Play in the City

Swig

Living in Milwaukee for several years, I’ve learned that there are many diverse neighborhoods within the city that have their own distinct personalities and help make up Milwaukee’s overall character.

Naturally, for a newcomer it could be a struggle to find the right niche. That’s why when Swig originally opened on Water Street, Milwaukee’s biggest bar district, its martini lounge meets small plate dining concept didn’t exactly appeal to the beer bingeing, college-age bar hoppers who patronize that area. Knowing the restaurant/lounge wasn’t as well served on Water Street as it could be elsewhere, Swig closed its Water Street location last summer after 30 months of undesirably slow business.

Swig wasn’t forever gone, though. When Sauce closed after eight years of food service, the opportunity to move into its Third Ward location finally arrived. At last, Swig reopened this spring at 217 N. Broadway, which instantly became a perfect fit, combining elegant cuisine and creative cocktails with swanky lounge grandiosity.

After noticing that Swig had moved, I was determined to check out the new space. Conveniently, I could still partake in Downtown Dining Week, which provided a great opportunity to try another new restaurant. So, that Wednesday night, I eagerly met Rose at Swig’s Third Ward location for dinner and drinks.

Finding parking in the Third Ward is always tricky, but eventually a spot opened on Broadway and I marched over to the restaurant. Inside I was greeted by two very chirpy hostesses. They took my name and indicated that there would be a 30-minute wait, so they gave me one of those vibrating gadgets to hold onto. I was a little vexed by the wait, mostly just because I was starving. I guess I figured that because it was Wednesday night, we wouldn’t have to make reservations because it wouldn’t be especially busy. But, apparently Downtown Dining Week was successful in attracting droves of patrons interested in checking out the place for the first time. Go figure.

With the buzzer in hand, I slid into one of the tall, plush cushioned benches adjacent to the bar and thought about ordering a cocktail. Instead, I decided to wait for Rose and just scanned the scene.

Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant

During Downtown Dining Week in Milwaukee, select restaurants put together special menus where patrons get to sample meals that embody the restaurant at a discounted price.

It’s a fantastic way for restaurants to attract new customers and a great way for people to try new foods without spending too much money. Last week marked the third annual Downtown Dining Week and this year I was determined to finally partake.

Thirty of downtown’s hottest eateries created a three course meal with several options for lunch ($10) and dinner ($20). Last Monday, I decided to check out the new Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant located in the historic Third Ward district right along the Milwaukee River. Fratellos is owned by an Oshkosh-based restaurant group, Supple Restaurant Group, which also owns eight other restaurants – Fox River Brewing Company, Golden Corral Buffet and Grill franchises and The Melting Pot, in addition to three other Fratellos in Appleton, Oshkosh and Ashwaubenon.

Because Fratellos is a chain restaurant, I wasn’t expecting anything too elaborate or extraordinary, but upon entering I was pleasantly surprised. The fresh, urban feel of the Third Ward carries over into the restaurants’ décor, which at a glance makes the place seems much more upscale although the menu is definitely more casual and simple.

Eric, Kevin (Kevin is Eric’s Singapore high school friend who was visiting from North Carolina for the week) and I sat at the large bar for about a half hour, unwinding and sampling some of the Fox River Brewing Company craft brews on tap like the Caber Tossing Scottish Ale and the Buzzin’ Honey Ale, which are brewed at this Fratellos’ sister hubs in Appleton and Oshkosh and are excellent.

Due to the unappetizing fish smell wafting off the river, we decided to take a seat inside the chic dining room. Besides, no matter which table you’re sitting at, you have a good view of the river. Regardless of the stench, there were several couples taking advantage of the bowing riverfront patio that allows more than 100 patrons to dine outside within mere feet of the Milwaukee River. The vast amount of frontage that overlooks the water is amazing as it provides probably one of the best patios in Milwaukee, which is at least one reason to revisit.

We slid into our seats at a table for four near one of the many large windows. All of the tables were pre-set with wine glasses, which subtly coaxed us into a bottle to split between the three of us. The wine list is better than what I had expected – far superior than what you’d normally find at a chain restaurant like this at least. So, we ordered up a Pinot noir that was quickly brought to our table and formally presented to us.

Dining Week is Back for Thirds!

The third serving of Downtown Dining Week begins TOMORROW, May 29 and runs until Thursday, June 5.

For an affordable prix fixe lunch and dinner, no passes, coupons or cards are needed. All week long, simply dine at one of the 30 participating downtown restaurants and select from a special three-course menu.

At just $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner, Downtown Dining Week offers a unique opportunity to sample some of downtown’s best cuisine without breaking the bank. Note: the cost doesn’t include beverages, tax or tip. So, the online lunch and dinner menus list the meal’s regular price to encourage patrons to appropriately tip their server.

I’m taking advantage of this deal to experience some of the new places in the Downtown neighborhood or perhaps to revisit some of the places I really enjoyed, but haven’t been to in a while. I’m eager to check out Swig and the new Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant.

Other eateries on the list this year are Zarletti, Osteria del Mondo, Bayou and Benihana. For a complete list, head over here. I highly recommend Butch’s Clock Steak House for a good cut of meat and Yanni’s for scrumptious seafood, plus they offer the most food for your buck.

Happy dining!

A Taste of Italy

For many years, I’ve longed to visit Italy to discover the other half of my heritage. I yearn to toss a coin into Rome’s Fontana di Trevi, to ride a gondola along Venice’s Grand Canal, flirt with a handsome Italian man named Guido, and most importantly, to sample authentic cuisine.

Since I can’t afford a plane ticket or room and board overseas, it’s nice to know that I don’t have to leave Milwaukee to indulge in the bona fide tastes of Italy.

Located just a meatball’s throw from the Summerfest grounds in the Third Ward, the Italian Community Center (ICC) offers a glimpse into Italy’s culture through black and white photographs adorning the building’s walls, a taste of genuine Italian dishes and even a round of bocce ball if you’re so inclined. Clearly, there’s no destination outside of Italy that’s more Italian and so close to home than Milwaukee’s lovely ICC.

Last Sunday, my mom and I went to the ICC, for their thirteenth annual Taste of Italy sampling event. This unique fundraiser offered some fare that, to many, would represent the quintessential Italian restaurant: pizzas, meatballs, pastas and cannoli; even opera was blaring from the speakers overhead.

For only $1.25 per ticket, per serving, we had the opportunity to taste nearly the full array of homemade Italian entrée items, appetizers, desserts and beverages on hand – I have to say, that was quite the deal!

My mom picked me up from my apartment around lunchtime and just a few minutes later we arrived at the ICC. The event had only been open for about a half hour, but the entire place was already brimming with people of all ages, many who fit the stereotypical Italian family so much that I bet there were at least 20 Vinnys, 50 Tonys and 60 Marias there at one time. For real.

As soon as we entered into the reception area, our noses were completely overwhelm by the nostalgic fragrance of garlic, oregano and marinara. Ahhhhhh! As I deeply inhaled, I could feel each aroma invade my nostrils and tease my taste buds and permeate my lungs. It smelled just like my grandma’s kitchen. I loved it!

After glancing over the menu, we made a beeline to the ticket tables located in the foyer and proceeded to buy ten dollars worth of tickets before receiving a Styrofoam tray, which we carried into the Pompeii Grand Ballroom.

The grandiose ballroom housed eighteen food stations that lined the room and encircled dozens of large round tables, each draped in an ivory cloth and garnished with a flickering tea light. The immense yet elegant chandeliers dangling from the vaulted ceiling made the place look fairly contemporary and magnificent, albeit a little tacky.

Koppa’s Farwell Foods

When hunger strikes, I often walk a couple of blocks down the road to my favorite indie deli and grocery store, Koppa’s Farwell Foods.

It’s amazing to me that a neighborhood grocery store like Koppa’s can still exist, especially in an area monopolized by upscale grocery stores and markets. Still, Koppa’s continues to keep up with the Joneses by providing a respite from the trend.

Nestled in a corridor dotted with apartments and condos is Koppa’s, a family-owned business since 1982. Since I was only one year old then, Koppa’s just began satisfying my appetite when I moved to the East Side several years ago. Still, over Koppa’s 25 years of business, the local store has established itself as one of Milwaukee’s favorite treasures and the perfect stop for a 6-pack, the latest Sheppard Express, the day’s Powerball ticket, or a bite of one of the best sandwiches in town.

It was a frigid Saturday afternoon in March and all Eric and I really wanted to do was sit inside where it was warm, but since both of us had a ghastly case of cabin fever, we decided to venture out of my apartment and over to Koppa’s.

You see, Koppa’s is my favorite place to grab a sandwich for a picnic by the lakefront during Milwaukee's gorgeous spring and summer months. Since the long winter had been driving Eric and I to the brink of insanity, we decided to get a taste of spring by seeking out a specialty sandwich that would remind us of May afternoons and relaxing along the serene Lake Michigan, not of the current dreary day.

Koppa’s is home to the Fulbeli Deli which is known for its out of this world sandwiches. Many of these superb creations are named after a planet or something found in our solar system, but each one is able to tempt the taste buds and warm the soul.

Several years ago when I first meandered back toward the deli, I remember being in awe of the vast selection of sandwiches. It took me several minutes just to scan the assortment of cold double deckers, subs, vegetarian delights, home-style favs, and grilled specialties.

Named WISN’s 2007 A-List winner for Best Sandwich Shop, the Fulbeli Deli offers a menu that boasts over 20 different sandwiches – from the Pluto, Yeti, and Stralkowski (named for Mrs. Koppa’s maiden name), to the Elvis, which is, well, I’m sure you’ve guessed it, a fried PB and banana sandwich. All sandwiches range from $2.99 to $4.99 and come with several surprise pieces of candy too.

Soho 7

Milwaukee is in a bit of a flux these days. There seems to be a new store, restaurant or bar opening every week and it’s getting difficult to keep up!

In the heart of the Historic Third Ward, the posh Soho 7 opened early this year and I finally went.

Soho 7 is the babe of Bobby Head, the owner of Water Street’s swanky Centanni Piano Bar. As the classy new kid on the block, Soho 7 promises a posh yet comfortable setting with a vast selection of unique spirits. Supposedly Soho 7 is the new place to be seen on weekends, but if that’s the case, I think I’d rather stay at home.

In my opinion, Milwaukee is casual and unpretentious, which are some of the qualities people like most about our city. You can stop at a bar like Wolski’s and feel at home with a complete stranger or spend time simply chewing the fat with the amicable barkeep. But, when my friend Rose and I went to Soho 7, it felt more like we were crashing a private party.

We arrived at the bar exactly at 7:15 p.m. and when we went to let ourselves in, the heavy doors were still latched. Rose tugged on the handle a couple of times until a woman eventually came to let us inside. Other than being reminded by the woman that they don’t open until 7 p.m. (it was a quarter after mind you), we weren’t greeted by any of the five people on staff let alone acknowledged as we entered. There was only one other patron in the entire place – a lady who sat at one end of the bar and sipped on wine – so it’s not like they were busy mixing a profusion of cocktails or tending to an unruly crowd. Whatever, I don’t hold grudges.

Despite being a bit turned off by the inhospitable and somewhat snobbish staff, Rose and I slid into two chairs mid-bar and began to scan the drink menu that was lying in front of us. Exotic cocktails and martini were aplenty, most of which were made with vodka and unusual flavors like thyme, sage, basil and rosemary. The extensive drink list also included rare vintage scotch blends and premium liquors for personal bottle service, which costs $170 and includes the mixers. With all of the fancy-pants drinks, I was quite surprised to see that there was room for Milwaukee classics like Miller and PBR on the beverage bill. That was a saving grace.

A few minutes passed and the bartender approached us and uttered “Ready?” apparently as our cue to order. I decided to be adventurous and try the “ehm be”, a lemon ginger pomegranate molasses concoction, which was a little heavy on the molasses – I’ve never had that in a drink before, so the first two sips were a little overwhelming. Rose played it safe and asked for a raspberry martini, and then with nothing more than a blink, the toffee-nosed bartender turned away and began mixing our cocktails.

As we waited, we caught up on the day's happenings and admired the swanky joint. It’s a far cry from our usual stomping ground, which was a nice change. I don’t mind stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new places, especially to witness the evolution of Milwaukee.

St. Patrick's Day 2008

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, bringing with it a multitude of events. After perusing the web, I’ve complied a thorough list of ways to get your St. Patty’s Day fix.

Sure, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until a week from Monday, but there are many pre-Patty’s Day events all weekend long.

Starting tonight, March 7 at 5:30 p.m., the Miller Time Pub and Westown Association will host ShamROCK, Milwaukee’s annual St. Patrick’s Day kick-off party. The celebration will include exciting giveaways and raffles, Irish music by Ian Gould and Reilly, traditionally Irish eats, and of course, green Miller Lite!

Then, on Saturday beginning at noon, the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will commence a day of even more festivities around the city! Presented by the Westown Association and the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin, 120 units including Irish decorated floats, regional pipe and drum corps, local celebrities, Irish dance groups and some 100 NYPDs will march down Wisconsin Avenue and around Old World Third Street, Plankinton Avenue, Water Street and so on, until it ends at Edison Street. For the entire parade route, click here.

If you can’t make it to the big parade, no blarney! There’s a second but smaller parade starting at 4 p.m. in between 51st and 68th Streets off of Bluemound Road. It might be smaller, but the leprechauns know that size doesn’t matter when you’re celebrating with the Irish.

After the parade, there are many post-party activities to keep the spirit alive and the town green.

The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin is hosting a family-friendly event at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. As the largest parade day celebration, entertainment will be abound and continuous on four stages. The wholesome event will feature music by Finbar McCarthy, Frogwater and Stone Ring, and numerous Irish dance groups like the Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers who will be jigging the night away. Tickets are only $4 at the door.

Plus, there are dozens of parade day parties at bars and restaurants in the Water Street, Plankinton Avenue and Old World Third Street entertainment districts. Every venue will be complete with a vast selection of Irish entertainment and an abundance of turn-your-tongue-green Miller Lite!

For more information on St. Patrick’s Day parade events and activities, head over to the event page by clicking here.

Romance at Balzac

I caved.

Eric made reservations at the fabulous Balzac Wine Bar for a late Valentine’s Day dinner and of course I went – not even kicking or screaming – because I was pleasantly surprised by his gesture. We ate a ton and didn’t pay a ridiculous amount for such a divine meal, nor did we shower each other with over-the-top gifts, just candy and a couple quirky things like the Stuff on My Cat book, which I find hilarious, and the exact same card (how often does that happen?).

I’ll admit it. I had fun.

We held hands, shared food – Balzac’s entire menu is meant to be shared, which is pretty romantic – and I even smiled (naturally). But! I still wore black, so I haven’t completely kicked my Valentine’s Day protest to the curb, although I feel a little hypocritical. But I guess there’s nothing wrong with celebrating love after all.

Eric came over around 7:30 and we exchanged our cheesy gifts – we weren’t going for expensive or glitzy, just simple and thoughtful – and then we drove to Brady Street, found parking right away and were immediately seated in a booth for two.

The single-room eatery was intimate and dimly lit with glowing chandeliers and dancing candles all around. It was the perfect Valentine’s Day spot, which was no secret considering the entire restaurant was brimming with hand-holding couples who were whispering sweet nothings to each other.

At times the underground hip-hop/funk music got a little loud, but it never hindered our conversations; it actually made the scene hip and fun as I'd occasionally pause from dinner to groove to the funky beats. Really, the young couple sitting next to us was more of a distraction – they couldn’t keep their paws off each other!

But before I lost my appetite, we selected two glasses of red Zinfandel from the three-page, staple-bound wine list that our waitress guided us through. A bartender hopped onto a chair and grabbed the bottle from a wine bin that was jutting out from the dark chocolate walls above me, and then served our wine in stem-less crystal glasses.

While we sipped our tart wine, we began to scan the menu and tried to pace ourselves, but the wealth of small plate options kept taunting our taste buds. What’s cool is that you can gradually order more and more plates at your own speed, so if you’ve already had one entrée and a dessert, but you still really want to try the scallops, you can! It's very unconventional, and I like that.

We ordered the Balzac cheese flight to start. Three types of cheeses came with different fruits, nuts, bread and crackers for pairing. We got generous helpings and many bites, so it was rather filling. Then, we ordered a delicate vegetarian strudel followed by savory lamb chops over a bed of grilled veggies, and finally a Guinness cake to round out our feast. The presentation was remarkable and because each plate was served with such artistry, I almost felt guilty about eating them.

Even though the portions weren’t Milwaukee-sized – it seems that most people rate food based on quantity and not quality – it ended up being a substantial meal for the two of us. Just because the menu boasts tapas and small plate fare, it doesn’t mean you get half the food and twice the price. Our dinner was very upscale, but affordable, which was perfect.

We spent two hours at Balzac and were thoroughly entertained through food and drink and great company.

Maybe this Valentine’s Day hoopla is something that can grow on me…

Karma Attracts Opposites

Located in the past home of Vivo Urban Grill is Karma Bar and Grill, the new high-end sports bar/martini lounge replacement that proves that opposites DO indeed attract.

I drove past Karma on my way to Pick ‘n Save a few months ago and wanted to take a look. So, instead of staying in and watching reruns on TV, which seems to be the only thing I feel like doing after an exhausting day of work and a cold drive home, Eric came over and we decided to check out Karma.

Eric and I enjoy trying new places and don’t have to negotiate on where to go since we both like the same type of atmosphere – casual and comfortable and sometimes sporty – and Karma seemed to fit the bill. But if you and your date have a hard time compromising on sports bars versus clubs or bar food against fine dining, Karma blends the two concepts into one sleek and sporty venue that’s perfect for everyone – even the most unlikely pair.

Upon entering the upstairs bar, I immediately thought of Zim’s on Milwaukee Street, only Karma has an actual menu and a cozier atmosphere, but fewer TVs – it’s more of a casual, upscale establishment that doubles as a great place to catch the game.

But don’t get me wrong, glowing TV screens abound in Karma. There are 17 plasma TVs featuring all of the available sporting events – NFL, NCAA, MLB, NBA, NHL, even soccer, rugby championships and international sports – along with the best sources for game coverage – CNBC, MSNBC, Fox Sports and ESPN.

The entire place is modern and fresh, but still preserves a bit of history. Long before it was the former Vivo, it was John Ernst Café, which, at the time of its closing in 2001, was the oldest restaurant in Milwaukee, explains OnMilwaukee. Still present is the original 1878 John Ernst fireplace and the solid wood door, which currently hangs as decoration above.

Eric and I were allowed to seat ourselves since there were less than a dozen patrons occupying the stools at the bar and at the high-top tables. We chose one of the six large cushy booths that allowed us to actually listen to the game of our choosing. Just by simply adjusting the station dial on the side of the booth, I was able to switch it to the hockey game playing on the TV across from us. I felt very comfortable and at home with the exception of the guy occasionally screaming at the basketball game on TV and the cigar smoke from the older gentleman sitting alone at one of the tables in the center of the room. It's a bar though, so it really wasn't a big deal to me.

After opening last year on September 27, right around Fanatic’s debut, the new high-class sports haven got some bad press before ironing out the first-month-kinks that most new businesses endure. But based on my experience a few weeks ago, it seems as though Karma has done some necessary tweaking and is close to mastering its service.

BBC is Just the Ticket!

I was swimming is a sea of green and gold last Saturday.

With a foaming beer in one hand and greasy food in the other, and my ears deafened by the cheers from the massive crowd of Packers fans around me, it felt as if I was watching the game at Lambeau Field.

Okay, so that’s quite a stretch, but despite no frozen tundra, G-Daddy’s BBC was the perfect front row ticket for the big game.

BBC isn’t new to the East Side, it has found its niche in the heart of the neighborhood as the largest sports bar and grill on this side of town. The bar is refreshingly unpretentious, which is mega appealing on days when I don't care how I look. Anyone on any given day is able to blend into the relaxed environment while catching the game, listening to live music, playing a vast selection of bar sports, or just enjoying company while sipping on a can of PBR (Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. until midnight, BBC has $1 Pabst and Pabst Light).

Along with generous food and drink specials, BBC features the typical bar fare, but in hefty helpings. With more big screens than Best Buy and more neon signs than the red-light district, BBC boasts 14 TV sets in a variety of sizes, four pool tables, electronic dartboards, arcade games, a foosball table, plus a large bar and kitchen.

Based on its offerings, I knew BBC would fill up quickly for the NFC Divisional playoff game between the beloved Packers and the Seahawks, so I called on Friday to make a reservation for a high-top table near one of the big screens. Fortunately, I secured the last available table and on Saturday, promptly at 3 p.m., my six friends and I joined the rest of the East Side’s cheeseheads at our favorite local sports bar.