Meet More Meat
In a few months, we’re going to have a Brazilian
churrascaria. A churrasca-whata? It’s a little complicated, but
essentially it’s a restaurant that offers spit-roasted meats prepared in the
centuries-old manner of Brazilian gauchos (the cowboys of southern Brazil). But
first, know this. The 188-seat restaurant is called Sabor (777 N. Water
St.), which was chosen because it means “flavor” in Portuguese. There are no
menus. After being seated, you’ll order a drink and then make your first of
unlimited trips to the first-course table, laid out with cheese, veggies and so
on. Moving on to the second course, “gauchos” wearing traditional garb will come
to your table serving upwards of 12 kinds of meat. Again, you take as much as
you like. Because the meats aren’t served with sauces, the seasoning – and of
course, the quality of the product – is key. I don’t have set prices for a meal
here, but it will be fixed. Intrigued? The restaurant should debut in May.
Shell Shock
Last weekend, I drove the Third Ward’s Erie Street
south until it dead-ended. That brought me to Rip Tide, a crab
shack/seafood bar with an amazing watery view (649 E. Erie St., 271-8433). It
foots the Harbor Front condo development. Hans Weissgerber (of the Gasthaus and
Third Street Pier Weissgerbers) is the owner. My next order of business is to
stop in for a meal. The menu is itching to be sampled. Choices include whole
Dungeness crab ($33), crab cake dinner ($16), stuffed Chesapeake blue crabs
($21.75), fin fish entrées like salmon and tilapia (baked, broiled or fried,
$12.75-$16.75), sandwiches (king crab BLT, seafood tacos) and plenty more. The
Friday fish fry features beer-battered cod with coleslaw and fries for $9.75.
Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m., with live music Thursday through Saturday.
Learning Center
Hot from my e-mail inbox: Milwaukee Public
Market’s spring schedule of cooking classes (held in the mezzanine-level
Madame Kuony kitchen, 400 N. Water St., 336-1111). If you don’t mind demos, the
classes are practical and fun (I took one earlier this year). Some of them come
with a prominent local chef attached. For instance, Osteria del Mondo owner Marc
Bianchini prepares an “Elegant Italian Meal” on April 6 (5:30-7 p.m.), with
caramelized onion risotto, Tuscan shrimp and white beans and chicken and endive
salad. Lake Park Bistro’s Adam Siegel is up on April 25 (5:30-7 p.m.). His
“French Delights” class includes steamed mussels, spinach salad with warmed goat
cheese and filet mignon au poivre. Later this spring, John Raymond,
owner/executive chef of Roots Restaurant, prepares a seasonal menu (May 30,
5:30-7 p.m.). All of these classes are $30. Check out the market’s web site for
more: www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org
Jumpin’ Java
Next Tuesday, pull up to Jo to Go Coffee (4115
N. 76th St.) and get your free mocha. The drive-through café (it’s a franchise,
in case you’re wondering) is doing the freebie in honor of Election Day. The
zippy mix of steamed milk, Hershey’s syrup and a shot of espresso topped off
with a squirt of whipped cream is sure to have an effect – be careful with your
speedometer. The mocha supply isn’t unlimited, so it’s probably best to get
there early. Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Can’t get enough dining? I chat about restaurants most Fridays with Jane
Matenaer and Kidd O’Shea on “The Mix.” Listen between 8 and 9 a.m. That’s
99.1 WMYX-FM.
E-mail your worst restaurant gripes to me at ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com
