Braise

Much like the beginnings of a new relationship…fresh, spontaneous, and delicious, Braise certainly hits a home run with the whole experience of it all.  Putting out the most interesting wine list in Milwaukee (please try a glass of  Barbera) and a spirits list that doesn’t include Maker’s Mark, but Four Roses bourbon, certainly started the evening off with a bang.  Moving into the busy dining room on a Tuesday night, I was impressed with the sharp staff, the community style seating, and the smell that was coming from the open kitchen.  Sitting at a counter looking directly into the kitchen (the best seat in the house), I was quickly greeted with an introduction to the farm-to-table mission of the restaurant and appraised of the fact that the menu changes DAILY, according to the food that was delivered from a Wisconsin-only-farm.  After ordering several appetizers that included fresh fennel and the best tomato soup I’ve ever experienced (served with cilantro cream), I didn’t want this incredible culinary experience to stop, so I ordered a home-made potato gnocchi dish with zucchini and mushrooms.  This dish quickly reminded me of my Russian, great-grandmother’s vareniki (a pierogi to some), with a seared potato dumpling after it has been boiled.  I know it sounds simple, but this extra crunchy layer of flavor is as “secret ingredient” as they come!  After dinner, Chef David Swanson greeted us and spoke with us for a significant amount of time, capping an unforgettable evening with integrity.  Thank you, Braise.

Cioppino

I took advantage of a recipe last night that was recently published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, with some great results.  The recipe was published as a request from a Third Ward Caffe patron wanting to recreate the caffe’s to-die-for, Friday and Saturday night cioppino.  Let me tell you, if the in-house method is even half as good as my dutch oven’s skills, you must head straight down to the Third Ward neighborhood and try some for yourself.  Of course this fresh fish dish got me thinking about great meals again, and where else a great cioppino may be in store for you.  My taste bud memory quickly brought me back to Roots Restaurant and Cellar, in this case for their elegant San Francisco Cioppino.  Their version is even served in a personal cast iron skillet with a delicate fennel, tomato broth.  Next, I would move onto one of Milwaukee’s best views of the lake at the Harbor House.  As garlicky as the winter days are long, this version is simply complex.

Try all three, (or at least give the recipe a try at home)!

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The Chili Bowl

Next Sunday look forward to getting your “chili on” at Milwaukee’s own, Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s new Expo Center for the 6th Annual Chili Bowl competition.  From 11am until 4pm, you may indulge yourself in over 30 area hot spots, showing off their BEST version of chili (well really you get to choose 8, three-ounce samples and complimentary soft bread sticks from Peter Sciortino’s Bakery).  Although there is only one “Golden Ladle Award,” it is up to you to choose the BEST original, vegetarian, spiciest, and most unique chili!  This event is $12 in advance and $15 at the door and proceeds will benefit the Hunger Task Force.  Don’t forget your non-perishable food donations as well!

Black Friday

In case you’re wondering when the local malls are available for your early shopping pleasure, here are the stats:

• Brookfield Square  – 5 a.m.
• Southridge  – 5 a.m.
• Bayshore Town Center  – 7 a.m.
• Mayfair Mall  – 5 a.m.
• The Shops of Grand Avenue  – 5 a.m.
• Johnson Creek Premium Outlets – Johnson Creek, Wisconsin – Head west about 45 minutes to Johnson Creek to take advantage of already discounted wares at an easy-access outlet mall, and ditch the hassle of city driving. Johnson Creek will open at midnight the morning of Friday, November 25.
• Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall – Gurnee, Illinois – At just about an hour’s driving time, you can be across the border at one of the best outlets in the Midwest. Gurnee Mills stores will open at 5 a.m. on Friday, November 25.

Finding the deals are up to you!

Hi-Hat

I will have to gush about the Hi-Hat Lounge another time, when it comes to their cool cocktails and weekly events, but since it is Sunday, I am strictly keeping myself to brunch.  The Hi-Hat actually serves brunch on both Saturdays and Sundays from 10-3pm.  They have five areas on their menu to choose from, which appease a wide variety of tastes.  These include egg breakfasts, benedicts, build your own omelets, specialties, and burgers and sandwiches.  One of the best items on the menu, and is unique to the Hi-Hat, is their breakfast pies.  Although you cannot substitute any of the ingredients because they are made ahead of time, the delicacy that goes into each pastry definitely outweighs the picky eaters you may be dining with!  The three pies include the GRILLED VEGETABLE (made with asparagus, red peppers, mushrooms, and brie), the FRUIT PIE (made with strawberry and bananas with honey, cardamom, and cream cheese), and the BACON PIE (made with apple wood bacon and sharp cheddar).  Pick your poison, they are all good!

The Pabst Mansion

Built in 1892, The Pabst Mansion is just as grand as the legacy the Pabst family has left on Milwaukee.  After being restored to resemble what it looked like when the Pabst family actually dwelled within the walls, this beautiful piece of history is something no one should miss.  Current and upcoming events include:

• The Pabst Mansion’s current exhibit is entitled, Edible Excess: 19th Century Victorian Feasting, which explores the elaborate etiquette of dining, rules regulating proper table settings, food preparation, menus, advertisements, and even dinner and glassware.  This requires an appetite for the history of upper class living!
• Sample Saturday’s, running August 20th & 27th, guests of the mansion have the chance to tour and enjoy sampling the best brews offered by the Pabst Brewing Company.
• Fall Festivities, this annual four day event explores the mansion by celebrating Milwaukee’s brewing past and present, starting out with Retro Beer Night on Friday, October 7th.
• A Grand Avenue Christmas, coming November 18th!

Top 10 Lunch Spots

A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will’s freedom after it.
-Aldous Huxley

Here are my optimistic choices:

Cafe Lulu, Bay View

Hooligans, Eastside

The Knick, Downtown

The Public Market (any vendor), Third Ward

Beans & Barley, Eastside

Bremen Cafe, Riverwest

The Soup Market, Bayview

Waterfront Deli, Downtown

Cubanitas, Downtown

Benji’s Deli, Shorewood