We had some time to kill before the Grizzly Bear show at the Pabst Theater and wandered around the InterContinental Hotel in search of a bar. Our feet led us to Kil@wat. Up the stairs and near the hotel elevators, we entered the upscale establishment. To the left was the restaurant; to the right was the bar.
We opted for the latter and found ourselves sitting on a couple of barstools at the service of Nick. His corporate, InterContinental nametag said so. We were the only two in sight, among empty cocktail tables with red sofa chairs – we didn’t exactly fit in with our surroundings.
There were two tap beers, Pilsner Urquell and the Lakefront Wheat Monkey. He offered a taste of the Lakefront, which was light and crisp, similar to a Spotted Cow.
I had a glass of the Rosenblum Zinfandel ($10) and my companion tried a Southern Sweet Peach Tea cocktail ($8). We continued looking at the martini/cocktail list and questioned a few items.
“Bacon-cherry infused bourbon?”
“Would you like a taste?”
We quickly learned there were benefits to our inquisitiveness. The bourbon was startling, definitely tasted of sweet bacon and liquor.
“Lemongrass Cello?”
“Would you like a taste?”
Of course we did. The Lemongrass Cello was a balanced liqueur, not too sweet. I noticed the bottles were labeled with white stickers and handwritten descriptions. I asked if the were made in-house. They were.
This sent Nick off on an excited speech about the liqueur mixologist and executive chef Robert Ash. He took us through the cocktail list, line by line, and described the drink presentation – type of glass, garnish, which descriptions were no longer accurate.
Then he moved on to the dinner menu – easy, buddy, we have a show to get to and can’t afford this fare – but he went for it. I was almost sold when he described his favorite, the Banana Tiramisu, his brow moist with hunger.
But back to the drinks. We each had one more before the show. I was surprised by the fine and fancy time we had at Kil@wat, which was named for its location at Kilbourn and Water Street.
Stop in and try a house cocktail or martini. The staff takes great care and pride in their concoctions.
Hi Hat Lounge, The Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Mondays: Live music is back at Hi Hat. Monday Night Jazz Series with The Neil Davis/Steve Peplin Duo every second and fourth Monday.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St.
Friday, June 12: Tyler Trabandat 9:30 p.m. With great songwriting and improvisation, Tyler Traband and his band provide an intimate, high-energy show that stretches the limits of stage performance.
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
Saturday, June 13: Into Arcadia, Brief Candles, Sleep Tight Co.10 p.m.
Thief Wine Shop & Bar
400 N. Water St.
Tuesday, June 16: Beaux Freres is possibly the most sought-after and highly regarded producer of Oregon Pinot Noir, aking small and highly allocated quantities of lush yet elegant ageworthy wines. Taste four Pinot Noirs of the 2007 vintage for $25. Tasting limited to 12 people due to limited supply.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Saturday, June 13: Thunder Powerfrom Omaha, Neb., and The Candliersand TBA. 10 p.m.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, June 12: Check out a live performance by LMFAO at 10 p.m., opening set by DJ Wizz Kid. They look cool.
The Gig
1132 E. Wright St.
Saturday, June 13: Chalice in the Palace will play the best raggae jams ever this weekend. Go dance.
Mad Planet
533 E. Center St.
Saturday, June 13: Saturday session with 88NINE Radio Milwaukee featuring: The Get Down. Broadcast live from 10 p.m.-midnight.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, June 15: Brocach is starting a Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, The Sting.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Saturday, June 13: I may head to Bay View for this one: Diamonds and Martinis, a Neil Diamond Tribute Band will perform Saturday evening at 10:30 p.m.
Mondays: Movie and Martini Mondays. $5 martini specials, begins at 8 p.m.
Blackbird
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays: Blackbird offers one of my new favorite Happy Hour specials: Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m. or until supplies last. Also, $4 margaritas and $2 Pacifico and Corona.
