Grape Juice
Circling through the Milwaukee Public Market earlier this week, I got a preliminary look at the new Thief Wine shop (on the southwest side of the market, 400 N. Water St.). The shelves were filling up with what owners Phil Bilodeau and Aimee Murphy promise will be a stock of more than 500 “distinctive and eclectic fine wines from around the world.” Murphy, a California native whose background includes running a catering business, should have little trouble determining which small plates will accompany the wines served at the bar. Yes, indeed, Thief Wine has a bar. It’ll serve upwards of 30 wines by the glass, taste, flight or bottle. Not familiar with the term “wine thief”? It’s a hollow tube used to pull a sample out of a wine barrel.
Big Rev
In an upcoming issue of Milwaukee Magazine, you’ll read about the Harley-Davidson Museum (401 W. Canal St.). I couldn’t tell you much about a Harley cycle – or any other motorcycle, for that matter – but I think the museum’s cool enough that people who aren’t into the culture will want to explore it. That being said, the museum, which opened July 12th, has two spots inside where you can have a meal. The more casual place is Cafe Racer, open for breakfast and lunch. Two of the special items here are the soft pretzels served with mustard sauce and cheese dip ($6.50), and the pocket fruit pies ($3.50). The cafe serves a lot of two-fister stuff and messy finger food – breakfast burritos, pulled pork sandwich, brats with kraut, foot-long dogs, barbecued pork nachos ($8) and chili-cheddar fries ($4-$9.50). Motor, open everyday for lunch and dinner, is better described as a “restaurant.” After you’ve looked at the museum’s archives of vintage cycles, you might want something more substantial than a hickory-smoked turkey sandwich. Motor seems to fit that bill, serving meatloaf ($14.95), mac and cheese ($9.95), a one-pound barbecued pork chop ($19.95), chicken schnitzel ($12.95), as well as Lake Superior oven-poached walleye ($14.95), an eight-ounce filet mignon ($28.95) and 22-ounce “Tomahawk” steak ($34.95). Dessert? Oh, yeah, there’s that too. Banana split, warm apple pie, Georgia peach cobbler and others ($6.95 each). You don’t have to pay museum admission to visit the restaurants. Check out the Web site for more: www.harley-davidson.com.
Door to a Pour
Since we’re on the subject of wine (see the first item in this column), Jessica Bell, founder of Milwaukee Wine School is offering wine-education classes through Bacchus Restaurant (925 E. Wells St.). Bell has a class coming up on Friday, Aug. 1 (5:30-7:30 p.m.). The title: “25 Wines for $25.” When I talked to her late last week, Bell was still finalizing the list of wines, but mentioned they would be from sources across the globe. Wine consultants will be at Bacchus to answer questions. The cost is $25. After the August 1st class, the titles get more interesting. Like: “Introduction to Wine Tasting” (Sept. 8), “Wine Dating” (Sept. 12) and “Wines of the Old World: France, Italy & Spain” (Sept. 15), and “Pinot Noirs: Burgundy Vs. USA Pinot Noirs” (Sept. 19). The prices for these classes are $30 up to $49; light appetizers accompany the wines. Call Bacchus if you’re interested in reserving a spot: 414-765-1166. Also, check out Bell’s Web site for more info: www.milwaukeewineschool.com.
Working Stiffs
Next week, you deserve an FDS floral bouquet, sent with love from your boss. Because from Monday through Friday (July 28-Aug. 1), it’s Downtown Employee Appreciation Week. As part of the Downtown workforce, I think we deserve a week off. (I’m pretty sure what my boss would think about that.…) Instead, the celebration includes office-themed challenge games and events like the World’s Largest Coffee Break. Even some Downtown restaurants are offering a few deals. Let’s take a look at that crystal ball of specials. The Capital Grille (310 W. Wisconsin Ave.) is offering a complimentary pan-fried calamari appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. At Fratello’s (102 N. Water St.), it’s a free dessert cupcake with the purchase of an entrée. McGillycuddy’s (1135 N. Water St.): 20 percent discount at lunch only. Milwaukee Ale House (233 N. Water St.): Lunch is offered at a 10 percent discount, but bring your business card, so they know you’re not really working in Mequon or Oak Creek. And Cafe at the Pfister Hotel (424 E. Wisconsin Ave.): a discount of 20 percent on dinner.
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 31. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
