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| Maxie’s Derby Day poster. |
A Horse Is a Horse
Well, I declare. It’s almost time for the pride and joy of Louisville – the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday May 7. At no other time of the year is it more imperative that you have chess pie and a mint julep. I heartily endorse celebrating however far you are from the racetrack. In Milwaukee, the place to be is Maxie’s Southern Comfort (6732 W. Fairview). The restaurant will open at 1 p.m., which gives you plenty of time to prepare for the race time of 4:04 p.m. Specials on mint juleps and Lakefront Brewery beer will last all day. The special and regular menus will kick in at 5 p.m. Inside the restaurant, you can rub elbows with other locals listening to live bluegrass . (There will also be a tent outside with musicians and more TVs tuned to the race.) What does the Kentucky Derby have in common with royal weddings? Outlandish hats. Prizes offered for the best ladies hat. A few examples from the Derby Day menu – cornmeal fried catfish fingers, fried chicken thigh and pork riblet combo, open-faced Kentucky hot browns, Bourbon balls, and both chess and derby pie. Most items $5.95-$16.95. Admission: $7 (which includes a “first bet”) or $16 (with commemorative T-shirt and “first bet”). 414-292-3969
Tasty Tacos
I’m not seeing that many spring flowers on the “cooler by the lake” side of the town. But hey, the hot dog vendor on Water and Wisconsin was, well, stuffing buns the other day. It felt like summer. Sort of. And a little farther north on Water Street, the adorable Ofelia’s taco cart had its beef or chicken tacos, tamales, burritos and tortas. This nifty turquoise and brown cart is the property of nearby Milwaukee Waterfront Deli (761 N. Water St.). For $1.75, I had a tasty chicken taco – topped with plenty of sliced jalapenos, tomatoes and avocado – wrapped in two warm, soft corn tortillas. On mild days, the cart operates 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays. Check Waterfront’s website for Ofelia’s daily status.
Lofty Pursuits
The tide was too high for Rip Tide – please excuse the pun – and the restaurant couldn’t stay afloat. But with summer coming, it would be a shame for this Third Ward space with the stunning Lake Michigan views to remain empty. The summer of 2011 might be looking up. Milwaukee Sail Loft is the new joint to occupy these digs. It’s open from 11 a.m. daily, with a weekday Happy Hour (3-7 p.m.). The focus is on seafood prepared in “healthy” ways (i.e., grilling). The types range from tuna and Scottish salmon to king crab legs, scallops and shrimp ($16-$30). The special tonight (Thurs, May 5) is blackened snapper. Chicken and beef available for landlubbing appetites. (649 E. Erie St., 414-223-0100)
Your Choice
I can’t underestimate how important the Readers’ Choice Dining Awards are to this magazine. If there are local restaurants that you think are not getting the recognition they deserve, here’s your chance to give them a boost! It doesn’t take long to fill out the ballot. Plus, the prizes! Gift cards to local boutiques, restaurants and Mayfair Mall. Click here to vote now!
Mum’s the Word
Who’s getting Breakfast in Bed this Sunday? If you’re a mom, I sure hope it’s you. If not, there are loads of restaurants offering Mother’s Day brunch. You may know that reservations won’t be too easy to come by at this point, but when I checked today (Thursday, May 5), these restaurants had some reservation times still available. If interested, call now.
Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave., 414-964-8377): Menu items include Southern scramble, Tess omelet, crab cake Benedict, steak and eggs, lemon zest and ricotta blintz ($9-$14). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Also open for dinner at 5 p.m. Slots are filling up quickly.
Rustico (223 N. Water St., 414-220-9933): Offering the regular brunch menu (eggs Benedict Italiano, steak and eggs) and the regular lunch/dinner menu, plus the special Crispin Cider Prix fixe menu ($40 per person). The courses on this menu: antipasto, wild mushroom Benedict, pear and Gorgonzola pizza, and Crispin cider and raspberry sorbetto float. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Osteria del Mondo (1028 E. Juneau Ave., 414-291-3770): Three-course sit-down brunch. Examples of main courses: tagliatelle with veal ragu, stuffed jumbo shrimp, grilled prime rib, roasted duck breast and others. Adults $29; kids $10. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Coquette Cafe (316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-291-2655): The menu features Coquette’s regular repertoire of offerings, including quiche and omelet du jour, salmon cake topped with poached egg and béarnaise sauce, chicken confit crêpes, salmon, grilled hanger steak and others. Entrées $9.75-$21.95. Brunch hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Meritage (5921 W. Vliet St., 414-479-0620): Includes a breakfast tostada, eggs Benedict, omelets, baked French toast with praline topping, and corned beef hash. Hours: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Owner/chef Jan Kelly says openings are still available for small parties. Best reservation times are in the afternoon.
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