Maxie-mum Proportions
“In true Maxie’s fashion, there is entirely too much food.” That is Dan Sidner talking about the Fall Food and Brew Feast happening Monday at his restaurant, Maxie’s Southern Comfort. Hah, the diner benefits from such abundance. And there’s still time to get in on it. The five-course meal ($65 per person) includes fresh oysters on the half-shell, potato-crusted halibut cheeks, creamy pumpkin bisque, braised and seared pork belly and smoked jowl, and warm benny (sesame) seed bread pudding. Each course has a wine and beer pairing – the beer from Chicago’s Goose Island; the wines from Maxie’s (no word on the specific labels). Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. Reservations required: Call 414-292-3969. (6732 W. Fairview Ave.)
Spin the Bottle
Does the third Thursday of November mean anything to you? At one minute to midnight (French time), there’s a race to uncork the bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau and gulp the precious young wine from the Gamay grape. Well, they may not be gulping, but I assure you there will be parties all over the world to celebrate this wine. One of the largest fêtes in Milwaukee is thrown by the Alliance Française. It is on Thursday (Nov. 18) and will feature copious amounts of George DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau. This fundraiser (benefitting Alliance’s programs) will have catered French foods from Amaranth Bakery, Kil@wat, La Merenda, Larry’s Brown Deer Market and Shully Catering, among others. Nov. 18, 6-9 p.m. Tickets: $47 (or $37 for members of Alliance Française). Location of this French fêting: Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave. Call 414-964-3855.
Crusty News
Welcome to Sala da Pranzo. Allow us to take your order for pasta di mare, veal saltimbocca or gnocchi con Gorgonzola. But that is not all. Of late, siblings Teresa and Anthony Balistreri have added a selection of hand-tossed pizzas to the menu. A few you’ll find: Papa Tony’s (with pepperoni and Boursin cheese), bianco (prosciutto, articoke and Alfredo) and Tuscan countryside (sausage, kalamata olives, goat cheese). You can also build your own pie. Small and large pizzas; prices start at $12. (2613 E. Hampshire St., 414-964-2611)
The Turkey Chronicles
It would be impossible for me to forget that Thanksgiving looms, when every other e-mail I receive is from a food website whose raison d’être is to make my life easier on the big day. If your plans are to stay home, but to avoid an all-day cooking marathon, Il Mito Enoteca (6913 W. North Ave.) is offering a dinner package. You pick it up and bake it at home. It features a 10- to 12-pound, seasoned (ready to cook) turkey, stuffing, gravy, creamy spinach and pumpkin pie ($89.95). The package serves eight to 10 people. If you just want the bird, that’ll be $49.95. Call 414-443-1414 to place an order. If putting everything in the hands of a restaurant is the ticket, here are some places open for Turkey Day. Call now, if you know what’s good for you.
Cork ’N Cleaver (Milwaukee Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 5311 S. Howell Ave., 414-481-6663): Buffet of large proportions – turkey with trimmings, carved ham and beef, pasta station, roast pork loin, Polish sausage with sauerkraut, veggie lasagna, au gratin potatoes, desserts. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Karl Ratzsch’s (320 E. Mason St., 414-276-2720): Entrées ranging from roast turkey with dressing and cranberry sauce to turkey schnitzel with spaetzle. 12-6 p.m.
Kil@wat (Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., 414-291-4793): Serving 7 a.m.-2 p.m. brunch and 3-8 p.m. dinner. Turkey available starting at noon; tasting menu available at 3 p.m.
The Packing House (900 E. Layton Ave., 414-483-5054): Holiday turkey dinner offered. Also steaks, seafood, ribs, poultry. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
The Rouge (Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-390-3830): Thanksgiving “Bountiful Brunch,” including turkey, ham and traditional trimmings. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mason Street Grill (Pfister Hotel, 425 E. Mason St., 414-298-3131): Menu features three-course turkey or prime rib dinner. The regular menu is also available. 1-7 p.m.
Weissgerber’s Gasthaus Inn (2720 N. Grandview Blvd., Waukesha, 262-544-4460): Traditional meal of roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie et al. 12-6 p.m.
Weissgerber’s Seven Seas (1807 Nagawicka Road, Hartland, 262-367-3903): Family-style turkey dinner with trimmings. Regular menu also available.
Look for more Dish on Dining on Tuesday!
Wait! Don’t stop reading. I’m on Twitter! Follow me @ann_christenson
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.
