Number Nine
The latest location of Alterra Coffee Roasters opens tomorrow – Sat., Dec. 15 – in Riverwest (2999 N. Humboldt Blvd., 414-292-3320). It’s part of a cool new development that includes Loop Yarn Shop and the Alterra Baking Company. This ninth Alterra cafe is serving soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods, plus a roster of coffee drinks. Check it out. Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Heaven’s Sake
A few years ago, restaurateur Scott McGlinchey sold Heaven City Restaurant to a fellow named Jimmy Wade. The Virginia native and his partner Julie Beronja have kept some of the McGlinchey touches alive at this spot named for its colorful past — i.e., as a hangout for mobster Al Capone. (Built on an Indian burial ground, the structure is also said to be haunted.) Tapas Tuesday, which McGlinchey started, is still a regular event. And the dinner menu includes a couple of McGlinchey staples – the Whitewater salmon (a coriander-dusted filet served on wild mushroom risotto) and the warm apple tart drizzled with caramel. Making it all happen is Adam Carson, who signed on to the executive chef position last spring. Carson, who’d interned under McGlinchey in 2000, replaced former Coast chef Andy Garcia, whose tenure at Heaven City was brief. Carson also worked as executive chef at Grafton’s charming Paramount Restaurant. His menu focuses on steaks and fish, with choices ranging from a dry-aged New York strip with truffle cream sauce ($52) to ahi tuna Napoleon ($27). (S91 W27850 National Ave., Mukwonago, 262-363-5191)
Field of Restaurants
Dennis Sobczak has been busy at the helm of two Delafield restaurants – Fishbone’s and Zin. Sobczak says he’s been keeping things consistent at both places, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been room for change. For instance, at Fishbone’s (1704 Milwaukee St., 262-646-4696), Friday is Grouper Night. That’s grouper pan-sautéed, blackened or fried and served with Cajun slaw and a side of rémoulade ($14). And the “Nawlins” seafood pasta has returned – prawns, crawfish, calamari and green-lip mussels in an arrabiata sauce over radiatore pasta. Over at the California-Italian-inspired Zin (629 Main St., Delafield, 262-646-5959), the additions are more extensive. Arrivals: veal piccata, cornmeal-crusted grouper over angel hair pasta, shrimp Alfredo and lobster ravioli with citrus-ginger cream sauce ($21-$27). Two new programs work for the diner who wants to eat early and the one who wants to eat late. Zin Sunset Service (Mon-Thurs 4-6 p.m.; Sun 4 p.m.-close) includes soup or salad, a pasta or entrée and dessert for $21. Zin Late Night offers pizzettas and certain bottled wine for half price.
Holland House
A sign outside Cafe Hollander touts some new things. The popular Downer Avenue restaurant is now serving breakfast during the week, starting at 8 a.m. A cadre of breakfast offerings stays on the menu all day – from quiche Lorraine to waffles to a Gruyère omelet served with frites. Like its older sibling Trocadero, which recently freshened up its menu, Hollander has gotten a winter lift. Where you’ll notice the changes most: the appetizer section. These apps are made for dipping. New to you: bitterballen (fried meatballs), the aptly named “pile of cheese” (cubed white cheddar and Gouda cheese with dipping sauce) and wrapped Danish dog (two beef hot dogs wrapped in bacon and served with frites and also dipping sauce). Trocadero’s Brie, tomato and basil sandwich is appearing daily on the Hollander menu. That sounds like a tasty companion to a Belgian white beer. (2608 N. Downer Ave., 414-963-6366)
Log On
You know what it’s beginning to look a lot like. In anticipation of the shan’t-be-named holiday, you could make a bûche de Noël (cake shaped like a yule log) or you could buy one. Harlequin, Sandy and Angie D’Amato’s bakery inside the Landmark Building (316 N. Milwaukee St.), is taking orders for this traditional French Christmas cake ($34), as well as orders for two tarts – brown butter pecan and cranberry-currant ($34 and $32, respectively). If you’re wondering when you’ll find the time to bake, the answer might be easy. Keep in mind that Harlequin requires a four-day notice for ordering a yule log, two days for the tart. Call 414-291-9866. The bakery has also been carrying several items from the kitchen of its sister Coquette Cafe. These items – mac and cheese, Italian sausage lasagna, house-smoked salmon and chicken stock – may come in handy while entertainment season is in full swing.
Can’t get enough dining? I chat about restaurants every week with Jane Matenaer and Kidd O’Shea on “The Mix.” Listen between 8 and 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
Also check out Colleen Heather Rogan’s weekly Shopping column and our Events Editor Evan Solochek’s picks for the best events in arts and entertainment in This Weekend.
