfa sprouts, cranberry mustard, and their own secret spice on a lightly grilled pita ($4.29). I was laboring away the summer as a professional mover, when on one fateful day I found myself at Fulbeli for lunch. I was in awe of their sandwich selection, so much so that I had to ask a co-worker, who was a delicatessen veteran, what he recommended. “Atlantis and fries,” he replied. That phrase changed my life. From then on, all I could think about was consuming mass quantities of Atlantis and mopping up the savory vegetable juices that had no choice but to drip out of the over-stuffed sandwich with a bag of fries ($1.49). To try and begin to describe why the Atlantis tastes so good would be blasphemous, but I think it has to do with the cranberry mustard. Where the green peppers, onions, and cucumbers give the sandwich its structure; the pepperoncini and tomato its exquisite flavor, the sauce pulls it all together and makes it pop—the perfect blend of sweet and savory; spicy and robust. The melted cheeses on the slightly browned pita keep the contrast in textures rather pleasing and satisfying to the last bite. The fries are pivotal in any Atlantis-based meal. They are seasoned with a mixture of salt and spices after being fried in oil that contains zero trans-fat (which means that although they aren’t necessarily good for you, they definitely are not as bad as the typical fast food french-fry). Just remember, there is no need for catsup, the excess sauce left over from the sandwich will more than suffice. I cannot even begin to count the number of sandwiches that I have consumed as my tenure as Atlantis fan, but it is most definitely in the hundreds. It’s to the point where all I have to do is approach the counter and nod when they ask if I’d like the usual. What a sad, sad existence I lead. Still, every time I walk into the quaint little shop, I notice something new—whether it’s the set of 1982 Brewers trading cards hanging above the produce or the majestic white-tailed buck keeping watch over the deli counter via his wall-mount lookout station. To describe the décor as kitschy would be an understatement, but nonetheless, it gives the Deli a unique and strangely comforting feel. Oh, and did I mention free Atari? Ms. Pacman is my game of choice—promptly after placing an order, I beeline to the Atari station—the best way to waste time while your sandwich is being crafted. I usually only get to level four before I hear one of the sandwich artists call out my order, letting me know the masterpiece is complete. I quickly drop the joystick and happily trot toward the counter, extending my hands to receive my waiting feast. There is one catch though; you cannot eat inside the Deli. They supply a few picnic tables outside, but unless you like being watched by jealous passers-by while you enjoy your lunch, I’d suggest taking it home and indulging in the venerable vegetable cornucopia in the privacy of your living room; the television as your date. Which is exactly what I do. It’s the only way to truly make the most of your Atlantis experience. Cuisine type: deli sandwiches/tacos/hotdogs/BBQ/burgers/fries Price: $2.99-$4.99 + fries $1.49 Attire: come as you are Reservations: call ahead and order if you’d like Payment: cash/credit/debit Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:12:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17617&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17617&mname=Article By Krysta Legeros There is nothing like a little lively swing music playing and an open floor where you can dance the night away. At the Milwaukee Ale House’s swing night, you get just that. The Milwaukee Ale House has become a legend downtown and just recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Its Tuesday swing night has become a unique way to bring people together. An old bar feeling with wooden floors and a long, shellacked, wooden bar, mixes with warehouse openness. Wooden rafters with the black pipes showing and chalkboards naming the specials complete the unique, old fashion bar feel. The front area is cleared of all the tables to create a large dance floor, and a stage stretches off to the side. With a friendly staff of bartenders filling glasses from old fashion taps on the wooden keg, the relaxed yet exciting atmosphere takes over you. Even a Coke in hand for the under 21 crowd would not take away from the night. For those who are of drinking age, take advantage of the happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., which serves $2.50 pints to make the lesson a little more relaxed. With a wide variety of fresh brewed beers to choose from, such as Downtown Lites Honey Ale or the Solomon Juneau Ale, every beer lover’s dream comes true. Of course, a full bar is also available. My friend and I arrived a little before 8 p.m. when the lesson starts. After paying our $6 and receiving our neon green sticker to participate, we joined the large group gathered on the dance floor. The lesson is taught by a pair of lively women who give the precise directions with a little sarcasm added. They start from the very beginning, separating the women and men to learn the basic steps. After much laughter and error, the steps begin to come easily. Not soon after, everyone finds their partner again, but not for long. The catch to this lesson– you switch partners every couple minutes. Time to get friendly. With a variety of ages and types of people learning to jump and jive, the atmosphere stays light and filled with laughter. After a little over an hour, you have learned the basics, as well as some interesting kicks and turns. Then it is time to put your skills to the test. The music continues to play late into the night, as people of all different skill levels spin around the dance floor. You can jump in or simply watch the entertainment from the bar. The Milwaukee Ale House’s swing night can serve as a perfect place for a date, or just a place for you and your friends to try something new. While swing dancing is not the first thing people think of as a fun night out, that thinking may change with an easy lesson and a swing beat. Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:44:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17596&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17596&mname=Article The Apollo Café 1310 East Brady Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-272-2233 www.ApolloCafe.com Cuisine type: Greek Price per entrée: $2.50-$9.95 Attire: Casual Reservations: No Payment: Credit Cards Accepted They Now Deliver By Krysta Legeros Oct. 22, 2007 Growing up in a large Greek family has me on a quest for the best Greek food in every city I live, most recently Milwaukee. While many people, especially around UWM, know it only as a great food for post bar close, for me it is much more than that. The mix of spices and flavors that make up the traditional recipes are hard to find today. I have found those homemade tastes in a little restaurant on Brady. The Apollo Café in Milwaukee is an authentic Greek restaurant that brings family recipes to the public. Greeks Vivian Limberatos and her husband opened the restaurant in 2000 naming it after their son. They brought together recipes from both sides of their family to make their menu full of variety and a true touch of Greece. With a Greek family serving up their favorite traditional foods it can only mean a recipe for success. The Apollo Café has some stiff competition in Milwaukee with a handful of other Greek restaurants around town. From Oakland Gyros to Mykonos Gyro and Café, Greek food seems to have exploded as the new ethnic food warped into an American craving. The Apollo Café does not compare in taste and atmosphere to these others because of its rich family recipes and attention to detail. My friend and I decided to try out the Greek cuisine one Thursday night for dinner. After walking past the charming shops and little tiled terrace, we finally walked into an open and airy resemblance of ancient Greece. The corner café is small, but with plenty of room for the variety of tables and long booth covering one wall. A hanging ceiling panel is painted with a summer blue sky and cloth panels in a variety of colors drape the walls. Stone tiles resembling ancient ruins also line the walls and tiles cover the floor making everyone feel as if they have landed in a market on the island of Crete. Traditional Greek music plays completing the authentic feel and only helping to increase the old world taste of the food. After finally picking our meals from the variety on the large wall menu, we ordered from the very friendly Greek looking man behind the counter. He didn’t even need the traditional clothing for me to know he was serious about Greek food. The owner herself was even there to offer a warm smile and friendly conversation. Before we could even gather our silverware and beers from the counter, our food had arrived. Talk about fast food. While it was not very busy that night, I could not have asked for a faster, hotter and more homemade meal. The aroma wafted up into my nostrils as I carried my choices to the closest table. I decided on the hand rolled dolmáthes ($7.50), which are grape leaves filled with beef and rice. The grape leaves were very soft and easy to cut without being too soggy, which can easily happen. As I took the first bite, the beef and rice inside burst with flavor while the leaves added texture without over powering the taste. The olive oil and lemon juice, I squeezed from the lemon wedges provided, added the perfect amount of zest to mix with the robust flavor of the meat and spices. The meal also had three large servings of fresh peeled potatoes also covered in spices and lemon. They were cooked perfectly being firm, but easily cut with a fork. The two dishes complemented each other well and provided a large amount of food for the small price. The soft and warm pita bread topped off the meal well. My friend decided to use her student status to her advantage and chose the UWM student special consisting of a gýro, fries and drink ($5). She decided to upgrade to the Greek fries, which add olive oil and feta cheese. She was very glad she did. While the fries were normal ordinary American fries, the olive oil softened them a bit and the feta cheese added a bite and salt to the flavor. The gyro consisted of a warm pita stuffed with fresh lamb that was cut from the rotisserie behind the counter. The pieces were thick, juicy and filled with flavor. What makes the gyro though is the tzatziki sauce. The Apollo Café’s comes in an ordinary plastic ketchup bottle, but don’t let the packaging fool you. The sauce was mainly thick but easily squeezed out of the bottle. It had a strong cucumber taste unlike some that can be very watery and take away from the taste of the lamb. To finish our meals we had the very traditional Greek dessert, baklavá ($2.50). The owner told us that they were homemade by a family member following an old family recipe. The pieces were huge and after the first bite, well worth the price. Layer after layer of walnuts and a thin pastry called fílo were drenched in sweet honey. Sprinkled on the top was a coating of cinnamon contrasting with the sweetness and adding a very personal touch. They were a perfect ending to our meals. The Apollo Café brings Greece to Milwaukee with its family’s recipes and artistically Greek atmosphere. With the amazing food, friendly service and great prices, The Apollo Café is simply the best place to experience Greek food unless you travel across the ocean yourself. Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:21:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17590&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17590&mname=Article Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grill 509 E. Erie Street, Milwaukee (414) 277-1800 Open Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m. Cuisine type: ITALIAN Price per entrée: $8-$16, Pizza $7-$25 with extras $.50-$3 depending on size Attire: Casual/Business Casual Reservations: Accepted, but usually not necessary. Payment: Cash/Credit 8 out of 8 slices awarded to: Ricardo’s Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grill By Kyle Duerstein Typically pizza and a cold adult beverage go hand-in-hand at home during a Packer game or at a family barbeque on a hot summer day. Borrowing from those comforts of home, Ricardo’s Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grill has caught the attention of many in Milwaukee since its newest location opened just two blocks from the south entrance to Maier Festival Grounds. So much so that the Riverfront was ranked fourth in a rating of best Italian cuisine on WISN.com’s A-List. This relative newcomer to the third ward cuisine contest adds more to grandma’s favorite pizza and beer combination. The Loch family has successfully duplicated and expanded on its original restaurant venture, “Ricardo’s” in Greendale by opening the Riverfront along the Milwaukee River near the lakefront. Obviously, there’s pizza. It is a pizzeria after all, but the Riverfront boasts a wide variety of Italian and American selections. You might not find grandma at this modern establishment, but you will find great service, well-prepared dishes, and the occasional glance at the score of a few sports games if you’re interested. Stop by. It’s worth the three block walk from your nearest parking space, no matter what Milwaukee weather throws at you. It’s worth the money, and if by chance there were a wait to be seated, it’d be worth that too. My dining companion and I walked into the Riverfront on a Sunday evening at 5PM and were seated immediately in our choice of a booth, high table, or regular table. The wood beams and track lighting combined with the bar and flat screen monitors above it for a comforting and all the while exciting casual high-class environment. The marble tabletops were clean and sleek while the tan cloth napkin neatly surrounded the heavy silverware. Nothing pleases me more than walking into an externally well-adorned restaurant and not seeing a cheap grocery store bought napkin haphazardly wrapped around some cheap barely metal silverware. One way to make a good impression before the first bite is to spend a little bit for some quality utensils. Not your regular loud hustling, bustling pizza joint, Riverfront capitalizes on class. The wait staff dressed in all black, display their up-beat personalities by cheerfully greeting customers not more than three minutes after arrival. After explaining the drink specials and daily food highlights, the waitress offered to answer questions we might have had about the menu. Between five and ten minutes later, our drinks arrived and our order was taken. This was too long to wait for a drink even in a packed house, but seemingly forever for the slow Sunday night environment. A short time later, the appetizer arrived. The bus staff circulates regularly and refills the water glasses no matter how empty, or full, your glass is. For starters, the Cheese Bread ($7) is an absolute must have. Served with chunky, not-too-sweet marinara, this garlic bread coated with melted mozzarella will make your mouth water as the waitress approaches your table with it. The triangular sliced bread is served evenly separated in a circle around the small circular ceramic bowl of marinara in the middle, all eight arranged with pointed ends facing out. This stimulating arrangement and golden-brown edges of melted cheese have your eyes and your taste buds begging for the first bite. After finishing the appetizer, one might be somewhat hesitant that downhill is the only direction of travel that remains. In reality, what goes up must come down, however, the Riverfront allowed me to remain on cloud nine. The empty plates were promptly removed; the water glasses refilled for the third time, and fresh plates were brought to the table for our pizza. The family-sized pizza, half pepperoni and sausage, half mushrooms, onions, and black olives ($22) arrived on a large silver platter placed in the center of the table. The waitress took the extra five seconds to spin the pizza so that the half with the toppings I chose were on my side of the table, a first in my experience, and now an added attention to detail that I almost probably could not live without. The pizza, cut into squares, not triangles, was evenly divided, with my toppings and my companion’s taking up exactly half of the pizza. It was cut right down the middle, almost as if prepared completely separately. Not a single mushroom or part of a mushroom on my half, and I would most certainly have noticed if there was. A picky eater can be relieved by not needing to pick a renegade vegetable from the very carnivorous half, or vice versa. The squared slices fit very nicely two at a time on the small plates provided. The shakers of parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes sat in a cast iron low-rimmed flat bottom basket. I reached for mine as I noticed the bus staff cleaning off the table of recently departed guests. The bus boy took the time to check the covers of the shakers, just in case some wise guy decided to unscrew them, waiting for the an unsuspecting victim to get a heap of cheese or peppers instead of just a shake or two. I shook the parmesan cheese over my pizza with confidence that I would not become a repeat victim of this practical joke, at least not while I dined at the Riverfront. Pizza here is best eaten with your fork. Your knife is not necessary, however, could be used if you possess the patience to do so. Cutting through your next slice forces you to take the time to enjoy the previous, something your mouth wouldn’t otherwise permit. While cutting, however, it’s important that the perforation be placed in a location where any pieces of sausage are cut in half. This slight over-spicing and larger size is a relatively new introduction, and one that should be navigated carefully to achieve the proper blend of flavors. The waitress returned to check how we were enjoying our pizza, and ask if we needed any additional drinks. If the sour apple martini ($6) wasn’t as good as it was the temptation of my next bite of pizza might have kept me from ordering another. To follow up dinner, Crème Brulèe ($7) sounded too good to be true. Delivered in an oval shaped ceramic dish the strawberry on top was cut into small sections and fanned out. The glazed granulated sugar of the outer shell spent a few seconds too long exposed to open flame, and caused the thick creamy brulèe underneath to surge upwards upon insertion of the spoon. The inner sides of the ceramic dish were not flat, which made full enjoyment of every last remainder of dessert something to earn at the end of the meal. Despite my impatient predisposition, I felt I needed to somehow work for the wonderful meal and superb service. My $50 bill did not seem adequate for the service, attention to detail, and personality that even a five star restaurant would covet. Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:06:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17589&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17589&mname=Article By Carl Engelking Oct. 18, 2007 Cowboy Up! Harry’s Bar and Grill 3549 N. Oakland Ave Shorewood, WI 53211 Phone: (414)-964-6800 Casual American Dining $8.95-$17.95 All Credit Cards Accepted Reservations are recommended for evenings It was my birthday, and my girlfriend decided to take me out to dinner, which is an event that occurs only annually in this relationship. My mouth watered just thinking about the endless dining options available for this rare one-night occasion. I finally decided on Harry’s Bar and Grill because I was in the mood for an innovative and tasty burger, and I didn’t want to be disappointed, or drive. Harry’s Bar and Grill is nestled into a small corner along Oakland Ave., just a short walk from the campus of UW-Milwaukee. Harry’s is a Shorewood dining staple, providing American style dining at a price even college students can smile at. Harry’s belongs to NStar Restaurants, which owns two other restaurants, The Knick and the North Shore Bistro. Head Chefs Karl Kort and David Engel masterminded the diverse menu at Harry’s. I went to Harry’s for a delicious birthday burger and soon found I truly chose the perfect place. That night at Harry’s, I came face-to-face with the John Wayne of “Cowboy Burgers”. My hunger sharpened as I dodged the construction on Oakland Ave. and stepped into Harry’s hand in hand with my lady. Immediately, we were greeted and coolly walked to our table for two. The hostess wasn’t overfriendly; instead, she led us to the table with a smooth sophistication you see in higher priced eateries. It was classy treatment even for me, a bearded college student with a tie-dye Grateful Dead T-shirt on. She led us to our table, which was next to three suit-and-tie-types who were deeply engrossed in financial jargon. Whether you wear tie-dye or a suit and tie, everyone’s welcome at Harry’s it seems. Being an avid baseball fan, I was concerned about the status of the MLB Playoffs, and thankfully for me, six televisions were posted all over the restaurant. Even a plasma screen HD television dominated one wall of at Harry’s. Anywhere you sit, you’re ensured to have at least two views of a sporting event. Our waitress handed us our menus, and it was time to conduct some serious business. I scoured the menu for the “Jersey Burger” (10.95), which I fell in love with the first time I was here. It’s a behemoth burger, stacked high with ground beef and topped off with mashed potatoes and gravy. However, it had been replaced by the “Cowboy Burger” (10.95), which looked to be a formidable substitution for my old favorite. The “Cowboy Burger”; a half-pound of buffalo meat seasoned with seven different spices, and it’s all topped off with a chunk of Monterey Jack cheese and haystack onion rings. The Moment of Truth No more than 15 minutes had gone by from the time I placed my order, and the burger was in front of my face. I sat in awe as I stared at the burger. Not because I was in shock, but because I didn’t know how to start eating it. Lightly toasted haystack onion rings were piled almost eight inches on top of this thing. It almost touched my nose. It seemed to be a little overboard on the onion rings, but they were tasty. Not too greasy and not too crispy, the mark of expert timing in a deep fryer vat. After digging through the tower of onions for five minutes, I was able to take my first bite. The buffalo meat was very moist, and cooked to just a shade of pink. This stately hunk of meat sat between two lightly toasted buns with just enough crispness to accent the texture. The meat wasn’t overly spiced, and it mixed well with the semi-spicy flavors of the Monterey Jack cheese. The remaining haystack onion rings added a tasteful mix of onion flavor and fried crunchiness. My raspberry vinaigrette side salad offset the spicy flavorings with a sour accent. I devoured this burger and enjoyed every minute of it. Lost in my bliss, I never noticed my cup ever running out of water. Furthermore, I never noticed anyone filling it. Water filling is a skill many waitresses forget. Either they hover and fill it constantly, or leave you panting for some moisture with your meal. My girlfriend had ordered the “Big Kahuna Burger” (9.25) with a side of delicious waffle French-fries. Lucky for me, she was in a generous mood, and allowed me a few samplings of her entrée. Like me, her burger also had an excess amount of onions, except they were rich, brown, caramelized onions. Again, I had to sift through an excess of vegetables. Her burger was regular ground beef, cooked to the same perfection as my buffalo meat. Her caramelized onions were moist, and full of flavor. The burger came with two gigantic strips of bacon, which were cooked to a jerky-like texture. Not too chewy, but just right. The waffle fries were another sign of the cook’s expertise with the deep fryer. They were lightly tan and the potato was still flaky and steaming with moisture. We filled our stomachs to the brim, and promptly received our check. Our waitress was thrifty and efficient the entire night. I never waited an extended amount of time wondering where she was. She even settled a debate between my date and I. I thought the pile of haystack onion rings looked like a cowboy hat. My girlfriend thought they looked like a stack of haystack onion rings (she’s an accounting major). We asked our waitress to ask the chef if the assembly of onion rings resembled anything. She smiled and agreed to do some sleuthing. Turns out they’re supposed to resemble a haystack. Go figure. Overall, our burgers at Harry’s were excellent. However, they did go a little overboard on the presentation. But it’s hard to complain when the only problem is excess. That’s why I gave Harry’s Bar and Grill and overall 9 out of 10 forks. Service: 9 Price: 8 Setting: 8 Food: 9 Overall: 9 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:48:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17570&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17570&mname=Article By Krysta Legeros It’s another Tuesday night in Milwaukee, and after a long day of classes, a cheap beer and $2 burger, a little entertainment is in order. Set your cell phone alarm for 10:30 p.m., close your tab, gather your friends and head off the main strip of North Ave. to the little jazz club called The Estate. This jazz club at 2423 N. Murray Ave. is one of the best in Milwaukee for its original, upbeat jazz music and an old, hidden club feel. My friends and I arrived before 10 p.m. and were met with a glance from the handful of people chatting with the bartender. Since the music doesn’t start till around 10:30 p.m., our early arrival had us enter into an entirely different bar than we would be witnessing later. The front door enters right into the curved bar, in case you just can’t make it one more step. Tall tables line the deep red and violet walls filling the rest of the bar area. A red glow illuminates from the contemporary, round lamps that hang above the bar and the small candles on every table. Black and white pictures of past musicians line the walls reminding the patrons of the rich history of jazz. The bar seems to stretch a mile to the back since it’s broken up into three main sections. After getting our drinks from the variety they offer, ranging from $4 to $5 shorts, $7 talls and the usual selection of tap beers, we pass through the dance floor and stage area to the back of the bar with a scattering of small tables. Getting there early got us the best table in the place. It is a little larger than the rest, looking out over the dance floor with a perfect view of everything (especially the one woman who always puts on a show with her eccentric dancing). The tables fill up fast, and even the dance floor becomes crowded with a relaxed and tipsy audience as the band begins to play. Now, I was a bit apprehensive about the music since I don’t have a true love for jazz, but I was instantly hooked after the first sax riff. Every Tuesday features the band Erotic Adventures of the Static Chicken, whose name may create a huge question mark, but its music leaves nothing to be desired. With a variety of upbeat jazz, the band won’t let you keep your feet still. A UWM professor’s son leads the band as one of the most talented saxophone and flute players I have ever heard. To his left, the drummer – who usually blows the crowd away – accompanies a keyboardist, guitarist and/or bass player, depending on who can get there that night. With a beer in hand themselves, these guys have a passion for the music that shows through as they put on a show that is a mix of newer pop/rock and old jazz beats. They keep the atmosphere light and soulful until around midnight when the music stops and the casual and even more cheerful conversation begins again. The Estate is the perfect place to begin the week with an intimate atmosphere and free live entertainment that can be your bit of culture. While other bars may have cheap, tasteless beer for a mere couple dollars, The Estate will give you a night of relaxation and a new satisfying experience. Soon, Tuesday nights will go hand-in-hand with The Estate. Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:02:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17565&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17565&mname=Article The Knick- A Disappointing Experience By: Megan Martell Restaurant Reviewed: THE KNICK Rating: 1 ½ out of 5 plates Cuisine Type: Mediterranean, Americana Price per Entrée: $8.95 - $24.95 Serves: LUNCH, DINNER, ALCOHOL, BREAKFAST ON WEEKENDS Dress: NICE CASUAL – SEMI-FORMAL Reservations needed: NOT REQUIRED UNLESS FOR LARGE GROUPS Payment: CREDIT CARDS The Knick, is located at 1030 East Juneau Avenue, close to Downtown Milwaukee, and can be reached at (414) 272 – 0011. The Knick also has a website you can visit: www.theknickrestaurant.com. The Knick’s hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. till closing and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. till closing. Visiting The Knick, which is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from both Downtown Milwaukee and the Lake Front, was an experience, not necessarily a good one. Noticing the menu listed its sister restaurants, The North Shore Bistro and Harry’s Bar and Gill on Oakland Avenue, I was expecting good marks. However, I got the impression that The Knick was trying to hard to be prestigious. This effort seemed obvious to numerous visitors. The Knick is a slightly hidden restaurant with its extraordinary exterior which gives you the feeling of a chic, upscale hotel restaurant. I was thinking I was in for a real treat but was quite stunned when we entered. The interior was definitely modern and fashionable with its, extensive bar, odd shaped floor plan, random modernistic art, and bold flooring. Once we were seated, next to a large, odd shaped pillar, we noticed the minimalistic candle and the non-fitting music selection. We were seated right away around 5:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night and noticed the place was pretty busy by around 6:45 p.m. The menu had a good variety, from sandwiches to burgers to actual Entrées. The selection ranged in price from about $9 vegetarian pita to numerous $24 sea food dishes. Our waitress was prompt and also pleasant, dressed in all black with a pinstripe black lap apron. She, along with the rest of the staff, was accommodating and reflected ease rather than stress. This ease was refreshing; however, our particular waitress might have been too at ease; she was chewing gum fairly obviously. Later, when I asked to speak with the manager/owner, she gave me an odd look and apparently never passed the message on. Because of her skepticism, I could not find out anything about any relative history, which left me bewildered and disappointed. We ordered an appetizer of Baked Eggplant with Ricotta Cheese and Marinara Sauce ($9.25), a Crispy Spinach and Feta Burger ($9.25), a Blackened Chicken Sandwich ($9.95), and a dessert called “September Seventh Cake” ($5.75). The Baked Eggplant ($10.95) arrived in a miniature, oval baking dish, accompanied by oversized cracker crisps and garlic rubbed, baguette slices. It smelled wonderful like sweet and creamy, yet of grilling and fresh tomato marinara. It was presented as three rolled eggplant that were thinly sliced and grilled in a marinara bath. These rolls were filled with a very creamy, melted ricotta and parmesan cheese mixture and pine nuts. I have to say it was more pleasing to the smell and sight than to the appetite. There were numerous unappealing aspects of this dish. The eggplant was very hard to eat and cut; it was kind of slimy and very overcooked. The cheese mixture was a bit bland by its self, and the pine nuts were overcooked as well. The marinara was really flavorful but ended up overpowering the dish. And the baguettes were either stale or saturated with oil. The main thing was the combating textures: smooth and creamy does not combine well with slimy. The Crispy Spinach and Feta Burger (9.25) was very interesting. The 8 oz Angus burger was done perfectly. The spinach was crispy, as it was deep fried, and was weird in this way. Even though the spinach was very flavorful and strong, I couldn’t tell if it was cooked perfectly so that it melts in your mouth or if it was so crispy that it turned into a powder when you touched it. That is definitely not a texture I would associate with spinach. As far as the Feta, it was very crumbly and also very strong. Like before, the dish was combating itself rather than complimenting it. With two strong flavors and two very different textures, the dish was really unbalanced and more like a war than a pallet pleaser. The Blackened Chicken Sandwich ($9.95) was under par as well. The chicken retained a lot of spiciness from being marinated and the charring only emphasized that. The sandwich also came with pepperjack cheese and sliced avocado. These toppings added a lot to the sandwich, but maybe too much. Served on an oversized Kaiser roll, the overdone chicken was also at battle and also hard to eat. With the spice of the chicken and the spice of the cheese, the spiciness was overpowering and didn’t even coordinate with each other. The avocado, as a counter to the spice, was appealing; however, there wasn’t nearly enough of it to balance the spice. Once again this dish was combating itself. The uneven blend of spices, the smooth and slippery avocado paired next to the rough and tough chicken, and the disproportion between the bun and the chicken all had me quite disappointed. The only good thing to come out of this meal was the dessert- September Seventh Cake ($5.75). Served on a triangular plate was a large, four-layered piece of cake consisting of chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, vanilla mousse, and chocolate ganache. The chocolate mousse was not too rich or chocolaty and very fluffy. The chocolate cake was very similar, being light and airy and also not too chocolaty. The cake part was interesting since there wasn’t very much of it and it wasn’t dense and overpowering like most other chocolate cakes. The vanilla mousse was thick and creamy, yet still fluffy; it seemed more like a fresh whipped cream although less sweet. The ganache was rich, but in a very thin layer on top. The only thing disappointing about the dish was that it was messy and hard to eat because it was drizzled with decorative sauce that extended all the way to the edge of the dish; it was inevitable that something would touch it. Overall, The Knick was fine; it was creative and modern, yet clashed in numerous textures, flavors, and ambiance details. The only thing that saves The Knick is its desserts. In retrospect, The Knick isn’t nearly as good of a find as its sister restaurant, Harry’s. Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:49:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17507&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17507&mname=Article Cuisine type: Italian Price per entree: Between $10-$20 Attire: Casual Reservations: Yes Payment: Credit Cards Accepted Louise's 801 N Jefferson Street, Milwaukee (414)273-4224 11am-2am Mon-Fri 9am-2am Sat-Sun By Katie Matulis If you're looking for a hip eatery on the east side, check out Louise's. This Italian restaurant is located just outside of downtown Milwaukee, on Jefferson Street. I just happened to pick one of their busiest days, during Jazz in the Park, but was greeted and seated at a pleasant table. Louise's is locally owned and operated by co-owners William Chait and Howard Weinberg. The two own 12 restaurants in Southern California, which is where the Louise's chain began in 1985. At the time, Chait was only 25. He bought his first restaurant for $200,000 and now is running a corporation worth more than $20 million. In Milwaukee, they own six other restaurants, one being the Water Street Brewery. Louise's is an affordable restaurant that serves delicious food. It is unique especially in the summer because of the on-going festivities. The vibe is great because of it's location across from Cathedral Square. Festivals like Bastille Days and Jazz in the Park draw a great crowd in summer, and make for some wonderful, free entertainment while eating. The restaurant has a small outside seating area. It could take anywhere from five minutes to one hour to get a table out there, but if you're one of the lucky ones, it's worth it. I strolled down to Louise's from my nearby neighborhood to meet my mother for dinner. We decided to go on a Thursday night around 5 p.m.. We had completely forgotten that Jazz in the Park would be going on, but were pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant empty. We were seated at a high top table in the bar area and had a great view, out of huge windows, of the park. Louise's is a large restaurant, able to seat over 50 tables. It has a small bar area, but lots of seating in the restaurant area. There is even a back room that they use for larger parties or overflow from the main room. The tables seemed to be a little too close to one another though. The decor is very simple and sophisticated. It works well with the cuisine and feel of the restaurant because Louise's is upscale casual. A party could arrive dressed in jeans or in formal dress. The restaurant helps the customer to feel comfortable in either situation. The plates were very cutely decorated with hand painted designs. Aside from being cute, the restaurant was very clean. My favorite part of the restaurant though is the open air kitchen. While you are eating, you are able to watch the chefs prepare your meal. They create their dishes behind a tall marble counter. Being able to watch the staff interact is interesting and makes the restaurant experience a little more special. This type of setting is also appealing because you can make sure your meal is being cooked correctly. You can see with your own eyes that the kitchen and chefs are clean. Good service is fast and friendly. Louise's definitely met our expectations in this area. We were greeted by our server in about a minute. She brought us water and tasty Italian bread, with oil and vinegar for dipping. Throughout our visit our server was fast and polite. It only took about 6 minutes to get our appetizer and 10 minutes after that to receive our entrees. Our waitress was good at keeping our small table free of clutter too. She removed our plates as soon as we were finished and bagged our food for us in the kitchen. At the end of the meal she smiled and thanked us. Service is not the only important factor during a restaurant visit. The quality of the food is vital. My mother and I were very pleased with each item that we ordered. For a starter, we split the Four Seasons pizza. This was an excellent choice. The crust was very thin and cooked to perfection because it was crispy. The pizza consists of eight slices, which are divided into four different types of pizza. One section had only pizza sauce and zucchini. Another included tomato and basil. My two favorite sections were the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato and the spicy sausage, fontina cheese, and fresh scallion section. The goat cheese was very creamy and had great flavor. Our waitress also informed us that the sun-dried tomatoes are soaked in water instead of oil, which is much healthier. It was delicious and large enough that we had leftovers to take home. Our entrees were as superb as our appetizer. I chose the BBQ chicken chop salad. The portion was huge, but did cost $10.95. It was a little more than what I'm used to paying for a salad. Usually, I probably wouldn't have chosen it, but mom was paying, so I didn't have to worry about the price so much. The salad was tossed with lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion strings, and huge pieces of BBQ chicken. The dressing was a vinaigrette that was a little on the sweet side, but worked well with the BBQ flavor. All of the ingredients were incredibly fresh and the onion strings were crispy. They were not soggy from the dressing or the BBQ sauce. My salad looked so pretty, I almost did not want to eat it, but I was way too hungry. The vegetables were all tossed in a beautiful array of colors. The BBQ chicken was circled around the edge of the bowl and the onion strings topped of the huge mountain of goodness. I was very impressed with taste and presentation. My mother ordered a pasta dish. She got the angel hair with portabella. I tried a couple bites and almost regretted ordering a salad. Some of the pasta dishes were less expensive than the salads. My mother's pasta plate cost $13.95. The entree included angel hair pasta, big juicy portabella mushrooms, artichokes, chicken, all tossed together in a herb cream sauce. Their angel hair pasta, just like their penne and spaghetti, are egg less. These entrees are great for Vegans. The artichokes especially caught our attention because they were such huge pieces. They were arranged on the plate so that they looked like flowers blooming out of field of spaghetti. I would definitely recommend this plate. I really enjoy Italian food, and Louise's lived up to my expectations. This restaurant has a new spin on some classic recipes. They describe their cuisine as California-Italian, which means taking traditional recipes and adding new vegetables and spices. I would place this restaurant behind Zaffiro's, which is another Italian place located on Brady Street, but ahead of Buca di Beppo, a chain restaurant located on Van Buren. Zaffiro's is family owned, has the best pizza in town, and hasn't changed since the 1960's, so you feel like you're in an old-school Italian restaurant. Buca di Beppo, on the other hand, has very plain dishes and no flavor in service or presentation. I would rate Louise's 4 out of 5 glasses of wine. The food, atmosphere, and service were awesome. The portions were huge and not horribly priced. The ambiance of the restaurant was comfortable and pleasant. I liked the new, California spin on old, traditional Italy. I feel safe telling everyone that it is worth their time to check out Louise's. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:07:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17491&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17491&mname=Article By: Megan Martell Restaurant Reviewed: CAFÉ HOLLANDER- GRAND CAFÉ MILWAUKEE Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 plates Cuisine type: EUROPEAN, CAFÉ Price per entrée: $8.00 - $24.00 Serves: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, COFFEE, ALCOHOL Dress: CASUAL Reservations needed: ACCEPTED, NOT MANDATORY Payment: CREDIT CARDS WELCOME, CHECKS NOT ACCEPTED Café Hollander is located at 2608 Downer Ave. in Milwaukee, and can be contacted at (414) 963-6366. Their website is www.cafehollander.com. Café Hollander is open daily Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to midnight. There is a full brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. After a long day on a recent Wednesday, a friend wanted to take me to a new place on the Eastside. We walked across the patio and into the wedge-like building of Café Hollander. I was immediately calmed by the smooth, barn-board floors and the natural, tan, brick walls decorated with bicycles and a large cycling picture. This is when I noticed the vaulted ceilings and an additional lofted dining area. Some other things really caught my attention, like the coffee/espresso bar, alcohol bar right next to it, and large cones of French Fries (frites) on some tables. I later found out that Café Hollander is known for their frites and their selection of European, particularly Belgian, beers. I also found out Café Hollander opened this past November in the building that used to be Gills and is owned by Mike Eitel and Eric Wagner, who also own Trocadero, the Hi Hat Lounge and Balzac. Anthony Trester, one of the many managers and also the executive chef, told me that the owners frequently travel to Europe bringing back cuisine and restaurant design ideas as they plan on opening more venues with a European feel. Trester was a chef for the American Club for eight years before coming to Milwaukee; he spent two years in Milwaukee then joined Eitel and Wagner in August working at the Hi Hat and Balzac. We were seated immediately at a table with a candle and a small bouquet of Kermit mums. The menu, which “is laced with the influences of European street food,” made it difficult to decide. We ordered the Autumn Chicken Salad ($10.00), the Café Club sandwich ($10.00), and for dessert, the Carmel Apple Crunch Pizza ($8.00). The wait staff, dressed casually and in a shirt with the café’s logo, took our order without writing it down. Our meals came out within a couple of minutes, and they were accurate. Both meals were quite large and presented beautifully, with vibrant colors, smells and textures. It made me think of comfort food taken to the extreme. The Autumn Chicken Salad was topped with char-grilled, sliced chicken breast on a generous bed of mesclun greens. Golden, juicy, perfectly cooked caramelized apples (displayed in connected fans outlined the chicken), maple vinaigrette and numerous quarter-sized, spiced pecan toffee clusters were tossed with the salad. The apples were amazing and brought out the flavor of the chicken. The apples and the vinaigrette also provided enough sweetness to contrast the slight, chili kick and flavor punch of the pecan clusters. It was a really interesting, contrasting dish, the only thing that would enhanced the experience would have been more dressing; slightly more dressing would have made the flavors explode that much more. The Café Club was their version of a club sandwich, served as three wedged sandwiches with frites and a pickle spear. The sandwich was three pieces of toasted French bread layered with chilled, roasted, shaved turkey, chilled apple wood smoked bacon, fresh green apple slices, thinly sliced white cheddar cheese, a sweet chili sauce and a roasted garlic aioli. The flavors were really bold and complimented each other well. The roasted garlic aioli was like a garlic mayonnaise and the sweet chili sauce had the consistency of an Italian dressing, with the initial taste being sweet and tangy and the after taste being bold and spicy. The toasted bread was too dry and hard for my taste, more apples would have added a nice, juicy crispness, and more sweet chili sauce would have been appreciated as more of a compliment to the turkey. The Carmel Apple Crunch Pizza was caramelized apples, cinnamon sugar, English toffee, a crumb mixture and caramel sauce on a brick oven pizza crust and topped with fresh cinnamon ice cream. It smelled wonderful: like an apple crisp infused with cinnamon. The apple slices were juicy and tender. The toffee was like Heath chunks that were crunchy yet melted. The ice cream had a good, fresh cinnamon flavor. The crumb mixture was basically raw oatmeal, and the brick oven crust was soft and tender. It was kind of hard to pick up and eat; it is easier to eat it with a fork. They also warn you that it takes longer to make. Café Hollander does a great job blending flavors, finding bold compliments and providing a different menu from the norm. It is great for the serious beer drinker, since they have many beers you can’t find anywhere else in Milwaukee. My experience was good, but there are a few things that would have put it over the top. I understand European cultures eat harder breads, but it was a bit too hard for my palette. Overall, more sauces and dressings would be appreciated to enhance the flavors and keep the dishes fresh. The items that may be hard to eat might benefit from a different presentation or even additional silverware. Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:14:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17392&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17392&mname=Article Sala da Pranzo- A Hidden Find By: Megan Martell Restaurant Reviewed: SALA DA PRONZO Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 plates Cuisine type: ITALIAN Price per entrée: $8.95 - $28 Serves: LUNCH, DINNER, ALCOHOL Dress: CASUAL – SEMI-FORMAL Reservations needed: LARGE GROUPS Payment: CREDIT CARDS AND CHECKS ACCEPTED By Megan Martell Sala da Pranzo, Italian for “The Dining Room,” is located at 2611 E Hampshire in Milwaukee, to the left and around the corner of the Panther Bookstore, and can be contacted at (414) 964-2611. Sala da Pranzo is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner; the restaurant is closed on Sundays. A friend and I were looking for a local sit-down restaurant, on a Wednesday, close to the UWM campus because of a meeting, on campus, later that night. We discovered a quaint Italian restaurant no more than a block off campus. Sala da Pranzo has been open for five years, under the management and ownership of Tony Balistreri and his sister Teresa. They started with tax returns and loans for entrepreneurial women and installed the kitchen. Teresa controls the business end while Tony deals the food aspects. Tony, also the head chef, taught himself to cook and loves doing it. He created the menu from family recipes and experimentation. Stepping down into the dinning room, we noticed no more than 20 tables. The décor, with its checkered floor, old-fashioned pictures, potted plants, miniature bouquets, and table lamps, seemed more like an inviting living room than an intimate, classy dining experience. I would assume the restaurant’s setting is both preserving and amending its past life. Sala da Pranzo used to be a bicycle shop, “Rainbow Jersey” and various coffee shops, the most recent being “Couch,” a Rock coffee shop. After being seated at a large, two-person table with a miniature tablecloth, for decoration, a fresh, miniature flower bouquet, a candle, and fresh bread with dipping oil, we looked at the menu in flipbook form. I really enjoyed the clean presentation, the individualistic look, and descriptive aspects of the menu. I was also shocked and please to see “No substitutions, please” on the entrée page; to me, this means they put thought into their dishes, take pride in dish personality and presentation, and suggests that how it is fixed is the best way to enjoy it. After examining the menu, we ordered the Caprese appetizer ($8.95), the Polpetta pasta ($14.50), and the Chicken Parmesana entrée ($18.00). The Caprese ($8.95) was amazing! Caprese is like a salad of just tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and dressing, sometimes with additional ingredients. I was, honestly, expecting halved cherry tomatoes and cubed mozzarella tossed in textured vinaigrette. Their Caprese is, really, nothing like that. It was a small mound of romaine strips, in the middle, on top and around the romaine were thin slices of perfectly ripe tomatoes alternately layered with thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, there must have been a whole ball of cheese, then on top of that was shreds of fresh basil, then drizzled with a smooth, thick balsamic vinaigrette. This appetizer was beautifully presented, very vibrant with color and texture. It also tasted as magnificent as it looked. The mozzarella is so fresh, it literally melts in your mouth and since they are so porous, the mozzarella medallions become infused with flavor from the balsamic vinaigrette. The remaining vinaigrette lightly coats the remaining tomatoes and basil. The Polpetta pasta ($14.50) is, basically, two large, hand-shaped meatballs, cooked in the house tomato sauce, over a bed of angel hair pasta. The meatballs keep their shape and texture nicely with the secret help of fine breadcrumbs. The Polpetta was plated beautifully with a light dusting of Parmesan and herbs around the perimeter of the pasta plate. The whole dish has great seasoning and flavor and a perfect amount of house sauce, which is slightly, but not overly, sweet. One thing I would improve on would be the doneness of the pasta; it was past al dente, being slightly overcooked. The entrée of Chicken Parmesana ($18.00) is plated with the same Parmesan/herb dusting and is two crispy breaded chicken filets with marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and served with your choice of pasta or sautéed vegetables and your choice of soup or salad. We chose the pasta and a salad. The house salad was a bed of romaine lettuce, sliced onions, and diced tomatoes with a creamy garlic house dressing. The dressing was outstanding, very flavorful, smooth and very creamy and not overpoweringly garlicky. This pasta, being al dente, was fine. The service, dressed, nicely, in all black with a white towel apron, was very accommodating, pleasant, observant, and unnoticed; all of which are very appreciated. However, we did notice that our beverages were never more than half empty, being continually refilled by any wait staff that noticed. Overall, my experience with Sala da Pranzo has been fantastic; some things that stood out to me include the menu, the consideration of the presentation, the idea that cuisine is more of an art form than a revenue, and the professional performance of the place. Paying more attention to al dente would be appreciated, and in the future, I would love to see a more professional ambiance rather than something that resembles a living room. I plan to visit here again and try additional things on the menu; I also hope the Balistreris' plans for opening another restaurant works out, as it will be a great addition to Milwaukee’s dining scene. Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:28:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17359&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17359&mname=Article Botanas Mexican Cuisine- A Good Choice By: Megan Martell Restaurant Reviewed: BOTANAS MEXICAN CUISINE Rating: 3 out of 5 plates Cuisine type: AUTHENTIC MEXICAN Price per entrée: $7.25 - $16.50 Serves: LUNCH, DINNER, ALCOHOL Dress: CASUAL – SEMI-FORMAL Reservations needed: LARGE GROUPS Payment: CREDIT CARDS AND CHECKS ACCEPTED Botanas Mexican Cuisine is located at 816 South 5th Street in Milwaukee, and can be contacted at (414) 672-3755; their website is www.botanasrestaurant.com. Botanas is open daily Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. We walked into Botanas at 8:15 on a Wednesday night, craving authentic Mexican cuisine. We saw vibrant Mexican temple ruins and animals in the form of 3-D murals as we entered the dimly lit restaurant. Owner Jaime Gonzalez made the ambiance really prominent and memorable, resembling Rainforest Café with a Mexican twist. Later in the evening, Mr. Gonzalez came around to all the tables to make sure everything was satisfactory. Gonzalez was very enthused about his job and told me Botanas has been open for seven years and he has been on 5th Street for 15 years altogether by also owning La Fuente and La Perla. Gonzalez previously was a head chef. Coming from Guadalajara, Mexico, where his family also owned restaurants, he brought two of his family friends with, who also owned restaurants back in Mexico, to be his head chefs. After being seated, we immediately received a basket of fresh corn chips and a dish of never-before-seen fresh, thick, pureed salsa; As we ran low, they refilled our chips and salsa almost unnoticeably; they poured the salsa from a metal coffee pot, shocking us all. Looking at Botanas four page menu, I was glad to see lots of house specials, which took up the majority of the space. I was also glad to see the items reasonably priced, ranging from $7.25 to $16.50. Our server, dressed like all the other help, looked very professional in a white, buttoned-down shirt, tucked into black slacks, took our order and promptly told us approximately how long it would be; this was appreciated. Our first dish was an Enchilada, Taco, and Chimichanga Combo ($9.45). This came served with guacamole, sour cream, Mexican rice, and pureed refried beans. All three were filled with cubed steak and a variety of melted cheeses. Everything was perfectly cooked and very enjoyable. The enchilada and the chimichanga were miniature and the sauce was perfectly proportioned. There was a perfect amount of food which to get one full without needing to take home leftovers. Our second entrée was One Big Chimichanga ($9.25). This came served with guacamole, sour cream, Mexican rice, pureed refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and one slice of tomato. The chimichanga looked huge; it took up half the platter. The outer coating had many layers, the outer one was perfectly fried, golden, and very crispy; the inner layers were still soft and chewy. The chimichanga was filled with creamy textured cheese and seasoned shredded chicken. The filling was not mixed well as the cheese was mostly on one side and the shredded chicken on the other. It was still good, but required a box for the rest. Our third entrée was Tampiquena ($11.95), which was a flat iron steak served with a cheese enchilada. This also came served with four of your choice of flour or corn tortillas, Mexican rice, pureed refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and one slice of tomato. Sautéed Vidalia onions came served on the flat iron steak, which was about ¼ inches thick, three inches wide, and seven inches thick. The onions were amazing being both soft and sweet; the steak, itself was flavorful, yet overcooked, making it hard to chew. The corn tortillas that came with the steak were quite flavorless and were stale. The cheese enchilada was smaller, very cheesy, flavorful, and almost hidden; there was way too much on plate, even though it was presented nicely. When the dishes first came out, we noticed the guacamole was pureed creamy. It was quite flavorless, as we could only taste the avocado; there wasn’t even a hint of any other flavors like garlic. While dining, we also noticed that the plates rotated, making it hard to control the food. The service was pleasant and discrete, but we ended up waiting a long time to get our bill, longer than waiting for our food. We still appreciated the owner coming around and talking to each table. Overall, the food was enjoyable, but the flat iron steak should have been cooked less and the guacamole should have more flavor and texture. Also, waiting for the bill was a pain but Botanas still won us over because of the 3-D Mexican ambiance. Sun, 11 Mar 2007 22:36:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17281&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17281&mname=Article By Megan Martel Restaurant Reviewed: JOHN’S ROOT BEER Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 plates Cuisine type: AMERICAN Price per entrée: $1. 52 - $7.14 Serves: LUNCH, DINNER, SNACKS Dress: CASUAL Reservations needed: NO Payment: CASH ONLY John’s Root Beer (aka John’s Drive-In according to the take home menu) is located at 1317 Arcadian Ave. in Waukesha; it is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Fridays when it is open till 9 p.m. and can be contacted at (262) 542 – 2842. It was 8 p.m. on a Friday night when a friend and I pulled into John’s Root Beer. My friend had mentioned a really good, little root beer stand near by; I assumed this was it. I was very interested about the place when I noticed numerous picnic tables, hand-made menu signs and an ordering window surrounded by a clear, plastic curtain used for blocking bad weather. I thought the weather blocking curtains were a good touch, allowing John’s Root Beer to remain open year round. Even though you’re sheltered from the weather, you are still ordering outside, so you may be cold. The counter was clean but old and was explained by the inside menu which said, “Open since 1937.” I thought it was nice to see the owner, John Meehan, keep the original style of the place. John’s Root Beer has been under Meehan’s ownership for 15 years now. The employee didn’t know anything else about him, so she suggested I call later. I called numerous times and could not get a hold of him. There seemed to be only one employee, and she was handling things with ease. She was dressed very casual and appeared energetic about her job. This added to the casualness and good disposition of the place. We didn’t take long to order since their menu is quite small. Normally, they have a selection of hot dogs, hot sandwiches and extras like fries. They also have a seasonal menu from October to March which includes a Friday Fish Fry, chili and soup. Our order came up fairly soon, and we decided to eat in the car since it was quite cold out. We ordered Kraut Dogs ($2.00), Brats ($3.33) and Root Beer Frosties ($2.71). The Kraut Dogs came with your choice of additional condiments. Mine just had ketchup and sweet sauerkraut. These boiled hot dogs had really soft, warm buns with the condiments underneath the dogs so they were less messy, and came wrapped in two sheets of tissue paper. They were very tasty. The Brats also came made to order with mustard and sweet sauerkraut. These were grilled ( and in a grilled hoagie roll), again with the condiments underneath and wrapped in the tissue paper. These were also very good, and although the bun was grilled, it was still soft. I really liked the concept of putting the condiments between the bun and the sausage because it was less messy and it gave the sausage more flavor since it hit the taste buds before the sausage did. The root beer frosties were amazing! They are made of tap root beer and well blended with vanilla ice cream. They had great texture: slushy, frothy and creamy all at the same time. Later, looking at their take home menu, I saw that you can get a quart ($2.14), half gallon ($3.33) or even a gallon ($5.23) of root beer, regular or diet, to take home. Had I known that earlier I would have gotten some. John’s Root Beer is great. If I lived closer, I would definitely go there often. It is great for a quick, tasty meal, snack or even a picnic. It is very reasonable and impressive because it still operates like it did back in the 1930’s. Sun, 04 Mar 2007 19:56:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17262&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17262&mname=Article By: Megan Martell Restaurant Reviewed: RIVERBROOK FAMILY RESTAURANT Rating: 2 ½ out of 5 plates Cuisine type: FAMILY, AMERICAN, INTERNATIONAL Price per entrée: $6.25 - $17.95 Serves: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, ALCOHOL Dress: CASUAL Reservations: GROUPS ONLY Payment: CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Riverbrook Family Restaurant is located at 1111 East Capitol Drive in Shorewood; it is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and can be contacted at (414) 332-5155. On a recent Wednesday night, some friends and I went out to celebrate an anniversary after work. It was 10 p.m., and Riverbrook Family Restaurant was one of the few places open. Walking into this family-style restaurant, we were seated right away. While being shown our table, I noticed diner-style, counter seating, the rest being mostly booths, and appearing very clean with high-backed, decorative booth benches. I thought the owners, the Panagiotopoulos (aka: Panos) family, did a good job of making the restaurant comfortable. They opened the Riverbrook in 1989 and have other restaurants throughout Milwaukee. The menu was quite extensive, which included an always-available breakfast section, sandwiches, American, Greek, Italian, and Mexican cuisine, and numerous specials. I was surprised to see both alcoholic beverages and breakfast on their menu. While looking at the menu, I noticed there were a lot of choices and a lot of flyer inserts; there was too many of both. I also thought the prices were a little high for a family dining experience. I figured out why the prices were high; you get a basket of soft, giant rolls, one per person, and, depending on your meal, you also get a complimentary beer or glass of wine, soup or salad, and a small dessert and/or other side dishes. We ordered a lighter version of breakfast and two main dishes, both off of different flyer inserts, one being vegetarian. The two entrees would have been great without the added extras; the breakfast was average. The vegetarian meal started with a large bowl of vegetable soup, which had a good flavor and wasn’t too salty, yet was a dark green broth with uneven pieces of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage. I was disappointed with the unevenness of the vegetables and their soft texture. The entrée was charbroiled shrimp fajitas ($9.95), medium shrimp pan-fried with seasoning, onions and julienned red and yellow bell peppers, cooked perfectly and brought out on a sizzling platter, served with a cup of refried beans, sour cream, and salsa. The tortillas were small, the shrimp were not charbroiled, yet had a good, even taste and texture. The dessert that also came with the meal was pathetic; it was a small square, something like Jell-o brand cheesecake, which was basically cheesecake-flavored pudding on a graham cracker crust. Strawberries came on the side as a really sweet, syrup-thick strawberry topping. This seemed almost like a joke and was unappreciated. Our second meal started with an iceberg lettuce, tomato, and cucumber salad. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing was on the side in a large soup bowl and came with a soupspoon to ladle the dressing on. The dressing was good, not too salty, but the salad itself was awful, and the salad was flooded in about a half inch of water. The entrée was Cordon Bleu with Fettuccine Alfredo ($9.95). I’m use to Cordon Bleu being rolled up, breaded, and served with rice, instead it was served on a bed of noodles, layered with chicken breasts, thin slices of country ham, melted Swiss cheese, and topped with the Alfredo sauce. It was excellent, especially how the ham flavored the Alfredo sauce. A dish of cold, undrained, over-cooked peas came with this. The peas were a disappointment, and the fettuccine needed a garnish. The dessert that came with this was also small, but not as shocking. It was supposed to be apple pie, but came out as something that resembles a kringle since it had no edge crust, yet had a glaze. The bottom crust was very mushy and the top crust was crispy and flaky; the filling was sticky but had good flavor. The breakfast was two eggs, with sausage links ($5.95); it came with hash browns and two pieces of toast. Nothing noticeable was wrong with the over-easy eggs, hash browns, sausage, or toast; it was average. Our waitress started talking with us as we were leaving because there were few people there and it was close to closing; for a family style restaurant, I thought this was okay because, in that environment, the wait staff should be friendly. Overall, our experience was good; however, I think the menu is too large for a family-style restaurant, the multitude of side dishes was unnecessary, and the meals would be a lot better, had they not been added. Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:49:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17245&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17245&mname=Article By Samantha Hatfield Cuisine Type: Italian Price per entrée: $8.95-29.95 Attire: Casual Reservations are accepted Payment: Credit Cards accepted Buca di Beppo 1233 N. Van Buren Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-224-8672 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5-10 Friday: 5-11 Saturday: 12-11 Sunday: 12-9 Rating System: 1=very poor 2=poor 3=ok 4= good 5= very good SERVICE: 5 SETTING: 4 FOOD: 3 VALUE: 4 OVERALL: 3.2 As we walked inside, we were welcomed by a smiling hostess and the smell of Italian, garlicky goodness. Mix and match gold frames holding pictures of Frank Sinatra, Popes and little old Italian women covered almost every inch of the maize colored walls, giving us something to look at while we had a minute-wait for our reserved table. We were soon seated at a large round table covered with a classic red-and-white checkered tablecloth. Buca di Beppo on Milwaukee’s East side was our choice for dinner at 9:15 on Saturday night, which worked well for our group of four because of the restaurant’s signature family-style menu. The chain of family-style restaurants that started in a basement in Minneapolis (opening in Milwaukee in 1996) gives Milwaukeeans a place to go for classic Italian dishes and atmosphere. Head Chef Alonzo and his staff work hard to make the many dishes on the menu and fill many hungry stomachs. Bruce Johnson is one of the owners and a Paisano partner. In Italy, a Paisano is a best friend and neighbor. Our visit to Buca’s offered portions big enough to easily fill us all despite the average, sometimes bland taste of the food. The atmosphere was alive with animated conversations at each table and reminded me of sitting in my grandma’s kitchen for family dinners. The friendly, knowledgeable waitress greeted us immediately and answered all the questions that we had while pouring over the placemat menus, especially when it came to deciding between small or large entrée sizes. We never had to wait for her to come by the table if we needed something, and if we did need anything, she got it to us right away. We started out with the fresh mozzarella caprese (8.95 small) and the bruschetta (7.95 small). After less than 10 minutes, our first order of food arrived. The caprese appetizer was simple but flavorful with basil leaves and tomato wedges, which were surprisingly fresh for being out of season, accompanied by roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella. The warm bruschetta arrived toasted to a perfect golden brown with four large pieces topped with plenty of diced tomatoes, onions, basil, garlic and herbs. The appetizers were the most flavorful items we sampled from the menu. For the main course, we shared a small order of veal Parmigiana with prosciutto (17.45 small), chicken Marsala with fresh mushrooms (14.95 small), and a side of spaghetti marinara (4.95 large). Three thin slices of lightly breaded, pan-seared veal were topped with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, onions and garlic. The topping was similar to that on the bruschetta and the veal was tender and moist. It was the favorite of the main courses we ordered. Our order of chicken Marsala consisted of two perfectly cooked, moist chicken breasts topped with a thin, sweet Marsala sauce and white mushrooms. The mushrooms did not seem fresh and had an awkward texture. Portabella mushrooms would have better complemented the Marsala sauce while adding more flavor to the dish overall. Adding more pepper or herbs would have been another major improvement, as we found it bland and dull. A classic order of spaghetti marinara was a big disappointment with overcooked pasta and little to no sauce, but chunks of tomatoes and meat that hardly coated the pasta. It reminded us of spaghetti from an elementary school cafeteria, not a classic Italian pasta dish to rant and rave about. The bottle of 2004 Spada Chianti that we ordered was also not that impressive with simple, young flavors that were not as full as we would’ve liked but made do for the meal that we had. The dessert menu looked fabulous, including the Italian classics, Tiramisu and cannoli, as well as a chocolate lover’s dream of triple chocolate cake but we were all too full to try anything. The dessert of the evening, bread pudding with a caramel glaze on the side also looked yummy but we just had no room. Buca’s service and atmosphere definitely eased the blandness of some of the food, however the bruschetta and caprese appetizers were something to go back for, maybe even have a larger portion as an entree. We have been to Buca’s on previous occasions and we agreed that the food has been better in the past. Buca’s is a great place to go with a big group of people. The large, family-style menu allows everyone a chance to try a variety of things while enjoying each other’s company in a close setting. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you receive. But if high class and high quality food is what you’re looking for, this may not be the place to go. It’s on the cheesier side when compared to the Olive Garden in terms of décor but it is definitely a fun place to check out. Frank Sinatra songs being drowned out by diners in good conversation as well as the eclectic décor on every wall of the restaurant was left behind as we made our way out the door. However, the welcoming, attentive service and dining-room type feel will bring us back again for at least an appetizer or two. And if someone has never been there before, they should try it out once just to see what it’s like. Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:50:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17236&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17236&mname=Article While there are many fast food restaurants, sandwich shops, diners, pizza joints, and steak houses in Port Washington, rumor has it that the community has never been known as a ‘go to’ place for fine dining. Andrzeh Sitarski and Kenneth Naujock, partners in the Wind Rose Wine & Martini Bar, are working hard to prove the rumor wrong. Sitarski and Naujock’s first step was to hire noteworthy Chef Kim Jensen, whose professional credits include Sanford, Trocadero and the Pasta Tree. Jensen’s food philosophy hinges on fresh and local ingredients whenever possible. I have visited Wind Rose three times since it has opened for business and though, not flawless, it is definitely is one of the most enjoyable restaurants in northern Ozaukee county. Case in point, my lastest visit on a Friday night with three other dining companions. We arrived on time for our reservations and were asked if we wanted to sit at the bar or be seated at our table. My companions and I chose the latter, and were promptly seated at the exact table we had chosen to reserve when we made our initial reservations. We had also arrived with a bottle of wine in hand for which we were told, in advance, we would pay a corkage fee of $15 to open. After our water glasses were filled, our server came to the table, greeted us and offered to take our drink orders. We decided to open the bottle of wine we brought. Our server, upon seeing the red wax topper on the wine, asked how to go about removing it. Once instructed, he expertly removed the wax with a cutter and opened the wine tableside. However, upon pouring the first glass, he spilled wine on the white linen tablecloth in front of me and proceeded to drip wine on a menu and plate. Upon apologizing, he removed the menu and plate. Although he did bring a plate back, he did not bring another menu for my companion who later had to share mine. In additon, our server attempted to empty the wine bottle among four wineglasses, which left our glasses significantly overfilled. A more experienced server would have poured approximately four ounces in each glass and left the remainder on the table for diners to pour they pleased. Bread arrived in the form of rolls shortly after our server poured our wine. One look at the rolls and it was hard not to think of Brown and Serve rolls, ready in minutes. For a first impression, this one was poor. My companions and I chose to order the salad special of the evening, Caprese ($7), a fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and tomato salad. Traditionally this salad would have been constructed in layers of alternate tomato and cheese slices, drizzled with olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and sprigs of fresh basil leaves. The salad that arrived at our table was a more visually creative interpretation of the classic Caprese. One half of the plate was covered with a slight slope of fresh dark greens, while the other half held four alternate slices of tomatoes and cheese topped with a chiffonade of basil. The plate’s contents were then drizzled with olive oil and a perfect splash of red wine vinegar. The presentation was beautiful, and the offering was generous for the price. Although our server asked if we would like black pepper on our salad, salt was another story. For my taste, the salad had been salted with too heavy a hand. The menu at Wind Rose is not overly large, although they offer a nightly special, along with a selection of six entrees. On the night we dined, two of my companions chose the Scallops l’Orange ($27). The Scallops were pan seared on cilantro rice and served with sauteed vegetables and an orange-blossom reduction sauce. Served in a large flat bowl, the Scallops had more sauce than I think a reduction sauce should have. The extra sauce made the entree sloppy, but my companions stated that they enjoyed it none the less. My third companion chose the Maple-Ginger Glazed Salmon ($21), which was prepared and served on a bed of Asian slaw with wasabi aioli. The fish was prepared to perfection, and was not overcooked but, rather, slightly pink. The spicy, sweetness of the glaze fit well with the consistency of the fish. The only problem with this entree was that it had peanuts, undisclosed on the menu, embedded in the slaw. My fellow diner is allergic to peanuts. Since one doesn’t automatically pair peanuts with Asian cooking, the ingredient should have been listed on the menu. A keen eye on the slaw averted a potential tragedy. Lastly, I selected the special of the evening, Broiled Lamb Chops ($30) served with tomato and spinach cavatti pasta, tubular corkscrew pasta native to Southern Italty, alongside fresh tomatoes. The lamb chops were cooked to perfection with a nice char on the ouside and a pink center. The Lamb chops were served on top of a bed of pasta that was a tad on the sticky side, with a side of tomatoes that were too chilled for the dish. Wind Rose has three dining sections in which diners can be seated, including the small section of tables located in the bar. The room we dined in had an electric fireplace, which, despite the heat outside, was lit and comfortable. The dining room also had cream city brick walls. Our table was located in front of a brick arched window that looked out onto Franklin Street. The chairs in the section we sat in were fairly comfortable wicker chairs, but my dinner companion kept bumping into the obtrusive matching wicker base on our table everytime he tried to pull his chair in. After enjoying the atmosphere and dinner, we decided to order dessert. This decision turned out to be a good choice. One of my companions ordered the Kahlua Espresso Chocolate Cake, ($7) served with cinnamon whipped cream and fresh berries. She said it was out of this world, a mixture of all her favorite ingredients in perfect proportion. Another companion and I ordered the Creme Brulee ($5), which varies daily according to season. On the evening we were there, the flavor was mango, and to be quite honest, I didn’t know what to expect. When our server brought the mango creme brulee to the table, it appeared in its traditional shallow white dish, with a golden sugar crust. Once I cracked through the nicely crisped sugar glaze and dipped into the creme, I was delighted. The creme was flavored with the extracted juice from fresh mango, and the flavor was subtle, with notes and flecks of vanilla bean. The hue was a pale orange, just deeper than the traditional creme brulee pale cream color. All in all, our meal lasted over three hours and was nicely spaced from salad to dessert, with only necessary interruptions from our server. Though not flawless, the four of us agreed it was hard to believe we were dining this well in Port Washington. We definitely found both the meal and the atmosphere enjoyable enough to return again. -By Lori Horbas Wind Rose Wine & Martini Bar 308 Franklin St. Port Washington, WI 53074 262-284-4800 Happy Hour Fri & Sat: 2-5 PM Dinner Hours Sun thru Thurs: 5-9 PM Fri & Sat: 5-10 PM Bar Hours Sun thru Thurs: 5-10 PM Fri & Sat: 5 to Bar Time Cuisine: American Price per entrée: $18-$30 Reservations: Yes Attire: Casual Payment: Credit Cards Accepted Rating Guide: Restaurant reviews are based on a total dining experience. Factors taken into consideration in determining an overall ranking include: service, setting, food, and value. Five Forks = Excellent One Fork = Unfortunate Wind Rose Overall Rating: THREE FORKS Based on: Service: 3 Forks Setting: 4 Forks Food: 3 Forks Value: 3 Forks Sat, 17 Feb 2007 15:39:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17205&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17205&mname=Article Lisa’s Café, owned by, you guessed it, Lisa, is the kind of place where you can walk in and enjoy the café cuisine without worrying about what you are wearing or who is going to see you, not only because they don’t care what you wear, but also because there are rarely a whole lot people at Lisa’s café. I don’t understand why more people don’t take advantage of the comfortable, casual atmosphere, with additional bistro seating on the sidewalk out front. Lisa’s café is the perfect spot to hang out with friends or get some work done using their free wireless network. As part of the flood of new restaurants to open in West Bend, Lisa’s Café is trying to make a go of it. Opening in April of last year, Lisa’s Café is fairly new, and I think that business will really take off as soon as West Bend residents get tired of the big chain restaurants that are so popular in this town. My boss and I went to Lisa’s Café on a Tuesday afternoon. We were both excited to experience the quaint café for ourselves. It is a small place with ten tables inside and four small tables outside. As we walked in, we were greeted by a glass-front bakery case with five different cakes. Paintings, drawings and photographs, done by local artists, serve as decorations, and they are all for sale. When you walk in, there is nothing that strikes you as being so amazing that you have look around and take it all in. Like so many other cafés, there are tables and chairs, a cash register and a big menu on the wall. Lisa’s Café doesn’t have anything special about the ambiance that makes it stand out from other cafés in West Bend. The menu is simple: Coffee drinks, featuring Alterra coffee, smoothies, a few sandwiches to choose from, a couple of soups of the day, and baked goods. The most expensive item on the menu is $6.95, and you can’t beat that. From the minute you order your food at the cash register up front, there is no wait staff here, and you can tell that the staff is a little inexperienced and at times a little less than enthusiastic. When I went in the first time, it took the cashier, Lisa’s daughter, five minutes to ring up my order. And don’t be surprised if you have to stop the barista mid-coffee making to tell her what you actually ordered. I ordered an iced Chai latte ($3.35), and she ended up making me a hot Chai latte. The Chai lattes, both iced and hot, are your pretty standard Chai. They steam pre-made Chai tea with milk and pour it in a cup. One thing that I always look for in a good Chai latte is that it doesn’t have that medicinal taste that some places serve up with theirs. The Chai latte at Lisa’s café is a little on the sweet side, and I think that there has to be a fine balance between the spices that come out and the sweetness that I also love. Overall, Lisa’s Café makes a decent Chai latte. The kitchen staff at Lisa’s Café definitely has it together. I ordered a Turkey and provolone panini with a side of fruit salad, instead of chips or potato salad, which you can also choose from with all of their sandwiches ($6.75). I was delighted with the way that the sliced turkey, provolone, romaine lettuce, tomato and cranberry sauce all melted together on whole wheat bread. The panini, which is basically a grilled sandwich that goes into a fancy sandwich press producing a perfect crispness and grill marks, was just good enough to feel like something special, and also healthy enough to make me feel good about something I ate out at a restaurant. The cranberry sauce, besides being the obvious accompaniment to turkey, gave the sandwich a lovely balance of sweet and tartness. It was a nice taste sensation. The side of fruit was your standard mixture of seasonal fruits; grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe and honeydew. There is nothing fancy about the presentation at Lisa’s Café: Just a sandwich, a small cup of fresh fruit and a pickle on the side. My boss ordered the tuna melt ($5.50), which is something that I had also been tossing around when deciding what I wanted. This old-fashioned tuna sandwich is definitely not made with tuna from a can. The fresh Albacore tuna, cheddar cheese, red onion and sliced tomato on whole wheat bread was as good as a tuna sandwich can get. One of the problems with sandwiches at cafés is that they are just sandwiches, and Lisa’s Café is no exception. They may have a little something different about them, but when it comes down to it there really isn’t a lot that they could do with a sandwich that would make me want it all the time. My boss chose the potato salad as her side. This is one place that Lisa’s Café shined. Potato salad can be a hard thing to make, and appeal to the general public, because some people can be very picky about their potato salad. This salad stood out because it was simple, made with potatoes, celery, a mayonnaise dressing, and parsley, but so good. The potato and fruit salad were displayed in large bowls in a glass case where all of the cakes were, so of course we had to try a piece of something. There are all kinds of different choices when it comes to bake goods. From huge cookies to scones and biscotti, there is something for everyone. Lisa’s Café always had different cakes to choose from, but one standard is carrot cake. There is always a carrot cake on display calling people’s names. We chose something a little different, though. A banana chocolate chip cake ($3.50/slice) caught my eye. This may sound like a crazy combination, but the mix of mashed banana between the chocolate chip layers of cake really complimented each other well. The cake layer was moist and wonderful, with miniature chocolate chips running all through both of the layers. The banana layer was perfectly sweet with a really strong banana taste. The chocolate frosting was, of course, the best part. It wasn’t that super sweet butter cream type of frosting, even though that’s how it looked. It had a very light, creamy texture with a strong chocolate taste. Miniature chocolate chips covered the top and sides of the cake and were a lovely contrast in texture. This cake is one of the best cakes I have ever tasted, with its richness and balance of sweetness and texture; I would and have made a trip to Lisa’s Café just for a slice. For a quick healthy bite to eat which beats the chain restaurants in West Bend, stop at Lisa’s Café, but don’t be prepared to be blown away. With simple food and average service Lisa’s Café is a nice place to meet friends for a piece of cake and a cup of coffee or get some work done. It’s not loud, it’s not busy and it’s nothing to brag about; it’s just a little café with a small menu and a different atmosphere than a lot of the other restaurants in town. -By Amy Naber Visited 7/27/06 Lisa’s Café 1114 E Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095 PH# 262-334-9777 Fax# 262-334-9790 Hours: Monday-Friday 5am-5pm Saturday 6am-5pm Sunday 6am-3pm Sun, 11 Feb 2007 00:54:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17152&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17152&mname=Article I recently spent a night in Madison and had the luxury of dining at what is considered to be one of the city’s finest steakhouses- Johnny Delmonico’s. As someone who isn’t a real red meat fan, initially I wasn’t sure how I felt about the invitation. However, after scanning the menu prior to my visit and seeing the assortment of steak and seafood, I was intrigued. The restaurant has been in business for a mere five years and has become a hotspot in the city for its award-winning food and smooth, sultry atmosphere. Chef Michael White has been working at Johnny Delmonico’s for over a year and certainly knows how to create both exceptional and unique dishes. We went at 7:30 on a Friday evening, and I was pleased that our table was ready right on time. We had reservations, which are strongly recommended at Delmonico’s (as it’s often called). Upon entering the upscale restaurant, I immediately noticed the crisp, white linen and well-dressed patrons. A subtle blend of music played in the background while customers casually conversed at the swanky mahogany bar. The rich, dark wood that adorned the restaurant created a classy, more upscale appearance, which is well balanced by the dishes it serves. We were pleased as we were seated in a more private corner with a window view perfect for some people watching. It was nice to be set off more to the side so we could enjoy one another’s company without the fear of not being able to hear each other (as it got later, the restaurant also got somewhat louder). Scanning the menu for the second time, I again noticed the nice array of steak and seafood options. Unlike many other fine dining restaurants, Delmonico’s menu is extensive and has a variety of side options and ways to “enhance the experience”. Prices for entrées range from about $15 to $40, and all entrees include both a salad and bread. Side orders ($4.95) such as sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli, are relatively inexpensive- especially given their generous portions. One nice twist is that customers can choose from five different side salads to accompany their entree, rather than solely a house or Caesar salad as with many restaurants. Our server pleasantly greeted us and allowed sufficient ‘alone’ time throughout the meal. She was attentive and yet not overbearing, which was nice. She knew when to approach and when to let alone. Albeit, one time I did have to ask for a refill on my water, but this wasn’t necessarily her responsibility. We started our meal with drinks. My friends each opted for a glass of Shiraz, which was full-bodied and smooth. I chose to go with my standard vodka tonic, which was perfectly mixed. We also ordered our appetizers right away as we were very hungry and heard that Delmonico’s is in the fashion of serving courses more slowly (a common practice among more upscale restaurants). We nibbled on warm sourdough bread while we waited for our appetizers. The creamy butter melted on the homemade bread immediately on contact. As for the appetizers we decided to go with the Stuffed Mushrooms ($9.95), along with the Capitol Shrimp Cocktail ($12.95). Each of the mushrooms was stuffed with different main ingredients- one contained crab, one had sausage, and the third contained braised beef and spinach. The mushroom caps were large, tender and juicy. The sausage and the crab stuffed mushrooms were excellent. The crab was smooth and creamy, and the sausage was a spicy, flavorful, and delicious. The braised beef and spinach stuffed mushroom, on the other hand, lacked the flavor and consistency of its counterparts. It was rather bland and boring. The shrimp cocktail was excellent as well. The shrimp were large and succulent, and the cocktail sauce was not too spicy and not too bland. It was right on point, with just the right amount of horseradish. After devouring our appetizers, we were ready for our entrees. I chose the Stuffed Shrimp Scampi ($24.95) while my friends opted for the ‘Petite’ Tenderloin ($26.95) and the Frutti Di Mare ($21.95), an assortment of seafood and homemade noodles. We all chose the Steakhouse Wedge Salad. The Steakhouse Wedge Salad delicious and generous. The large slice of iceberg was drizzled in Bleu cheese dressing with gorgonzola sprinkled atop. It truly was the perfect wedge. All of the main courses were exceptional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. However, we all agreed that mine was the best. The jumbo shrimp and blue crab stuffing were broiled to perfection and were melt-in-your mouth amazing. It was better than any shrimp scampi we’d tasted before. And the sautéed fresh greens and tomatoes that accompanied the dish paired nicely with the shrimp. By the time we finished our salads and entrees, we were stuffed, but felt compelled to try a dessert. We were torn between the apple tart and the chocolate cake, but ended up choosing the chocolate cake and it was excellent. It was moist and not overly sweet. The butter cream frosting that was on top and in the center was rich and creamy, just how frosting should be. It’s pretty clear that Delmonico’s knows what’s going on in and out of the kitchen. The delicious food, combine with the attentive service and exquisite atmosphere make Johnny Delmonico’s a 5 in my book…or shall I say menu. -By Jayme Joyce Johnny Delmonico’s 130 S. Pinckney St Madison, WI 53703 (608) 257-8325 Business Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 5 - 9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 5 - 10 pm Bar opens daily at 4:30 pm Service: * * * * Setting: * * * * * Food: * * * * * Value: * * * * Overall: * * * * * Cuisine Type: Steak & Seafood Price per entrée: $15- $40 Attire: Dressy casual Reservations Recommended: Yes Payment: All major credit cards accepted Sun, 11 Feb 2007 00:51:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17151&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17151&mname=Article No matter what time hunger strikes, The Inn at Cedar Crossing has a meal for you. While anything I’ve ever eaten there was excellent, quite frankly, I could skip right to the dessert every time. The Inn at Cedar Crossing, located on the corner of Third and Louisiana streets in Sturgeon Bay, offers an excellent variety of both traditional and contemporary American and Italian dishes. Chef Joel Mathews and his team make a delicious homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner from scratch everyday.   Built in 1884, this building is listed on the National Historic Register. Before becoming a restaurant and bed and breakfast in 1976, previous occupants of the building included a tailor shop, an apothecary, a soda fountain, doctor’s offices and a clothing store.   My most recent dining experience was on a Friday afternoon. When I walked into the brick vernacular style building with two friends, we were immediately greeted by a cheerful, friendly hostess and quickly seated in the dining room as opposed to the casual bar. I’ve heard that when dining for dinner it is best to make a reservation. Any other time of day, it is fairly easy to get a table. The Victorian style dining room included pressed tin ceilings, hardwood floors and a handsome fireplace. Fresh carnations and baby’s breath decorated the tabletops. The only pitfall of the dining room was that it was a bit cramped, and we could easily hear the conversation of the people sitting next to us. I really did not care to hear what their plans were for the rest of the day. Our table already had a water glasses and a delicate glass pitcher full of water on it when we were seated. Not long after sitting, our waitress was right there to ask if we need anything else to drink and told us about the specials for the day, including the quiche of the day, a homemade special offered everyday with a different spin.   She promptly returned with our drinks and took our order. All the waitresses wore cleanly ironed white blouses with black ties and black pants. Their attire made me feel like I was in a fancier restaurant than I really was.   I ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich (7.95), and my friends ordered the Marinated Veggie Wrap (7.95) and the Albacore Tuna Melt (8.95). All of these meals came with a choice of waffle fries, Cajun Fries, homemade potato salad or fresh fruit.   The Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich would have tasted like any other char grilled piece of chicken with bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato had it not been for the delightfully tasty chipotle mayonnaise, which added a delicious twist on a common sandwich.   During previous visits to The Inn at Cedar Crossing I’ve had this same sandwich on Focaccia bread instead of a lightly toasted Kaiser roll. Personally, I liked the Focaccia bread better because it had a fresh taste. The fresh fruit I ordered added a refreshing splash to the meal.   What was supposed to be rolled inside a flour tortilla was marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted artichokes, pepper jack cheese and spring greens; although, one would never have known that of the marinated veggie wrap my friend received.   The wrap wasn’t awful after picking out an overpowering amount artichoke. The waffle fries perked up the meal with a mouthwatering taste. They were a lovely golden brown and served with salt instead leaving it up to the customer to determine the amount of salt to add.   I had previously only had the cold version of the albacore tuna melt, but the baked version my friend ordered completely changed my mind. This is what I’m ordering the next time I visit. Combined with the tuna was a delectable mixture of caper, onions and tomatoes. It was served open faced on a piece of fresh baked sourdough bread and topped with cheddar and dill havarti. The Cajun fries that accompanied the sandwich were topped with an excellent blend of spices, but beware: If spicy food is not your forte, this might send you running for extra water.    While I didn’t appreciate that our waitress chose to ask about are meal when our mouths were all stuffed with food, she did arrive very swiftly after we were done to ask if we wanted dessert. She also asked if we wanted boxes for the food we hadn’t eaten. (I’d pre-warned my guests that they had better save room for dessert.)    Dessert was the best part of the meal. In fact, finding a word to describe it is simply not possible. With a huge variety of choices including my favorite, the chocolate mousse cake with a hazelnut crust, to the deep dish Door County cherry pie, Snickers cheesecake or many other delectable choices at a very reasonable price (4.95), there’s something for every sweet tooth.   Overall, the food was excellent and the dessert made up for any shortcomings of the meal or service. The environment was very warm and inviting; however, if you’re looking for some place very intimate, this is probably not the place for you. Even though some of the dinner entrees are a little more expensive, everything you get during your experience at the Inn at Cedar Crossing is well worth the price. If you won’t take my word for it, check The Inn at Cedar Crossing out for yourself.    The Inn at Cedar Crossing  American and Italian  336 Louisiana Street, Sturgeon Bay Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:55:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17062&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17062&mname=Article By Nicole Provencher  Lingering waiting lines, too many cars, parking impossible and improbable, driving through pedestrians a nightmare, construction work and hunger: and I wasn’t even shopping on Black Friday.  I went to the new Cheesecake Factory at the newly renovated Bayshore Mall in Glendale. Of course, besides the amazing cheesecake, they offer everything under the chef’s knife: Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese, Thai; everything, I tell you!   So, four family members and I decided to check out the new digs and see if the new restaurant is as good as the Cheesecake Factory at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa. After close and careful scrutiny, I determined they are mostly the same, except the new one at Bayshore might be slightly smaller. Oh, and the stuff going on outside is completely different, and not in a good way.   We arrived around 2 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon. Needless to say they have a few glitches they need to figure out, like the whole cars-not-getting-anywhere thing and the whole parking-is-impossible-with-this-many-pedestrians thing. Once you actually found a way to get into the parking structure, you were fine.   Oh wait, maybe not, because we ended up waiting 50 minutes. I took into consideration the fact that even the Mayfair restaurant is always busy with a constant wait. The peppy music playing over all the noise helped a little. You have to stay in a good mood when there is that much cheesecake around.   We finally sat down and happened to get the best waitress in the place (ask for Emily). She was fun and bright and knew all about the menu. I also tend to judge a good waitress by whether or not she fills your cup before you notice it was empty. She did that with everyone.   My group happened to get the corner booth, which is surrounded by mirrors. It’s a little hard to get used to, but it was private, which is nice if you want a more intimate meal. However, it’s hard to be intimate with very high ceilings and echoing noise. Even for lunch, it was a bit much.   It’s certainly a party environment, excellent for a group outing, even at the bar.   Upon opening the menu, I found tons of options, from fish and seafood to pastas to salads to sandwiches. In each of these categories, every ethnic group was covered. Anyone can easily find something they will like at the Cheesecake Factory and expect big portions.   Even when you order the lunch portion, it’s still huge, and you will end up taking home leftovers, which I highly recommend if you plan on eating the cheesecake. Save room, because dessert is the best part!   We ordered appetizers first. The giant plate of nachos ($9.95) was a great start. They were not very spicy, so don’t be afraid. The chips were a tad too salty, and they were very greasy, but any nachos are when there’s delicious cheese on top. Dig in to the guacamole too; it’s the perfect blend of avocado and spice. Get the nachos with chicken on top; it was very well seasoned, again not too spicy.   Next was Evelyn’s Favorite Pasta ($9.95), which was a combination of vegetables perfect for those vegetarians out there: Broccoli, eggplant, peppers, artichoke, olives and oven-dried tomatoes mixed with penne, pine nuts and garlic. With so many different flavors of vegetables, it almost tasted bland. It needed something to combine the flavors together into one dish. Perhaps some kind of light sauce would have kept it healthy, flavorful but less dry.   Another entrée we attempted was the grilled shrimp and bacon club sandwich with French fries ($10.95). Don’t get it unless you’re one of those people who eat everything with forks and knives, then knock yourself out. Otherwise avoid it; it was way too packed to handle with too much lettuce.   Last, but most definitely not least came the cheesecake. Do not stray from the cheesecake with their other attempts at dessert – go for the best. Every waitress and previous customer will tell you their favorite flavor. Perhaps they are the fruity type and go for classic strawberry, or maybe they are chocolate lovers and go for the Godiva slice. This patron had the chocolate chip cookie dough and will continue to order it forever.   Take your pick from the many options for appetizers, entrees and cheesecakes - just make sure you go home happy. It’s worth your money to spend a meal time with friends or family here in the fun atmosphere. If you don’t go home happy and with a doggy bag, you have not experience the Cheesecake Factory to its potential.   The Cheesecake Factory Bayshore Mall 5799 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:54:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17061&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17061&mname=Article By Steven Pittsley   If you enjoy rich and creamy custard, choosing Kitt’s as your favorite custard stand will be much easier than deciding which one of the two special flavors of the day will satisfy your palate. If you’re like me, you’ll try both.   Although custard is typically a summer snack, Kitt’s loyal following provides steady business until the Thursday night car shows return in May. The classic neon lights, vintage signs, 1950s style custard machines and the assorted toys from a variety of generations provide a nostalgic aura that is missing from all of Kitt’s modern competitors.   If you can ignore the unsightly Plexiglas wall surrounding the order window, it’s quite easy to imagine a teenage girl on roller skates gliding through the parking lot to deliver orders on window-mounted trays.   Located at 7000 W. Capitol Dr., Kitt’s has been a popular Milwaukee fixture since 1950 when John Kittridge opened the neon lighted stand. Still family owned, current proprietor Butch Kittridge has ensured that it continues to be a popular destination for those hoping to satisfy their custard cravings.   At 8:30 p.m. on a recent Sunday night we joined approximately 10 others in the enclosed and heated walk-up order area. After ordering a pint of butter brickle and a pint of chocolate (both $2.99), we took our plastic spoons and headed back to the car to share the creamy concoctions.   As generations of patrons already know, Kitt’s custard is almost always a firm, yet creamy mixture with an aggressive flavor. Those who like sweet custard will be in custard heaven because Kitt’s has some of the sweetest custard in the city.   The butter brickle was rich and filled with an abundance of toffee pieces that blended well with the strong butter flavored custard. As is typical of high quality homemade butter brickle, the toffee pieces were cut by hand and varied in size. This makes each spoonful a delightful surprise with changes in texture and taste.   The chocolate was strong and aggressive, as expected. The cocoa flavor gave the custard a rich flavor, and the firm and creamy consistency was superb. I have seldom had better chocolate custard.   Like nearly all custard stands, Kitt’s has a diverse grill menu that contains a wide assortment of burgers, sandwiches, finger foods and other fried goodies. A week after our previous visit, we decided to sample several items from the grill menu.   The cheeseburger ($2.69) was tasty and juicy, although the meat was a little small for the sesame seed bun. The ketchup and mustard complimented the sandwich without being overly spicy, and the melted butter did not overwhelm the toasted bun and make it soggy.   The fried sweet onions were undercooked, but they still retained a zesty tang. The dill pickles, however, were too strong and became the focal point of the sandwich.   The grilled cheese sandwich ($1.99) was made with lightly grilled bread that surrounded the melted cheddar cheese. The sandwich had very little grease, and the crisp response from the bread lasted throughout the meal.   French fries ($1.59) and onion rings ($1.99) are almost required companions for a custard stand meal, and Kitt’s provides excellent versions of these standard classics.   The crisp, golden brown string fries were cooked to perfection. The grill cook timed their delivery so they were hot and fresh when presented with the rest of the order. The fries were cooked through and were tasty, completely lacking the doughy potato taste that other local stands seem to favor. The onion rings were slightly overdone and hard, but the onion was strong and the breading tasty despite being overcooked.   Drinks are a personal choice to complete the meal, and we chose the super thick malts ($3.19) to ensure that we got our fill of custard. Both had an abundance of malt powder that seemed to dominate the flavor of the drink.   The strawberry malt was mixed well, which prevented the strawberries from clogging up the straw. The strawberries were fresh and avoided the bitter taste that accompanies such a drink when older berries are used.   The caramel malt was very sweet and the caramel very strong, but the malt powder overpowered the caramel taste and made the drink too sweet for my tastes.   Like most popular custard stands, Kitt’s has a loyal following of patrons who grew up nearby and remember partaking in the luscious custard and hearty food when they were younger. Jessika Kozik, who now lives in Muskego, returns to Kitt’s occasionally with her husband Brian and daughter Brianna.   “I grew up in the neighborhood, and they always had the best buttery, juicy hamburgers,” said Kozik.   Even during the coldest months of the year, Kitt’s exceptional custard and above average grill will satisfy the most discerning custard stand fan. The 1950's ambiance provides a nostalgic feeling that is missing from nearly all other similar restaurants. The excellent service and inexpensive food make Kitt’s a restaurant where virtually everyone can have his or her favorite custard or a hearty meal.   Kitt’s Custard and burgers 7000 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee   Love custard? Check out this custard website with updated local offerings. Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:50:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17060&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17060&mname=Article By Matt McFall   As a stereotypical, red-blooded, American man, I love a great steak. I actually crave a great steak. Luckily, Milwaukee has a surprisingly large amount of excellent steak restaurants to choose from. Two of my favorite’s are Mo’s: Place for Steak (720 N. Plankinton Ave.) and Coerper's 5 O’clock Steak House (2416 W State St.).   A popular trend among the high-end steak restaurants in Milwaukee is mixing the traditional steakhouse atmosphere with a modern flair. This is obvious at restaurants such as Mo’s: Place for Steaks and Carnevor.   Milwaukee ChopHouse at the Milwaukee Hilton Center is also known as a traditional steakhouse. Milwaukee ChopHouse has been rated very highly for years. The executive chef, James Nowak, has been executive chef of Milwaukee ChopHouse since 1997.   Milwaukee ChopHouse has won a variety of awards and praise in recent years as well. Milwaukee Magazine has rated it within the top five restaurants the past two years. For three years running, Dennis Getto, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, has placed the Chophouse in his top 30 of Milwaukee.   I had never been to the acclaimed Milwaukee ChopHouse. As an early Christmas present I treated a friend and myself to dinner at the steakhouse. Both Joshua and I were excited to dine at the Milwaukee ChopHouse because neither of us had ever been there before.   I had called and made reservations for a Saturday, in the fear that walk-ins weren’t welcome. I was informed that you could walk in, but you could also make reservations online.   Knowing the ChopHouse is a higher end restaurant, on Saturday both Joshua and I dressed for the part. It’s too bad I wore my new Kenneth Cole leather boots to dinner. Joshua and I ended up parking two blocks away because available parking was almost nonexistent. I had expected at least a parking lot or valet.   As I had guessed, the restaurant was a traditional Milwaukee steakhouse. The restaurant’s atmosphere has the tone of a supper club or dinner club. Its chestnut brown and crimson walls darken the room almost as much as the dim lighting. Almost all of the restaurant's wood is dark oak, which makes the setting even more heavy and dramatic.   Joshua and I were seated in a large booth, again common of traditional Steakhouses. The restaurant appeared to be very clean. It was free of crumbs, dropped food or clutter on the floors. The table linens and silverware were impeccably clean as well.   I can typically handle waiters' rants at a steakhouse, but I was unprepared. At high-end steak houses, such as Milwaukee ChopHouse, you receive more than a mumbled “How you want that done?” Typically, the waiter brings a tray with slices of meat to your table and describes them in great detail. They will describe the meat's cut, preparations given to the meat, its age and what rubs or marinate the meat has been in.   I was a little off put by the waiter’s effusiveness. Joshua and I were pitched, what seemed like, a 25-minute monologue about specials and meat choices. The waiter praised the slabs of meat as if they were cut from an endangered species, and we were lucky to even be seeing them.   I felt as though our waiter would break down into tears if I didn’t order the Porterhouse. And it was surprisingly… fine.   Just fine.   Joshua ordered a Black Martini ($11.00) and I ordered a Vodka Tonic ($6.75). Joshua said his cocktail was “really great”, but I felt like he was trying to be overly optimistic about the dinner.   Our Killer Calamari ($11.00) arrived shortly after. The calamari had a very distinct kick; the breadcrumbs covering the fried bits were deliciously spicy. Enter the modern twist to the traditional steakhouse. The basil and sharp chive flavor mixed very well with the spicy chili powder in the breading. I was very impressed with the considerable flavor; I hoped the rest of the meal followed suit.   Fresh spinach and maytag salads ($8.00) that we had ordered followed the calamari. Our spinach was fresh and crisp, and the blueberries seemed very ripe. Nothing is worse than limp and mealy contents within a salad. The raspberry vinaigrette dressing was a perfect blend of sharpness against the almonds' sweet flavor. Again, it was a great modern twist on a traditional spinach dinner salad.   I received my Porterhouse, and it appeared to be cooked exactly as I ordered: medium-well. The cut of meat was juicy on the plate and tender to the touch. Joshua’s Bone-in-rib eye looked as if it was cooked exactly medium as he had requested. We anxiously dug into the steaks we had been longing for.   As I said, it was fine. Milwaukee ChopHouse’s Porterhouse appeared juicy on the plate and tender to the touch. Yet it still was a bit dry to eat. It also lacked the “black skillet” flavor that traditional steakhouses are known for. Joshua’s bone-in-rib eye was slightly better. Perhaps his steak being cooked only to medium had salvaged some of its natural juices.   Overall, I would rate Milwaukee ChopHouse as I rated the infamous steak: fine. They took some inventive steps in creating some of the beginning courses. The blueberries and almonds within the spinach and maytag salad were an inventive twist. But, at a renowned chophouse, I should’ve been blown away by the main course, and I wasn’t.   It’s certainly one of the more average traditional steak houses in Milwaukee. If you want all of the courses and the service to match your expectations, then keep your reservations at Mo’s: Place for Steak or Coerper's 5 O’clock Steak House.   Milwaukee ChopHouse Steak and seafood 633 N. 5th Street, Milwaukee Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:47:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17059&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17059&mname=Article By Will Mueller  One recent Sunday, my girlfriend and I walked into a warm Shahrazad in search of inexpensive, yet satisfying, Middle Eastern dining in close proximity to our eastside Milwaukee apartment. The manager, Mohammad, sat in the corner packing one of the traditional middle eastern hookahs (water pipes used for smoking flavored tobacco) available for patron use. Our table was set with tabletop napkins folded into flowers. The lighting was subdued as we were surrounded by brick archways forming a scene of what appeared to be a simple Middle Eastern backdrop. The menu was filled with the usual Middle Eastern fare, including hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel and my favorite, shawirma. The prices were reasonable, ranging between $5.95 and $16.95 for dinner entrees. Shahrazad also has a detailed wine list and a good variety of domestic and imported beers, including two from India: Kingfisher and Taj Mahal. We were seated right away on this quiet Sunday night, which is common as reservations are not required at Shahrazad. Our waitress was prompt and helpful in describing menu items as she took our order. We started with an appetizer called a Moroccan cigar ($5.95), because we had never tried it before nor heard of it. Each cigar is made of fillo dough stuffed with spicy ground meat and then deep-fried. For dinner, my girlfriend ordered the vegetarian combo-plate ($7.95), and I stuck with my usual lamb shawirma ($9.95). The Moroccan cigars preceded the soup and salad. The crispy deep fried cigars were spicy, but not too spicy. They were especially tasty when dipped in the lemon juice and olive oil dressing provided. The lentil soup which followed was tasty, but it could have been a little bit thicker. The salad was rather plain; it was a simple combination of lettuce and tomato covered with the lemon dressing. With excellent timing, the shawirma and the vegetarian combo arrived. The grilled lamb was seasoned just right but slightly overcooked for my taste. Lamb is a lean meat which needs to be cooked carefully. The lamb was served over a bed of fluffy white rice with a delicious side of stewed vegetables in tomato sauce. While the shawirma did not come with the usual tahini sauce, our waitress was more than happy to get me some free of charge. The shawirma made an excellent sandwich on the pita bread which comes with every meal. The vegetarian combo came with a choice of three small dishes, of which we chose yalenjee, falafel, and baba ghanouj. The yalenjee were made up of lemony rice wrapped in grape leaves. I found the lemon flavor overpowering. It covered up the other spices. The falafel (deep fried chickpeas and onions) was fried perfectly to give the outside a delicious crispness, the key to a good falafel. The baba ghanouj (a puree of eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic) was blended to a perfect consistency and had an excellent, and not too lemony, taste. We were offered desert, but considering we couldn't finish our food we decided against it. The options of fillo dough filled with fruit or custard were tempting and provided incentive to return to Shahrazad soon. After using our “buy one entree, get one half price coupon,” dinner for two cost $19.97, and we had enough food left over for Monday's lunch. With or without a coupon, I recommend Shahrazad as an affordable, friendly, atmospheric and authentic Middle Eastern dining experience. I give Shaharazad four stars out of five for its good food, good service, and its comfortable atmosphere. I personally feel it ranks up there with its east side competition, Abu's and Maharaja, which also have quality Middle Eastern food and reasonable prices. Shahrazad Middle Eastern 2847 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee Tue, 02 Jan 2007 02:06:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17051&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17051&mname=Article By Jo Rey Lopez   It's 9 o’clock on a Saturday, and the regular coward shuffles in. There is an old man sitting next to me, making love to his tempura shrimp and ginger. "Son can you fix me a meal," he said. I’m not really sure how it goes, but it’s savory and it’s sweet, and I knew it was complete when I wore a younger man’s clothes. Alright, now that I finally fit my favorite Billy Joel song into my work, I’ll get to business. Kyoto is one of those little gems of a place that makes me happy just thinking about it. From the nondescript facade to the typical décor of pictures of the Japanese landscape, nothing begs you to come in. Fortunately, that is where the mundane ends.   For those who are not familiar with the whole sushi etiquette, as you walk in, you see mockups of the restaurant's most popular dishes. It's a nice touch, which to me is always appreciated. Turn the corner from the display and you are greeted by a smiling face asking you with an authentic Japanese accent how many are in your party.   From there you are again greeted by Ricky, the Head Chef who, no matter how busy his cozy little restaurant is, always takes time to say “gashi” (greetings) to all who pay homage to his passion. Whether you take a front row for his show at the sushi bar or grab a table, there is not a bad spot in the place.   If you’re with me, the standard is to start with an order of fresh edamame (steamed and salted soy beans). Next come the just-split oysters served with the house cocktail sauce in a martini glass. Now that the appetite is primed, you’re left with the very difficult choice of picking your main course. My two top choices are the lobster sashimi (you get your pick of lobsters from their tank), and the big Godzilla roll (avocado, rice, saltwater eel, cooked crab and cucumber that is as big around as the end of baseball bat).   Well, I can honestly say that I’ve not tried everything on the menu, but I’m about two-thirds of the way through it and have yet to find anything that I wouldn’t try again. Whatever is decided on, if it is nigiri-zushi (slices of raw fish on sticky rice), sasimi (slices of raw fish) or my favorite, norimaki (rolls of any combination of rice, raw fish, and vegetables), one thing is for certain: It is made with the freshest ingredients.   For all of you, fish haters, yes, they serve other non-seafood dishes that will please even the least adventurous souls. They serve steaks so tender that you can cut them with your butter knife. Teriyaki chicken dishes and vegetable dishes are also on the menu.   When your food comes it is a brilliant splash of color almost too beautiful to eat, but I always find a way to clean my plate. After you have had a chance to taste the mouth-watering morsels, Ricky makes his way through the crowd. He is quick with a joke but not to light up a smoke (there is no smoking section) and to shake your hand in appreciation for your patronage.     Keeping with traditional customs, upon request Ricky and the servers will happily sing the Japanese birthday song at your table complete with gift and photo, which is later placed at the entry way (I have two up there, mainly because there are few places that I would rather celebrate at).   If you’re one to decide where you eat on price, then Kyoto is a place for you. I have yet to find a cheaper priced sushi joint this side of the Sierras. If a great dining experience and great service is what you are looking for, then Kyoto is also for you. If you are looking for nightlife, fancy drinks, and snotty servers– well - go somewhere else (Kyoto only serves beer and wine in a quiet atmosphere with courteous servers).   If you become a regular, it is not uncommon for Ricky to put his creative talents to work and make you one of his specialties that you won’t find on the menu. This kind of service only makes you want to come back the minute you walk out the door. Indeed, the marriage of great food and attentive service will fill your stomach, your heart, and your soul (at least it does for me).   Reservations are not needed as of now but could be suggested as word travels of this place.   Kyoto Japanese Cuisine/Sushi bar 7453 W. Layton St., Greenfield Tue, 02 Jan 2007 01:50:00 CST http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17050&mname=Article http://www.frontpagemilwaukee.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=17050&mname=Article