Hop Out
For the last month, Hop Sheng “Gourmet” Chinese Restaurant (2428 N. Murray Ave.) has been done. Closed, finis. Alas, something has taken its place. More aromas of fried rice and General Tso’s chicken. The new operation is Huan Xi Chinese. Co-owner Frankie Lin promises “no soggy breading or too-thick sauce” at Huan Xi. The menu features the expecteds: egg foo young, sweet-and-sour chicken, beef with broccoli, and moo shu shrimp. Open into the wee hours of the night. Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m. (414-906-8888)
Your Fill of Distil
The press info for Distil (722 N. Milwaukee St., 414-220-9411) includes the claim, “Milwaukee’s first true artisanal restaurant.” The business – opening this Friday, Sept. 24 – bases that description on details like this: 40 Wisconsin cheeses out of a total of 80 varietals; and the “region’s largest selection” of small-batch bourbons and ryes. Distil’s parent is SURG Restaurant Group, formed by partners Omar Shaikh and Mike Polaski (whose other businesses include Umami Moto and Carnevor). The 15-page menu – yep, that’s what it says – has various dry-aged meats and sausage, and desserts to go with the coffees, teas and dessert wines. Among the liquid selections are 90 wines (24 by the glass), 26 Ports, and a range of pre-Prohibition and craft cocktails. Hours will be: Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-close.
Slam It
So Thursday is the first day of fall. Which means October will sneak up just as quickly. Which means you need to buy your tickets to WMSE’s Food Slam (held Friday, Oct. 1). It’s a fundraiser for the station (91.7FM), plus just a great opportunity to come out and eat. The 30 area restaurants participating include Maxie’s Southern Comfort, Sala da Pranzo, Jake’s Deli, Nanakusa Japanese Restaurant and Simma’s Bakery. Location: Grohmann Museum at MSOE, 1000 N. Broadway. Oct. 1, 6-10 p.m. Cost: $30. Click here to buy your tickets.
Hey, people: Look for more Dish on Dining on Thursday!
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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.
