Shining Star
A lot of stuff is shaking in Shorewood these days. After a summer of diverted traffic, East Capitol Drive is open. The construction on the Cornerstone Building (Oakland and Kensington) is apparently close enough that the folks at North Star American Bistro are on the home stretch for their reopening. The date for that is Friday, Oct. 8. Sara O’Neil – whose husband is executive chef Duffy O’Neil – has spearheaded the interior design. More spacious than the old Shorewood digs, the new location will have a separate bar. The popular Family Room returns but with more light and integration into the overall space. The bare butcher-block dining tables will keep the vibe casual. Shorewood and Brookfield share the same menus; dinner entrées include almond-crusted whitefish, chicken Boursin, duck confit, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and butternut squash ravioli and scallops ($14.95-$25.95). Burgers, sandwiches and pizzas, as well. On reopening day, North Star will start lunch service at 11 a.m. From Friday on, hours will be: lunch Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; dinner Mon-Sat 4:30-10 p.m.; Sun 4:30-9 p.m. And Sunday brunch: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The new address: 4518 N. Oakland Ave.
Steeping Tea
I was browsing inside the Garden Room the other day, taking in the sights and sounds. Not a bad place to be stranded for a day, I thought. The multi-level building (2107 E. Capitol Dr.) is also home to Anaba Tea Room, which is currently closed while renovations are made to the kitchen. When the tea room reopens in November, it will, for the first time in its history, serve dinner. I hear the dinner menu will be Asian-fusion, using recipes created by chef Gregg Des Rosier. The tea and lunch service will be back, just as before. More on the menu once I’ve confirmed the details.
Pocket of Beer
Deep-fried beer? It sounds freaky, but Hilton Milwaukee executive chef Brian Frakes says he’s perfected a recipe for deep-fried beer. It’s not exactly like it sounds. It’s beer encased in a ravioli-like creation made of pretzel dough. The cooked pillow is topped with rosemary fire salt. When you bite into the pocket, there’s your shot of beer. Quite a sensation, I’m sure. For $5, you get two deep-fried pockets served with dipping sauces and a beer chaser. The Hilton’s Miller Time Pub is offering the delicacy this weekend. And maybe only this weekend. (Hilton Hotel, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-271-2337) The bar’s weekend food-service hours: 11 a.m.-midnight.
Chil(i) in the Air
Officially or unofficially, it’s chili weather. The color of the leaves is our bold reminder. How perfect that a mere 10 days separates us from the world’s greatest chili competition. It’s Harley-Davidson’s 5th Annual Chili Cook-off. The first year of this competition featured 19 teams. This year, there are 100, and that includes restaurants, businesses and individuals. You’re invited not just to taste chili but vote on your favorites. Do not consider 100 kinds of chili daunting. (What’s 100?) But to prepare your digestive tract beforehand would not be a bad idea.… Bonus for Harley lovers: The event includes a display of custom bikes (and cars). You can sample six varieties of chili for $5. (Or bring two nonperishable food items and sample six kinds of chili for free.) Proceeds will go to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee. Oct. 9, 12-5 p.m. Harley-Davidson, 11310 W. Silver Spring Rd.
Hey, people: Look for more Dish on Dining on Tuesday!
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If you spot any restaurant openings or closings, post it on the comments section of my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com.
