Japanese Return

                                                Photo by Adam Ryan Morris

Feeling Japanese 

You perhaps recall the scuttlebutt surrounding the Third Ward’s Nanakusa (408 E. Chicago St.), the now-shuttered Japanese restaurant. It closed in 2011, but soon after, there was talk of a Nanakusa return. If that ever happens, it’s not going to be in the same space. Wasabi Sake Lounge owner Brian Park has taken over the lease of 408 East. He plans to open a Japanese restaurant called Kanpai. But it will not be a twin of Brookfield’s Wasabi. Park plans to offer a large selection of sakes and Japanese small-plate dishes to accompany them. This concept, called izakaya, is casual in its vibe and price range. The small plates will likely be in the $5-$12 range. Park also plans to make use of Nanakusa’s old sushi bar and tatami room. Good news. Those digs have been gathering dust for too long.

A Sandwich By Another Name
Calling all media darlings. This Thursday morning (May 31), the Food Network’s “Sandwich King,” Jeff Mauro, is getting his bringing his crew to Wauwatosa’s Le Rêve Patisserie & Cafe. If Mauro is true to his word, he’ll shoot footage early in the day. The cafe opens at 8 a.m. Mauro is expected to arrive before that. If you’re there during filming, you can snag a free cup of coffee – for dine-in enjoyment, not carryout. They need bodies in there, people. Word is that Mauro is interested in the patisserie’s dacquoise, a French pastry with layers of meringue and buttercream. A bit like a sandwich, no? (7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-778-3333)

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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