Warm Oven
Three years old? I can’t believe it. But it’s true. Harlequin Bakery (316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-291-9866) has turned three digits. And to celebrate this event, owners Sandy and Angie D’Amato have unveiled a new lunch menu. One of the additions is a French-press sandwich – in varieties like roast chicken with spinach, mozzarella and tomato; and a tuna melt with tomato and sharp cheddar. The thin-crust Roman pizzas – which are even more visible with the expanded counter – are made on classic and whole-wheat crusts. In fact, the counter focuses more attention on baked goods and confections like butter cookies and brownies, donuts and caramel apples. Check it out. Hours are Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Legends of the Fall
You think chefs sit around all day twiddling their thumbs before their restaurants open for the night? They’ve got their hands full doing everything from prep work to planning the next menu. Lo and behold, we’ve got a new fall set to debut next week at Meritage (5921 W. Vliet St., 414-479-0620). Owner/chef Jan Kelly gave me a peek at the offerings. On the main-course side, we’re looking at all-new choices. The entrées include fried chicken with chipotle honey glaze, pepper biscuits and country gravy; bison meatloaf; mushroom risotto with lamb ragu; and a flat-iron steak with sweet potato-sauerkraut hash and juniper berry sauce. And none of these items tops 19 bucks. I like the sound of that. Entrée price range: $12-$19.
Cooks Are People Too
If you can’t take the heat…. Ahh, but you can. It’s those people in the white smocks who have the worst of it. But that’s their job, and the Chefs of the Marcus Hotels & Resorts will share what they know in a series of cooking classes held on Saturdays from Oct. 4 to Nov. 8. Two Mason Street Grill sous chefs will kick off the series this Saturday. Maggie Haller and Andrew Althoff will prepare appetizers and flatbreads. On Oct. 11th, Brian Frakes, executive chef of the Pfister Hotel, will cover “Unique Brunch Items and Signature Bloody Marys.” Are you hankering for tips from former Watermark owner/chef Mark Weber? As executive chef of Mason Street Grill, Weber will focus on the classics from the Mason Street Grill menu. Skipping ahead a few weeks, Robert Ash (exec chef at the Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel) will demo an “Untraditional Thanksgiving” feast on Nov. 8th. If you’re interested, the cost for each class is $35 per person. Saturdays, Oct. 4-Nov. 8 at 10:30 a.m. Classes held at Mason Street Grill, 424 E. Mason St., 414-298-3131.
Polish Celebration
Aleksandra Burzynski is celebrating two 25th anniversaries this month. The first, on Oct. 5th, is when Polonez (the Polish restaurant she owns with husband/chef George) turns a quarter century. On the 22nd, Aleksandra and George celebrate 25 years of marriage. And they’re going to celebrate with you. Starting October 7th, the restaurant will offer a few specials. Hostess Aleksandra will offer a free glass of house wine with dinner. During happy hour at the bar (5-7 p.m.), you’ll have a whole lot of specials to deal with: a dollar off all Polish beers; three shots of Polish vodka for the low, low price of $12; and deals like two Cosmos (or two Margaritas) for 8 bucks. Aleksandra also promises free appetizers like pierogis, chicken wings and breaded mushrooms. These specials may continue through the month of October. (4016 S. Packard Ave., 414-482-0080)
Roll Call
Time to make the sushi. About a year ago, some friends bequeathed a sushi-rolling kit to me. I’m sorry to say I have done no rolling. Perhaps knowing that Benihana “Your Meal Is the Show” Restaurant is doing a two-hour sushi-rolling lesson will inspire me to open my kit. Or not. These classes are offered on two Saturdays – Oct. 11 and Nov. 1 (noon-2 p.m.). The sushi chefs will demonstrate roll-making using spicy tuna, California-style ingredients (like cucumber and avocado) or shrimp tempura. Call to reserve a spot. The cost is $30. (850 N. Plankinton Ave., 414-270-0890)
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, Oct. 16. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
