Closing Time
I don’t like to be the bearer of news like this. Sandy and Angie D’Amato are closing the retail arm of their Third Ward bakeshop Harlequin (316 N. Milwaukee St.). The last day of retail operation is tomorrow (Friday, August 21). Since opening this lobby-level cafe inside the Landmark Building in 2005, the D’Amatos expanded the menu and added seating on the west side of the lobby. But it wasn’t enough. The silver lining, I guess, is that the bakery will continue to make breads and pastries for Sanford Restaurant and Coquette Cafe, and Sandy says he’ll incorporate more Harlequin classics into the restaurant menus. I don’t think that will appease Milwaukee Magazine Editor Bruce Murphy, who has announced that he is officially in mourning. If you want to pay your respects, the bakery is open until 3 p.m. on Friday.
Rock Lobster, and Thursday Night Nibbles
Friday night fish fry… or Friday night lobster? Restaurateur Scott Sebastian has added another component to his popular Casual Friday special – a three-course meal (with choice of two entrées) for $19.95 – at Sebastian’s Fine Food (6025 Douglas Ave. Caledonia). The new twist is a three-course lobster dinner, also for $19.95. Breaking it down, that’s a 6-ounce (Canadian or Maine) cold-water tail, choice of soup or salad and a dessert. If you’re heading down to Seb’s this Friday, the featured dessert is vanilla panna cotta with lemoncurd and fresh berries. You’d be wise to make a reservation: 262-681-5465.
Continuing the thread of deals, Triskele’s pays major respect to the appetizer on Thursday nights. The apps run half-price. You heard me. Half-price. Check it out: fried calamari with crisp spinach, roasted garlic chips and artichoke aïoli; Prince Edward Island mussels with roasted poblano peppers, white wine and olive oil; grilled Polish sausage and caraway croutons with Sprecher amber cheddar fondue; and other selections. Also: $5 martini specials and $4 sangria. (1801 S. Third St., 414-837-5950)
Hub Bub
Last weekend was the grand opening of The Hub in Cedarburg (W63 N631 Washington Ave., 262-618-4751). The cafe doubles as a smoothie bar. Just looking for a quick, casual bite in the ’burbs, this might be worth considering. Beyond the subs, gyros, panini, hot dogs and fruit smoothies available on the menu, The Hub’s claim to fame is bubble tea. Although what’s served at The Hub sounds more like boba milk tea – black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk or fruit juice and tapioca pearls. It comes with a wide straw so you can suck the tapioca pearls up through the straw. Kind of fun. The Hub’s version uses mostly fruit juices (honeydew, mango, strawberry) with black tea and tapioca. Hours: daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Big Cheese
Last month, Wisconsin Cheese Mart (1048 N. Old World Third St.) fêted its new Cheese Bar with a grand opening soiree. The store expanded into the old Chocolate Tree located next door, creating a copious space to have a beer or glass of wine and linger over a plate – cheese flight, maybe? – of Wisconsin cheeses. Limburger, cheddar, goat, Gouda and many more. The store sells upwards of 160 varieties of Wisconsin cheese. There’s plenty of seating options in the form of tables and at the wine bar. Classes are also going on here. For instance, next week, the Cheese Bar will host “Chocolate Pairings” (Sat, August 29, 6-8 p.m.), which includes sampling of several red wines (Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet) with dark, milk and bittersweet chocolate. Aug. 29, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $25. Call 414-272-3544.
Don’t miss this week’s Shopaholic to learn about new stores and events in the world of local retail.
If you spot any restaurant openings or closings out there, don’t hesitate to post it on my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com
