Summer Nights
Here’s some evidence that warm weather is in our future. The Yard – the patio at the Iron Horse Hotel – is coming back! Not today. Not tomorrow. But this month. It’s only a few weeks till the due date of Memorial Day (Monday, May 30). At that point, The Yard, with its menagerie of pillowed couches and tables, will serve lunch, dinner and late-night cocktails starting at 11 a.m. daily. Unlike last year, when The Yard had its own, limited menu, the space will offer the Iron Horse “all-property” menu, created by chef Jason Gorman. Here are some examples from spring-summer menu: “salad on a stick” (organic tomato, Wisconsin mozzarella and mint pesto), duck confit nachos, oysters on the half-shell, the Branded Burger, even a few entrée-type items – maple-smoked Alaskan halibut with cherrywood bacon potato strudel, herb-roasted half-chicken, and beef tenderloin with apple bacon and pickle whipped potato ($7-$36). (500 W. Florida St.)
Watts Wins
Last night, the Oscars of the dining world went down in New York City. The event of which I speak is the 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards, which recognizes the best of the best in the national food and wine scene. In local news, Milwaukee’s Watts Tea Shop (761 N. Jefferson St.) was one of five winners of an America’s Classic Award. View all things Beard Award-related here.
Fermented Fruit
Advanced sommelier Toni Johnson might be known to you from her days as wine director at Lake Park Bistro or food and beverage director at Hotel Metro. Since summer 2010, The Capital Grille, long known for its extensive wine list and Wine Spectator awards, has been Johnson’s place of employment. And this month and next, she’ll educate diners on the “finer points” of wine tasting with a series of Wine Appreciation Classes. Each one will highlight a certain grape varietal. The May 14 and 15 (Sat and Sun) classes will feature the “wines of summer,” including red and white dry rose. The June 11 and 12 (again Sat and Sun) classes cover white wines to drink on a hot summer day. Cost: $20 per person. 3:30 p.m. (Federal Plaza Building, 310 W. Wisconsin Ave.) Call 414-223-0600 to reserve your spot. Proceeds benefit research at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center.
Loud and Proud
I know a certain someone who karaoked a Jay-Z song the other night. He sits not 10 feet from me in this office. I don’t think he would care if I tell the world his name is… Sports Nut. After you’ve had your five-way Cincinnati chili some Friday night, stick around for karaoke – the new Friday night special at Chili Lili’s Chili Bar (525 E Menomonee St., 414-897-0555). Anyone who sings gets a free drink – a beer or cocktail. Karaoke Night runs 9:30 p.m. to close.
Your Choice… for a Little Longer
You have just a few weeks left to make your vote count. If there are local restaurants that you think are not getting the recognition they deserve, here’s your chance to give them a boost. Cast your votes in the 2011 Readers’ Choice Dining Awards. You might win a prize! We’re offering gift cards to local boutiques, restaurants and Mayfair Mall. Click here to vote now!
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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
