Iron Chefs Milwaukee
Have you ever seen chefs fight? The “Battle of the Chefs” (in Cathedral Square Park) is back. It’s gritty; it’s competitive. And it works like this: On several Saturdays during the Cathedral Square Farmer’s Market, four chefs (armed with the cooking tools they’ve brought with them) are given a total of 45 minutes to “shop” for their ingredients – from the market vendors – and prepare a feat of culinary creativity. The winner of this contest returns for the Final Battle of the Chefs on Sept. 6. There are four battles before the final. The first is this week Saturday, June 28; the other battles are on July 26, August 9 and August 23. If you watch this week’s competition, you’ll see these warring chefs: Peter Alioto of Mi-Key’s, Robert Ash of Kil@wat at the Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel, Miles Borghgraef of Karma Bar & Grill and Christopher Miller of Sake Tumi. Local comedian John McGivern is the M.C. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. in Cathedral Square Park (Jefferson Street between Wells and Kilbourn).
Brady Building, Part 1
As I drove down Brady Street the other day, I couldn’t think of another road that attracts as many pedestrians. It was just an average weekday, after work, and the street was packed with people on foot or seated at sidewalk tables. Though businesses have come and gone from here, it’s still an incredibly diverse place to be. Mari Cucunato, whose background includes running a flower shop in South Milwaukee, is in the throes of developing an Italian coffee/pastry shop/wine bar on Brady. Mari’s (pronounced “Mah-ri”) will serve Fair Trade coffee, home-baked biscotti, croissant and a variety of desserts, including Cucunato’s cheesecake. At mid-day, the cafe will have cold plates (salads and wraps) and then segue into wines and antipasti in the evening. As for the interior, Cucunato says she’s working with a palette of oranges and reds to complement the bamboo bar. Right now, end of July is being bandied about for the opening, but that’s certainly not set in stone. Address: 1229 E. Brady St.
Farmers in the Park
The first part of this column got you thinking about farmer’s markets. I’m thinking a lot about them lately. It’s that time of year. Bay View’s South Shore Farmer’s Market kicked off last Saturday and will keep going until October 18. Love the location. If you’re heading down to the park, it helps to know how big of a market bag to bring. I suggest a large one. Besides an assortment of fresh veggies and fruits (which will grow as the season matures), you’ll find folks selling sauces and soups, jams and jellies, honey and maple syrup. A couple of farms will have cut flowers and organic herbs and perennials. Yuppie Hill Farms and Jones Family Farm will offer chicken, eggs and meats. It’s customary to fuel up while you’re shopping. Milwaukee’s Stone Creek Coffee and Sven’s Cafe will supply hot (or cold) Joe. For baked goods, you can choose from East Side Ovens’ vegan offerings, Wildflour Bakery’s muffins and breads, and Lopez Bakery’s breads and cookies (as well as their tamales). For bigger appetites, Annona Bistro will have panini for sale and La Creperie, fresh crêpes. The market runs on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon.
Brady Building, Part 2
Besides the aforementioned Mari’s, Brady Street is growing in another culinary way. Mai Thai Restaurant (1230 E. Brady St.) may be open as soon as next week. Owner Amy Meekhunsut, whose family operated Thai Kitchen on Oakland Avenue and in Brookfield, is putting the staff through final training. The menu will have traditional Thai offerings (curries and noodle dishes) and what sounds like a contemporary take on specialties like lettuce wraps and spring rolls. The location was last occupied by Oriental Coast Restaurant.
Can’t get enough dining? I chat about restaurants every week with Jane Matenaer and Kidd O’Shea on “The Mix.” Listen between 8 and 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 3. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
