There's a small bakery/café in Shorewood called Jean Pierre that I've wanted to try ever since we moved here in August. It's a quaint little restaurant with yellow awnings out front that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room and the outdoor seating area, and also serves specialty coffees and pastries from behind its counter.
Dave and I walked down to Jean Pierre on Sunday morning for breakfast to finally check the place out. It was pretty busy when we walked in and from the looks of it, there was only one guy waiting on the entire restaurant, but we were seated and served very promptly. Our table was in the back dining room against the wall, and when I looked around I saw that everything about the place is just cozy – the yellow walls, the rustic wooden tables and chairs, the French paintings and décor. People looked at ease and happy as they visited over their coffee and Sunday papers – I told Dave I think we should make this a regular thing. (I wanted to take pics of the dining room but I didn't want people to think I was crazy...) 
The waiter was great, filling my cup full of coffee right away as we looked over the menus. Everything sounded delicious – Belgian waffle with apple nut syrup, sun dried tomato quiche, bagels, muffins, eggs, pancakes – it was hard to decide. Dave went for the waffle and I went for a cheese, ham, spinach and mushroom omelet with toast and fresh fruit. Our food came fast and wow, was it fantastic. I think it was the best omelet I've ever had. The fruit was so fresh, and the toast was served dry – with butter and jelly on the side - which I liked. No greasy diner food here!
I loved Jean Pierre – I wish it hadn't taken us so long to try it out! Next time, we'll be hitting it up for dinner to see if it compares to breakfast.
After breakfast, we drove out to South Milwaukee to Grant Park. With my sore legs and Dave's hangover, we really were in no mood for playing in the park, but I had to do a little research. I can't say what for yet – don't want to jinx it! – but I will soon. I'd heard a lot about Grant Park being one of Milwaukee's best parks so I was eager to see it. 
It was huge! There were several entrances off the main road, and tons of open space and picnic areas. There's also a golf course, a beach, and several jungle gyms. I searched until I found the Seven Bridges Trail, which I'd heard was a great hiking trail. We found that it was closed due to some renovations, but – despite Dave's yelling at me – I ignored the Do Not Enter signs and scoped out the view from the bridge and took some pics. The trail looks beautiful – I can't wait to go back when it's open again. 
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful – but after discovering two more Milwaukee gems, I figured I could call it a day!
Ooooh yeah THAT'S the trail I always talk about. It's great right?! =) At the end of it, it spits out onto a beach.
That cafe sounds yummy. I may have to check it out. Maybe Tara and I can meet up with you two some Sunday morning for breakfast.
Posted by: Christi | June 15, 2006 at 04:22 PM
I'm glad you made it to Grant Park, but it's too bad you couldn't make it on the Seven Bridges trail!
Especially as you get closer to the beach, there is some of the coolest rock work that was done as part of the post-depression Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930's. The paths are inlaid stone, and there are rock retaining walls with built-in stone benches... it is amazing.
Posted by: Brian | June 16, 2006 at 07:07 AM
Thanks for the great info, Brian. It sounds awesome! I'll definitely head back there once it's open again - which I hope is soon!
Posted by: Erin | June 16, 2006 at 09:09 AM
You wrote about one of my all-time fave restaurants in Milwaukee! The mac 'n cheese is divine, and the mochas are seriously a work of art. I'm so glad you've discovered it! It's a great Sunday brunch kind of place.
Posted by: Nicole Sweeney | June 20, 2006 at 10:10 AM