December came in like a lion on Saturday.
Local weathermen declared a winter snow advisory as snowflakes the size of cotton balls began to fall around noon. And as the day progressed, so did the storm. Locals were urged to stay home as the night beckoned freezing rain, snow and blustery winds. It was a sure sign that winter is upon us.
On Sunday, I woke up to a panorama of snow covered trees and roof tops, sidewalks and driveways, and the sounds of wind whistling and sleet pelting the windowpanes. Like a giddy school girl I jumped out of bed, threw on my winter coat, hat and gloves, and then descended upon the wintry landscape, dragging Eric along with me. After only several minutes outside, we began to crave a comforting, home cooked meal to warm us up again. So despite the weather, we decided to walk slog through the slush to Comet Café for one of the best brunches in the city.
For ten years, Comet was the smoky coffee shop serving the East Side neighborhood a strong cup of joe and the best sandwiches in town. When I was a teenager, I was a semi-regular there on nights when I was itching to get out of Brookfield. Since then, Comet has gone through quite the metamorphosis – it has blossomed from an awkward teenager to an adult as well.
These days, Comet is more like a trendy diner than a café. And after Comet’s face-lift, the building has split into two sections: a non-smoking cafeteria filled with oversized booths and an eat-at lunch counter; and around the corner, a dimly lit bar providing cocktails and ashtrays. I’ve embraced the new change and find myself frequenting at Comet for its casual food, service and atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite places to linger over a cup of coffee and indulge in a slice of Ho Ho Cake. And it has quite the breakfast selection, which is the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold winter morning.
As we hopped over puddles and dodged mounds of icy snow, we passed dozens of locals who had been forced to dust off their snow blowers and shovels for the first time this season – at that moment I was very glad to be a renter and not responsible for clearing the snow off the driveway.
Our 15 minute hike was bracingly cold, rainy and wet, but we made it to Comet. After waiting an additional 15 minutes, we finally settled into our seats in the diner at a comfy booth near the window. Eric and I discussed our plans for the holidays over a hot and very strong cup of coffee that slowly melted the chill from our bones. That, however, wasn’t the case for the unfortunate drivers who struggled to dig their cars out from barricades of plowed snow along Farwell Ave. So despite my soggy shoes, I was very thankful to be in the warm café cozying up to a leisure brunch.
Comet serves up home-cooking with table service, just like mom used to do. With every-day offerings like meat-loaf, mac and cheese and pot pie, and an array of breakfast items served until 3 p.m. including bacon cakes (pancakes with bacon in them), French toast and loaded breakfast burritos, you’ll feel warm and fuzzy just reading the menu.
Although Comet was bustling that morning, like it is on most Sundays, service was unhurried. But with nothing planned for the rest of the day, we didn’t mind taking our time to sit and relax. Besides, the wait is always worth it – the hash browns were golden, the bacon was crispy and the eggs were fluffy – it was exactly what we wanted on that cold morning.
Then, after bottomless cups of bitter coffee and a filling breakfast it was time to brave the cold once again. As we battled the sleet on our journey home we reflected on how despite our reddened noses, wind burnt cheeks and frozen paws that we’ll mend until April, our spirits will continue to be high this winter because we know a warm, homemade breakfast is close by and waiting for us at Comet Café.
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Comet Café
1947 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Monday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
**Food served until 10:00 p.m. each night**
I used to love Comet, until I read this article about one of their employees in MKE:
(Note: Gross out factor ahead. Don't read this if you are eating or even thinking about eating at this moment!!)
http://www.mkeonline.com/story.asp?id=1400765
Don't know if he's still there (and just can't bring myself to eat there anymore), but if is still working there, I seriously hope he stays at the bar and out of the kitchen!!
Posted by: Audra | December 04, 2007 at 01:02 PM
That's kind of like when you're eating something that tastes delicious, and then you find out what it actually is and you spit it out in disgust. That was my reaction to escargot.
Audra, I don't think I want to read that article! It will ruin my impression of Comet. Gross.
Posted by: Karen | December 04, 2007 at 02:57 PM
I hate snow and winter. However...Comet is a wonderful place. Especially if you like chili.
Posted by: Melanie | December 04, 2007 at 05:39 PM
A couple hours later I got the courage to read the MKE article...
It's not even about the food or service at Comet! I totally read into your comment, Audra. Thank goodness! Sure that guy is a little strange, kind of gross too, but Comet still serves the same delicious food with friendly service!
I'm so relieved!!!
Posted by: Karen | December 04, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Melanie, you live in Wisconsin... didn't know if you realized that or not. Just kidding around. You're totally right bout their chili though. It's fantastic!
Posted by: Mark | December 04, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Speaking of chili, Milwaukee's Chili Bowl II, the area's largest chili cook-off, is back this Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at State Fair Park. For $15 at the door ($10 in advance) you get to sample and vote for the best chili out of over 40 restaurants and bars. If you're interested take a look at this site for the list of vendors and additional info http://www.milwaukeefood.com/chilibowl/
Posted by: Karen | December 04, 2007 at 08:42 PM
No, the article itself is not about Comet. But the subject of the article is (or was) employed by them, and I like to at least try and convince myself that the people who come into contact with my food and beverages aren't going out of their way to come into contact with extraneous amounts of, uhm... waste products!
Posted by: Audra | December 04, 2007 at 10:49 PM
You're never going to know what most people do for recreation, well, unless an article is written about it I guess...
Posted by: Karen | December 05, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Comet also has a beer school. Check it:
http://www.onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/beerschoolcomet.html
I'm planning to go to the next one.
Posted by: bluesphee | December 06, 2007 at 07:13 AM
So am I! Seriously.
I've been trying to make it to their beer school for months, but up until November I was playing volleyball every Tuesday night.
From the tabletop ad it looks like a good time! If plans don’t fall through, I’ll probably see you there for some brewskis.
Posted by: Karen | December 06, 2007 at 08:52 AM