Magic Replacement
The truth is out there. Rumors that the old Magic Dann’s (2691 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) is becoming an Asian restaurant are true, says Ald. Tony Zielinski (District 14), who adds that he’s long wanted a Thai or Vietnamese restaurant in Bay View. Sure wish I could tell you more. But you need to be patient.
Bacc-Tails
Cudahy Tower restaurant Bacchus has made some interesting format changes. Let me start with cocktails. Nick Kosevich, who brought his mixology skills from Minneapolis (and worked briefly at Milwaukee’s Mi-Key’s), has taken over the cocktail program at Bacchus with his Bittercube partner Ira Koplowitz. The two have put out a seasonal cocktail menu (of classics, whose recipes date to the 1800s, and “retro” drinks – their take on famous cocktails). Koplowitz was a mixologist of note in Chicago. Together, the partners make their own bitters, liqueurs, tonics and sours. They’re concocting cocktails at Bacchus on Tuesday-Saturday nights. On March 19th, the two – who’ve ended their Speakeasy stint at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge – are planning a March 19 Cocktail Dinner at Bacchus. Executive chef Adam Siegel will pair his courses with the Bittercube boys’ cocktails…. Moving on to general Bacchus food news, Adam Siegel’s new small plates menu is now out. The 20 options include yellowfin tuna tartare ($11); duck confit rillettes ($8); foie gras with cherries, French toast and quail egg ($17); and tagliatelle with Maine lobster ($13). This menu is available Mon-Thurs 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri 5:30-10 p.m.; and Sat 5-10 p.m. (925 E. Wells St., 414-765-1166)
Bivalve Bonanza
I’m trying to convince our Sports Nut columnist, Howie Magner, to compete in the oyster eating competition, part of Oyster Fest at Milwaukee Public Market (March 4). He will have none of it. (He competed in a potato-eating contest a while back, but was brought down when he noticed the potato was covered in cheese. And the Sports Nut does not – I repeat, does not – like cheese.) The winner of the oyster competition – who will have eaten the most oysters in one minute and not need to be resuscitated – will get a $200 gift certificate to St. Paul Fish Market. Oyster Fest will have 12 kinds of oysters and another dozen kinds of beer. Proceeds will go to Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force. Tickets are $25 and available by reservation only. March 4, 6-8 p.m. (400 N. Water St., 414-336-1111)
Piano Men
You may have heard of the phenomenon called “dueling pianos.” It’s a form of musical entertainment that gets the audience involved. Two practitioners of the duel are Cedarburg’s Gary Clausing and Tony Frontier. They call their show “Piano Brew: Dueling Pianos Request Show.” While people are eating slices of the sausage special at Zaffiro’s North Shore, the duo performs songs chosen by the audience. Their repertoire of material is 200 songs long and spans hits by Frank Sinatra to Billy Idol to the Killers. Quite a range. Did I mention these guys also sing? They do. And the audience will, too. Friday, March 12, 8-11 p.m. The cover is $5. (11700 N. Port Washington Rd., 262-241-8484)
La Différence
French chef Pierre Briere, who closed his Hartford Bistro earlier this year, is back in Milwaukee with a series of French cooking classes. His focus is on French regional specialties. So for instance, at the first class (Sunday, March 14, 1 p.m.), Briere covers Provence and the Côtes d’Azur. Recipes include soupe au pistou, bouillabaisse with rouille, and crêpes suzette. On April 25 (1 p.m.), it’s Paris. Ahh. The menu includes gratinée des halles (onion soup), stuffed and rolled chicken breast, and the French pastry called mille-feuille. Additional classes are Thursday April 15 (featuring three of Julia Child’s favorite recipes), Sunday May 16 (Alsace-Lorraine), and Sunday June 6 (Normany-Brittany). Held at the Madame Kuony demo kitchen, second floor of the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water St.). Each demo class is $29 per person. Contact Monsieur Briere by e-mail, if you’d like to register: pierrepepette@gmail.com
Fry of the Week
Everybody knows fish fry and beer are a birds-of-a-feather combo. It seems only right when a brewery hosts a fry – a bona-fide buffet, no less. Like pizza and burger joints, there can never be too many fish fries. Sprecher Brewing Co. fuses the brewery tour and fish fry, starting March 5. The tour is at 5 p.m.; the fish fry buffet, catered by Saz’s, begins at 5:30 p.m. But you don’t have to do both. The fry – including Sprecher pub ale-fried cod, sour cream and chive fries, soup and salad bar, and desserts – is $20.95 for adults; $8.95 kids ages 3-11. Go for the tour and buffet together, and you’ll spend only 4 bucks more per person. The tour includes four beer samples (soda for kids and beer-abstaining adults) and a commemorative glass. Again, this starts March 5. Reservations are necessary; call the Sprecher gift shop at 414-964-7837. (701 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale)
Don’t miss this week’s Shopaholic to learn about new stores and events in the world of local retail.
If you spot a restaurant openings or closings, don’t hesitate to post it on my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com.
