Second Thief
The owners of Thief Wine Shop (in Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St.) are planning a Shorewood location. Lease is signed; financing is in place (They reportedly are receiving a $109,000 Business Incentive Fund loan.) The second shop is slated for the mixed-use Cornerstone Building, which will have other commercial businesses as well as apartments (corner of Oakland and Kensington). At the Third Ward location, owners Phil Bilodeau and Aimee Murphy operate what they call a “boutique fine wine shop.” They sell bottled wine, craft beer and spirits for home consumption, and have an on-site bar. In Shorewood, they’re also talking about developing an appetizer menu with North Star American Bistro, which will move into Cornerstone from its current space across the street (4515 N. Oakland Ave.) The current ETA for Thief’s opening is September.
A Tiki Bar and Prince Fielder
I Googled “tiki bar” today, and what do you suppose came up first? Tiki Barber. I’m not going there…. Outdoor tiki bars aren’t a dime a dozen around here, but Bunker’s Nostalgic Lounge and Eatery (7420 W. Greenfield Ave., 414-258-1982) has one. It’s the place for mai tais – anything with rum and a little paper umbrella. The vibe inside is not tiki, but it’s festive. Proprietor Scott Bunker is running a new dining menu with the emphasis on affordability. There’s a braised rib sandwich ($8.25), a fresh catch served Rockefeller style ($11.95), seafood trio ($12.95), chicken with blue cheese macaroni ($10.95), and a veggie entrée named after declared-vegetarian Prince Fielder, first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers. Check out Bunker’s for dinner, Tues-Sat 4-10 p.m.
Melted Custard
Loved by some, LIXX Frozen Custard (2597 N. Downer Ave.) seems like a natural business to be open on a day like today. But alas, the phone number is disconnected.… How cute that Elsa Kopp is pictured on Kopp’s Frozen Custard’s Web site. The Estelle Getty look-alike passed away in 2003, but she continues to be fast food inspiration. There was a time in my life – I believe I was wearing pinafores at the time – when few things would satisfy me like a Kopp’s burger. And a strawberry shake to go with it. This center of frozen happiness has three locations – in Greenfield, Glendale and Brookfield.
Super Shully
Where’s Scott Shully? On Saturday, April 24, the owner of Shully’s Cuisine & Events will be doing a free cooking demo at the Boelter Superstore (4200 N. Port Washington Rd.). The theme will be Favorite Spring Dishes. And of course, the long-time Thiensville caterer will dole out samples. April 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tess of the Bartlett-villes
This is the last week Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) will have its 3-for-$25 menu. At least for a while. Owner Mitchell Wakefield isn’t pulling the plug on this special menu until Sunday, April 18. You choose from three options for first and second courses, and between two choices for dessert. For instance, apps include soup du jour, cranberry arugula salad, and five-spice roasted pork belly. Entrées are: seared wild salmon, grilled chicken with penne pasta, and grilled flat-iron steak. Desserts: vanilla panna cotta and flourless chocolate cake. If prix fixe menus aren’t your thing, no worries. The regular menu is available, too. And if these summer-like temps keep up, the Tess patio will be primo dining ground. Hours: Tues-Thurs 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.; Sun 5-9 p.m. (414-964-8377)
Our Dear Dining Survey
If you go to this Web site’s home page, it’s hard not to notice the link at the top of the page. It’s a moving feast, you could say. It allows you to connect to the four words that could make your day: Readers’ Choice dining survey. If you fill out the survey online (as opposed to the print version bound into the May issue), you could win dinner with yours truly. That doesn’t thrill you? We’re also giving away other prizes – Milwaukee Rep tickets, gift certificates to area boutiques, etc. – in a random drawing. Go to this link.
Hey! Another thing. I’m now on Twitter! Follow me @ann_christenson
Don’t miss this week’s Shopaholic to learn about new stores and events in the world of local retail.
If you spot a restaurant openings or closings, don’t hesitate to post it on my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com.
