Inferno of Cheese
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I just got off the phone with a fast-talking employee of very recently opened Melthouse Bistro (1857 E. Kenilworth Pl., 414-271-6358). I suspect the speed with which she spoke reflects the quick service this restaurant promises. You place your order at the counter, then take a seat at one of the tables, and the server brings your order to you. Melthouse’s focus is on what should be near and dear to a Wisconsinite’s heart – the grilled cheese sandwich. But not just any grilled cheese sandwich. The bistro offers upwards of 17 kinds of sandwiches – combining various cheeses, meats (turkey, pepperoni) and vegetables. It is also serving grilled cheese sliders and other small plates. Want to pair your sandwich with soup? Beer/cheese and tomato bisque are offered every day. And there is also a soup of the day. You have many opportunities to try this place. Hours: Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Rain of Spain
Paper covers the windows of Espana Tapas House (800 N. Plankinton Ave.). The restaurant is not yet open, although the shadows I see at night, behind the paper, suggest there’s work going on. Owner Joey Elbiadi, who owned Taste of Italy, is promising a beautiful setting. Four seating “sections,” he calls them. One section will be a “cozy, curtained” area where flamenco dancers and a guitarist will perform. Another section will have a Moroccan theme. The fare will range from $1.50 tapas to $28 entrées (such as paella). The timeline for opening? Elbiadi says the end of November.
Stormin’ Gorman
Jason Gorman has been at the Iron Horse Hotel (500 W. Florida St.) since last February, overseeing the culinary operations at Smyth, Branded, The Yard and so on. The former Dream Dance chef has now made an interesting move, to consultant for Dixon Development. (Tim Dixon owns the Iron Horse Hotel.) Gorman will assist with culinary projects for the company’s out-of-state developments. Which, of course, piques my curiosity. However, I am told these projects are being kept under the utmost secrecy. As for the Iron Horse, the exec chef position has been secured by Maikel Correa, an MATC culinary arts grad whose most recent position was executive chef at Merrill Hills Country Club.
Fountain of Youth
I’ve come to equate Beaujolais Nouveau with Thanksgiving. So often have bottles of this young wine been part of my family’s Thanksgiving. The celebrations surrounding the wine – bottled and ready to drink six to eight weeks after harvest – are traditionally on the third Thursday in November. Some people don’t like the new Beaujolais, because it’s young, immature wine, but it is what it is. It serves its purpose. Alliance Française de Milwaukee will hold its 14th Annual Fête du Beaujolais Nouveau on that all-important release day, Thursday, Nov. 17 (6-9 p.m.). Along with the wine pours, the event features French dishes prepared by local restaurants and bakeries such as La Merenda, Amaranth Bakery and Le Rêve Patisserie & Cafe. DJ Marcus Doucette, from 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, will manage the sound portion of the evening. Location: Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel (139 E. Kilbourn Ave.). To buy advance tickets, call 414-964-3855. Tickets: $35 for Alliance Française members; $45 for nonmembers.
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