The Dogs of Downer Ave.
For years, Downer Avenue was synonymous with certain business names. The Coffee Trader, Henry’s, Downer Theatre, Schwartz Bookshop, Sendik’s, LIXX. Some of those names have gone to the sweet hereafter. Take LIXX Frozen Custard. It’s hard to imagine seeing a summer movie at the Downer Theatre without a cone afterwards from LIXX. But lo, something is coming to that space on the corner of Downer and Belleview. Name: Jake’s Big Dog (2597 N. Downer Ave.). M.O.: offering 16 kinds of gourmet hot dogs, including the Border Dog (Pepper Jack cheese, bacon and poblano chile). Whoa, whoa, whoa, though. You’re wondering about custard, right? Owner Jake Provan will have it. Vanilla and chocolate offered daily, plus a flavor of the day. And back to those dogs. Provan, who is also executive director of the Downer Avenue Business Improvement District, will have Vienna beef and turkey wieners. Right now, he’s in major spruce-up mode – replacing counters, painting, etc. If all goes really well, Jake’s Big Dog will be open Memorial Day weekend.
The World of Q
The other day I was paging through Steven Raichlen’s new book, Planet Barbecue. It features 309 recipes from 60 countries. Spiessbraten from Germany; sosaties (pork kebabs) from Cape Town, South African; and grilled ostrich meatballs from Kenya. (Impress your friends with a global menu.) A five-time James Beard Award-winner, Raichlen isn’t from Milwaukee (nope, Florida and Massachusetts), but he’s coming here to promote this book. Many people consider him the ultimate source on grilling. The details on his visit: Raichlen will be at Mr. B’s: A Bartolotta Steakhouse May 26. Brent Perszyk (Mr. B’s executive chef) will prepare a four-course meal from recipes featured in Raichlen’s book. It’s a mid-day affair: 11:30 a.m. The cost ($65) includes the meal (plus tax and gratuity) and a signed copy of the book. (18380 W. Capitol Dr., 262-790-7005)
Almost Famous
A few Dish columns ago, I mentioned that Brian Zarletti, owner of Zarletti’s and Rustico pizzeria, is opening a restaurant in the former home of Bayou (2060 N. Humboldt Ave.). His roadhouse BBQ joint will be called Stubby’s, and unless a fellow named Paul Young hits the jackpot and becomes “The Next Food Network Star,” Young will be Stubby’s head chef. This Chicago native isn’t the only Food Network finalist with local ties. One of young’s competitors is Aria Kagan, a former Wisconsinite who lives in Hollywood, Florida, and was a chef instructor at Miami’s Le Cordon Bleu. The 30-year-old still has an affinity for – and she better, given her roots – Wisconsin cheddar. The show’s season premiere is June 6.
Heat on the Street
The weather report for this weekend ain’t bad. Actually, looking good – in the words of the late comedian Freddie Prinze – for a street celebration. To be sure, Cuban Day is coming up next week – Saturday, May 22 – right outside Cubanitas (728 N. Milwaukee St.) Owner Marta Bianchini has some nummy stuff planned. The all-you-can-eat buffet gets rolling at 11 a.m. ($12 adults; $6 kids ages 6 to 12; free for kids 5 and under). An outdoor stage will have live music and dancing, beginning at 12 p.m. Things will simmer down late in the afternoon, but the street will stay closed for the Harley-Davidson Celebrate Women Riders street party. Cubanitas, however, will be open during its regular hours, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Coffee and Burritos
If you break bread at any of the Alterra Cafe locations that serve full food menus (six, I believe), you might be doing some dining experimentation this week. The new food menu is hot off the press. Relatively speaking. There are creations that require some description – like the Sumatra pork burrito, stuffed with Jack cheese, chipotle rice and pork braised in Sumatran coffee ($6.95). And others: Wisconsin mac and cheese (with Gruyère, Swiss and cheddar, $4.95), and a cold kung pow wrap (tofu, red pepper and snap peas in a whole wheat tortilla, $4.95). Is it really time for cold soup? I guess. Tomato gazpacho: $2.95 and $4.25.
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If you spot any restaurant openings or closings, don’t hesitate to post them on my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com.
