Photo of confections from Atomic Chocolate Co. by Adam Ryan Morris
Sweets for the Sweet
Food Network Magazine gave Milwaukee’s Jim Fetzer the label “Kooky Chocolatier” in its March 2012 story, “United States of Chocolate.” This story covers confections from Nevada to New York City. Among its Midwest recommendations is Fetzer’s Northern Chocolate Company. A visit to this singular chocolatier’s shop (2034 N. Martin Luther King Dr.) will not soon be forgotten. Believe me. (But leave your fur, children and cell phones behind. This shopkeeper has some unusual rules.) As for his wares, Fetzer’s mint meltaways are prized loot in my family. As Easter approaches, check out his chocolates formed in vintage candy molds. Very, very cute. Call first (414-372-1885) to find out when Fetzer will let you in the door.… It’s not what you’d expect, right, to order a slice of pizza and a sophisticated little square of dark chocolate at the same counter. That is the weirdness – or conversely, amazingness – of Atomic Chocolate Co. cohabiting with Times Square Bistro and Pizzeria (605 S. First St., 414-224-6300). All in a busy gas station strip mall in Walker’s Point. Chocolatier (and pizza man) Sean Henninger is offering a few new chocolates this year – one infused with rosewater and honey, the other with lavender and cinnamon. Henninger is accustomed to filling gift boxes with a variety of handmade sweets, including his salted caramels. Best to see the selection for yourself. His generous hours, from now until Valentine’s Day: Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 12-11 p.m.; Sun by appointment only; Mon-Tues 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Red Night
Not to get all Hallmark on you, but as illustrated by the aforementioned chocolate, next Tuesday may make the U.S. Postal System very happy. I hope it does. Still thinking about that restaurant reservation? A couple more options that have crossed my path:
• Roots Restaurant and Cellar is offering a special menu on Valentine’s Day evening – Tuesday. The menu includes butter-poached lobster, rack of lamb with truffle bread pudding, and seared whitefish and beet puree and raw beet salad ($26-$42). Hours: 5-9 p.m. (1818 N. Hubbard St., 414-374-8480)
• You think Shully’s Cuisine does catering only? Nope. The Thiensville business occasionally opens its cafe for events like this weekend’s Euro Dinners. There’s still space available! But just one seating – at 7 p.m. The seven-course menu features apple risotto with pork belly and blue cheese fritter, foie gras-stuffed squab with celery root puree, and fried banana split. Cost per person: $95 (wine and tax included). Feb. 10 and 11, Cocktails 6:30 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m. Call 262-242-6633. (146 Green Bay Road, Thiensville)
Look for Dish on Dining on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
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If you spot a restaurant opening or closing, post it on the comments section of my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com
