FUEL Hits Cuvée

Last Thursday, FUEL was given exclusive access to the up-and-coming Milwaukee hot spot, Cuvée, a week prior to its big public opening.

Located on the top floor of a converted industrial building in the center of the artsy Third Ward, Cuvée is a loft-style champagne lounge and full-service bar with over 100 different varieties of sparking wine, which are available for take-out and table service.

In all honesty, I didn’t know a thing about FUEL until my friend of 12 years landed a gig as their member and events manager almost a year ago. Rose and I grew up in Brookfield together and got to know each other well over many years of playing high school and club volleyball.

These days, Rose gets to work with really hip 20-somethings as she sets up socials at new, trendy bars. And when FUEL became the new Young Professionals of Milwaukee back in February, Rose was part of its re-branding and reorganizing.

As I learned more about FUEL, I realized that its concept – to have a talent network for employees and individuals around Milwaukee – is a pretty solid idea. According to their website, FUEL is a membership comprised organization that leads the talent attraction and retention work of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). FUEL focuses on 4,500 growth-oriented individuals working in the Milwaukee area who are 21 and older and 56 employers of all types who are looking to attract a more diverse talent pool. I think it’s a great way to strengthen the Milwaukee regional business base by, as I presume it does, attracting and retaining jobs and the talent to fill them. And because FUEL attracts a crowd whose age ranges from 21 to 50, it’s a great way to meet people.

FUEL holds two events each month to showcase the Milwaukee region. “One gets us around town and is purely social and the other gives us access to something or someone of high regional interest like our upcoming Green Café Event at Manpower,” Rose explained.

I’m not a member of FUEL, which is okay since it’s not necessary if you want to attend their socials (but to reap the other benefits you have to be a member). So on Thursday night, I decided to check out what their socials are all about and to get a sneak peek into a new bar before it opens to the public; and of course to win a couple brownie points from Rose for attending.

I took the elevator up to the third floor. The ambiance was a little compromised as I waited a few minutes for my lift, but when I arrived I was completely surprised by the swanky, yet inviting atmosphere. Almost immediately, I was warmly greeted and handed a name tag and a networking card. This was the real deal, folks. I felt kind of awkward because I’d never done something like this before. But why not step out of my element for once?

Right away I became aware of the smoke-free environment. Since there aren’t many pubs in Milwaukee that have gone completely smoke-free, I was surprised when I didn’t see a haze of smoke over the bar, and when I still smelt like perfume and not cigarettes when I left. And even though Milwaukee might be the last big city to get its first champagne bar when the trend is no longer very trendy, the novelty of sipping bubbly in a city penthouse has a totally unique and cool feeling.

Cuvée’s expansive world-renowned champagne collection lined the Cream City brick walls and opened into a large hall where tables staggered the room. The hall would be an ideal place for a corporate event, wedding or party, but for some reason on Thursday it was pretty empty as the 300-some guests congregated around the main bar.

When I scanned the room, I noticed a booth packed with ex-co-workers. The tables all have a cut out hole for storing the chilled bottles of champagne and cushioned seats around them. Then, I spotted old high school classmates at the other side of the bar. Obviously, this was the place to be on Thursday night.

I kept a low profile as I pushed my way through the massive crowd that engulfed the circular bar in the middle of the room. Fortunately, there’s a smaller bar in the other room that wasn’t crowded. I kept that in mind just in case I felt like another drink later in the night and didn't want to deal with the money flashing crowd. I eventually coughed up $7 and ordered a “Black Velvet” (Ale House Stout and champagne) from a bartender who demonstrated a refined technique of opening the bottles of sparkling wine.

Soon after, I snaked around the socialites clanging flutes of bubbly and making small talk and found Rose. She was pressed up against the bar next to co-workers who were also trying to avoid being consumed by the constant flow of traffic. I was able to catch up with her for a while, but I also seized the opportunity to do a little mingling. I’m not much of a social butterfly, so that ended pretty quickly.

At any rate, it's great to see a Milwaukee bar trying something new and that an organization like FUEL supports the city’s on-going development. It’s certainly a nice change of pace.

I might go back to Cuvée for one of their champagne classes or for their monthly tasting events so that I can go from champagne novice to connoisseur and maybe order up a bottle of Cristal (or not) on my next visit.

For more information on how to become a FUEL member click here. And don’t forget to check out Cuvée this Thursday for their grand opening!

Comments

[Amanda]

Champagne bars are no longer trendy?

[Eric]

the monthly tasting event sounds like fun...what exactly are champagne classes?

[me]

I've never heard of Champagne Bars, it wouldn't be something I would try. Looks like you and Rose had fun. I enjoy your photos.

[Karen]

Amanda, maybe they're still trendy, but the concept is nothing new I guess.
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Eric, I think a champagne class involves learning about different types of champagne, maybe some history, and possibly how to pair certain types and flavors with food and occasions. I'm not positive, but I'd take it.

[Erin]

That place sounds cool! I'll have to check it out.

[Eric]

I'd be curious what the experts have to say about Korbel champagne. It seems like that is always the champagne people buy for celebrations and it always taste like a dry sock. Maybe its just the type of champagne. I like the Astis and Spumantes. Martini and Rossi Asti is a good one and it's cheap ~$11 I think. Cheaper than Korbel anyway....

[Farrah]

I had Cristal this summer. It tasted like...champagne.

[Karen]

I thought it would have tasted like a couple hundred bucks...

[char]

Articles have been written about how champagne is in big demand and the growers are finding it hard to keep up. The articles said people were hording bottles and the prices were increasing. Has anyone heard this?