The Noble

If you’re wanting to check out a fresh, hot spot these days, chances are you are going to be heading over to the Walker’s Point neighborhood, which in my opinion should be renamed “foodie heaven.”  Add The Noble to your list if you are looking for a quaint and vintage ambiance, coupled with sophisticated, comfort food.  The menu is about as small as the place (with only 7 tables and 8 bar stools inside), but packs a punch with the daily specials and the drink menu.  Rivaling the Blond Manhattan I had at the Rumpus Room, The Noble’s, Blood Orange Manhattan (made with Bulleit Whiskey) certainly gave a smooth entry into evening.  We tried two of the Saturday night specials, which I highly recommend.  First the chorizo mussels, which really had a nice, bright and zesty dipping sauce, and then the creole red-fish that was seasoned and cooked to perfection, served over rice.  The Noble is as refreshing as it is gratifying.  I will definitely be returning.

Salty vs. Sweet

Thank you, Anne, for you kind words yesterday per milwaukeeisnotthatbad.com.  You definitely got me typing again!

I’ve had this idea for a while now…it all started when I was leaving the Iron Horse Hotel after a date night with my husband at Smyth, (which I just have to say, I love the “bar food” at the Iron Horse so much more than their “upscale” selection).  After dinner, my hubby desperately wanted something sweet as we headed to our favorite late-night dessert place in the bar/cocktail area at Bacchus for their Molten Chocolate Hazelnut Cake and a quick glass of Mirabelle champagne.  Don’t get me wrong, it was a fabulous way to end the night, but my salty craving is just as strong, as his sweet…and no, bacon ice-cream does not do it more me either!  I just couldn’t stop thinking about the Iron Horse’s  house-made truffle chips and wondered why I decided to order a $30+ steak instead.  Well here’s my plight for individuals who crave the savory and tried and true places you can find home-made potato chips to satisfy your inner-salty.

• Cafe Lulu
• Saz’s State House Restaurant
• Bigg’s Roadhouse
• Swingin’ Door Exchange
• Miss Katie’s Diner
• Kokopelli’s Pub & Grub
• O’Lydia’s

Attn all Foodies:

A February 2nd event that is being held at Milwaukee’s, Iron Horse Hotel, will certainly give our mid-winter blues a boost (well, at least our taste buds)!  Wisconsin Foodie’s own Kyle Cherek is hosting the Thursday night event, entitled Sound Bites, which will be centered around pairings of food and music, benefiting 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.  Top Milwaukee chefs from Pastiche Bistro and Wine Bar, Hinterland, La Meranda, Umami Moto, Firefly Urban Bar and Grill, Bartolotta Resturant Group, Ryan Braun’s Graffito and Trocadero are collaborating with 88Nine DJs to develop the perfect playlist to accentuate the evening’s dishes.  For a ticket price of $125 you will be able to enjoy eight chef-hosted tasting stations, passed champagne, sample wine, spirits and craft beer selections from Milwaukee Brewing Company, Great Lakes Distilary, and Wollersheim Winery, as well as a chance to win fantastic music collectibles in the Rock ‘n Raffle.  Tickets to Sound Bites may be purchased on the 88Nine Radio Milwaukee website.  This is one Milwaukee event that should not be missed!

Zak’s Cafe

If you are looking for a new brunch spot, I would like to recommend the fresh, new spot in Walker’s Point, Zak’s Cafe.  Although Zak’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner 6 days a week, brunch is served until 3pm daily!  (And they even start serving at 7pm on Sunday mornings, YES!)  With a wide variety of burritos, omelets, and benedicts, Zak’s is priced well and is one of the few places that have decided to put biscuits and gravy on the menu.  With a casual environment, fresh smoothies, and a great neighborhood, Zak’s really shouldn’t be missed!

Boot Camps…not just for the Armed Forces!

Almost every gym you go to these days are starting to offer boot camps for their members, many times with a fee, but let me tell you, they work you out!  If you have the cash and can commit the time, the pounds will literally melt off.  I tried Milwaukee Adventure Boot Camp a few summers ago after I heard about some of their stunning results (from several clients).  Although I was pushed to my limit every time I stepped in that Glendale gym, I felt fantastic after every workout.  I was supported mentally and every technique was directly instructed (no injuries here)!  I will recommend that program to anyone old or young, in shape or not!

Here are some others to check out:

• Monkey Bar Gymnasium
• BCOR
• BrewCity CrossFit

Click here to see how boot camps stack up to other everyday workouts!

Yoga is for Everyone!

Alright, now that the Rose Bowl is over, the lavish eating and drinking can officially come to an end!  Thus, I am going to dedicate the next couple of days of introducing you to some great work out options that the city has to offer.  Although I’ve been living downtown for over a decade, during the last few years, the health scene has definitely improved tremendously (as much as boutiques!!!)  One of my favorite workouts  happens to be a block away from my home,  in a hot box called Bikram Yoga Milwaukee (which has an earlier post all to itself).  This 90 minute cardio heavy workout is as invigorating as it is cleansing.

Other great studios to check out include:

• Yama Yoga in the Third Ward
• Invivo on the Eastside
• Core Concepts in the Third Ward
• Yoga Ward in Walker’s Point

 

If you feel inclined, click on the 77 Health Benefits of Yoga for a great article!

Mussles in Milwaukee

Quick note to readers:  milwaukeeisnotthatbad.com is back after a short sabbatical due to matrimonial bliss and unplanned Influenza.

Here we go…last night I had an incredible dinner at Roots.  The San Francisco Cioppino has been a staple on their menu for quite sometime now; I just can’t go there without ordering it.  The Cioppino is served in your own personal cast iron skillet, which is piping hot from the stove.  The mussels, shrimp, fish, and scallops that are flown into the restaurant are as fresh as can be, and the saffron, arborio, fennel~tomato broth is just extraordinary!  It’s no wonder that Roots has been recognized as one of America’s top 20 green restaurants in Organic Style Magazine.  The mussels in the dish last night were just exquisite, which got me thinking, wow I’ve had mussels at several hot spots in the city that are top-notch, (which is just one of the many reasons Milwaukee is not that bad, friends).  If you love steamed mussles; the mussles themselves, the sauce, and the bread just for dipping, here are some great spots to try out!

The Rumpus Room:  they come beer steamed with Italian Sausage, Fennel, Shallot, and a Grilled Baguette for $11 (just had them last week for lunch, wow!)

St. Paul Fish:  they are lovely every day of the week, but on Monday’s you can’t go wrong for $5.95.

Bosley on Brady:  they (Prince Edward Mussles) are steamed and served in a broth of lemon, white wine, butter, garlic, diced tomatoes, basil & chili flakes for $11 (only $6 during happy hour).

The Harbor House:  they come with your choice of a white wine butter or marinara for $12.95.

Chez Jacques:  they are called Moules Marinieres on the menu and are served a white wine, garlic and shallot cream sauce (delicious at two price points depending on how hungry you are $7.50/$15).

With hesitation in possibly diluting the taste for a long list, this is it for now.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Great Lakes Distillery

Great Lakes is a small-batch distillery located in Historic Walker’s Point.  Great Lakes utilizes old world methods and traditions to create award winning spirits including, Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Vodka, Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Gin, and Rehorst Citrus & Honey flavored Vodka.  Seasonal products are also available from time to time, as Wisconsin’s first distillery since prohibition hand crafts in limited quantities.  Stop in for a tasting and tour Mon-Sat from Noon until 6pm.  Or take your Sunday Funday down to Great Lakes tomorrow, from 10am until 6m, the Distillery & Jimmy Luv’s Bloody Mary Mix are joining forces to conquer hunger in Milwaukee’s 2nd Annual Biggest Bloody Mary Party.  Bloody Mary’s are $5 (Industri Cafe will be doing skewers of garnishes) and brats are $2!   The Klement’s Sausage will also be on hand to help raise food and money for Hunger Task Force, Inc.  Head down for a good cause.

INdustri Cafe

An eclectic mix of new and old brings you to INdustri Cafe in Walkers Point.  Paying homage to all Milwaukee based industries, the cafe on South 2nd, certainly knows how to serve up a great brunch with a delectable, and frankly, HUGE bloody mary.  With a number of interesting brunch dishes including several benedicts (lobster, turkey, wiener-schnitzel, and the INdustri special), crepes, a homemade egg casserole, burgers, and salads, our group was pleased with every dish today.  The bloody mary is definitely meant for sharing…it’s $13 ($5 off, if you order a meal), served with a plate for all of the fixings, and has quite the smoky flavor going on.  Serving brunch all weekend from 11am-4pm, the INdustri is worth the short trip, past the Third Ward!