Holiday Gift Shopping

There are a plethora of great spots around town to pick up a perfect gift for that special someone.  You just need to know where to look.  Start at any of these neighborhood places, and I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with what you find.

The Home Market, Third Ward

Five Hearts Boutique, Third Ward

Blush Beauty Boutique, Third Ward

Uncommon Items, Brady Street

Harleys for Men, Shorewood

The Garden Room, Shorewood

Rohr Jewelers, Downtown

George Watts & Son, Downtown

Boutique Bebe, Eastside

Boswell Book Company, Eastside

 

 

 

Bagels

Sometimes Sunday brunch just isn’t in the cards, especially if you’re running low on time.  If they were carb free, I would eat a bagel everyday of my life, but since that’s just not reality, I tend to spoil myself on the weekends!  If you’re into bagels as well, here are some suggestions (for any day of the week).  (If Blue Dawg Bagels was still around it would definitley be my number one choice!!!)

1. Bruegger’s on the Eastside and Downtown
2. Anodyne in Bayview
3. Alterra on the Eastside and the Lakefront
4. Benji’s in Shorewood
5. City Market in Shorewood
6. Brewed Cafe on Brady Street
7. Einstein Bros Bagels on the Eastside
8. Panera on the Eastside
9. Dunkin’ Doughnuts on the MU campus
10. Sven’s Cafe in Bayview

 

Beaujolais Nouveau

The Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau celebrates the French release of the new harvest wine, and the worldwide race to be one of the first in the world to taste this year’s harvest.  This celebration is recognized throughout the world in commemoration of the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine each fall. The third Thursday of November is reserved for its release and has become an annual ritual for wine connoisseurs.  Here’s how we are celebrating in Milwaukee:

The Alliance Française de Milwaukee presents the 14th Annual Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 6 to 9 pm at the InterContinental Hotel.  The party features wine tastings, small bites of food, body artists, live art installations and more.  ($35 for members, $45 for non-members)

Chez Jacques will celebrate with a 3 course dinner (including a half bottle of new release) for $45 on Thursday.  Dinner entertainment will be performed by chanteuse Robin Pluer and accordionist Stas Vengleski.

Thief Wine will be hosting their Beaujolais Noveau and NO-veau Tasting at both of their locations (the Milwaukee Public Market & in Shorewood).  The tasting is $10 for 6 tastes at either the 6 or 7:30pm tasting. 

 

Harry’s Bar and Grill

Owned by the same lovely people who make The Knick and North Shore Bistro both solid hot spots, Harry’s in Shorewood has recently remodeled its interior and is better than ever!  If you have never been, Harry’s is a great neighborhood restaurant with a fairly sophisticated menu, when it comes to appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.  I just love their chicken pita sandwich and the fish tacos.  The ahi tuna blt and the chinese chicken salad are favorites as well.  Harry’s puts together a supurb Friday Fish Fry (that is reasonable at $12), a great bar, and super Sunday brunch.  Tomorrow the Milwaukee’s own 5 Card Studs will be wooing patrons with a live performance.  Check out Harry’s any day of the week!

Sandwiches

Yes another top-10 list, and I will even give you advice on what one to order!

• Cafe Lulu…the Mooney Tuna
• Koppa’s…the Saturn
• Comet Café…the Buttafucco
• Benji’s…the Tuna Melt
• Glorioso’s…the Meatball Sandwich
• St. Paul Fish Co…the Peri Peri Mahi Mahi
• Nessun Dorma…the Portabella Philly
• The County Clare Inn & Pub…the Roasted Turkey Breast
• Jake’s Deli…the Reuben
• Cubanitas…it has to be a tie between the Cubano & the Pan con Bistec (fries come directly on the sandwich, come on!)

Soup’s On!

Here’s to the last great “weather week” of summer…

But after it’s over, you may want to know where to pull up a stool to have a warm, hearty, bowl of soup…

Here’s my Top 10 List:

1. Soup Market (in Bayview & at the Milwaukee Public Market)
2. Soups On!  (Downtown)
3. The Soup House (Downtown)
4. The Uncanny Soup Co (Downtown & Cudahy)
5. The Soup Otzie’s (Southside)
6. Cafe Lulu (Bayview)
7. Elsa’s on the Park (Downtown, Nov-March)
8. Coquette Cafe (Third Ward)
9. Benji’s (Shorewood & Fox Point)
10. The City Market (Shorewood, Tosa, & now in Whitefish Bay)

 

Hubbard Park Lodge

Located in Shorewood, overlooking the Milwaukee River this elegant dwelling is outfitted with a rustic fireplace and interior, historic landmark status, and huge cathedral ceilings.  With seasonal beauty all year round, Hubbard Park Lodge is a go to place for many wedding receptions, and low and behold an intriguing Sunday Brunch!  Each Sunday the Lodge serves a Lumberjack Brunch Menu.  From 9am-2pm, guests are invited to take part in a “Northwoods experience,” in eating an all you can eat pancake breakfast.  Also included in this morning (or afternoon) meal are:  fresh doughnuts, smoked bacon, sausage, hashbrown casserole, scrambled eggs, cereal, fresh fruit, and an omelet bar.  Reasonably priced at $11.95, if you are suffering from an empty stomach or from a long, Saturday night, Hubbard’s Lumberjack Brunch is intended to hit the spot!

Other Hubbard Park Lodge Fun:

• Free Thursday Night Music (June 30th-August 11th) starting at 6:30pm at Hubbard Park.  (Similar to Jazz in the Park you may bring a blanket and some good eats, but alcohol carry-ins are not allowed, but you may purchase there.)
• Friday Night Fish Fry (from 5-9pm) with music from the Brew Haus Polka Kings.

Fresh Doughnuts

All you can eat Log Cabin Pancakes

Smoked Bacon

Sausage

Hashbrown Casserole

Scrambled eggs

Omelet bar

Cereal

Fresh fruit

Fresh Doughnuts

All you can eat Log Cabin Pancakes

Smoked Bacon

Sausage

Hashbrown Casserole

Scrambled eggs

Omelet bar

Cereal

Fresh fruit

Anaba Tea Room

Anaba Tea Room is located on top of the resplendent Garden Room on Capital Drive in Shorewood.  With two choices of seating, both offer an elegant escape from city life, either amidst a rooftop green house and garden or at a downstairs dining area below a lush canopy of vines.  Anaba presents a seasonal menu, using fresh, local ingredients, much of which are organic.  The lunch offerings include a selection of delicate tea sandwiches, unique salads, homemade soups, and of course a wide variety of teas.  Lunch and tea service is available Tuesday through Sunday from 11-3pm.  Dinner reservations are welcome Wednesday through Saturday until 9pm. The dinner menu takes on an alluring Asian fare including creative courses such as Prosciutto wrapped Thai Red Curry Shrimp, Cilantro Lime tossed Noodles with Korean BBQ Chicken & Chinese Sausage, or Wild Mushroom Pasta with Orange Soy Sauce.  Each entree can be ordered in a full or half portion.  In addition, Anaba offers an interesting wine list, Asian beer, and a variety of sake cocktails.  Available for private parties, Anaba certainly boasts a graceful ambiance with a pleasing menu.  And do not hesitate for a homemade dessert with your tea!