Openings, Closings, Expansions
• You may have picked up the July issue of Milwaukee Magazine and noticed a review of Smyth, the Iron Horse Hotel’s new restaurant (500 W. Florida St., 414-374-4766). The latest news there is the debut of The Yard, the hotel’s outdoor lounge and bar. Now, don’t laugh. Some amount of warm weather is inevitable. I can envision a spot on the plush sectionals in The Yard, positioned on the west side of the hotel, in the shadow of the Sixth Street Bridge. And it’s open for consumption of the liquid and – soon – the solid persuasion. The menu will include a kraut-topped brat, Yard burger, various salads and appetizers like pulled-pork nachos. Besides the couches, the space is outfitted with a full bar and tables for more conventional seating. Overhead is a kind of canopy of shade sails held up by old telephone poles. The hours – weather permitting – are 4-11 p.m. everyday.
• A few weeks ago, someone posted a question on Dish about the status of Javino, a wine bar/cafe-to-be from the owners of Sheridan House in Cudahy. The Third Ward project (330 E. Menomonee St.) had its door propped open the other day, but it most definitely was not open for business. Looked pretty close, though.
• The Cheesy Grill (2155 Miller Park Way), whose Web site shows a wholesome image of a grilled cheese sandwich (with accoutrements) and tomato soup, has gone to the restaurant resting place in the sky. As a resident of America’s dairy state, I must say it’s a sad time for cheese.
• Yes, The Savoy Room is closed (Shorecrest Hotel, 1962 N. Prospect Ave.). No, I don’t know if it’s permanent. I spoke to a closed-mouth employee of the hotel who is keeping the mystery going. More details to come, I hope.
Humming Harwood
It’s summer in Tosa, evidenced by the European-style bistro tables outside Le Rêve Patisserie & Cafe (7610 Harwood Ave., 414-778-3333). From one of the 10 tables, you can survey the cute storefronts on the street. Of course, you’ll have to step inside to check out the pastry case, home to such delights as fresh fruit tarts, Napoleons and raspberry dacquoise (meringue filled with pastry cream). If your interest is savory, owners Andy Schneider and Therese Hittman have put their summer stamp on the menu. New entrées include a tarte de canard (duck breast sliced over a warm chevre tart), grilled lamb loin with dauphinois potatoes and pomegranate sauce, and halibut en papillote (steamed in parchment), $19.95-$20.95.
Happy Times
I popped my head into a “cupcakery” in Orange, California, last weekend and noticed a sign that read, “Happy Hour All the Time.” Right on. Here in Milwaukee, we have to make due with happy hours of defined duration, that don’t involve frosting and sprinkles. To wit: Firefly Urban Bar & Grill (7754 Harwood Ave., 414-431-1444), where Monday through Friday, 5-6:30 p.m., appetizers ordered at the bar go half-price. That’s an invitation to load up on calamari with chimichurri sauce, tuna tartare, Firefly wings, meat samosas and garlic fries with Parmesan aïoli (about $3-$6). At Berkeley’s, Firefly’s Whitefish Bay sister (342 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-897-8624), weekday happy hour is the same deal – half-price apps – but the time is a smidge earlier: 4-6 p.m. During that two-hour stretch, you can chow down on empanadas, fondue, nachos, tuna tartare and other starters for roughly $4-$6. By the way, Berkeley’s patio is ready to roll. If work goes as planned, construction on East Silver Spring Drive will be complete by the end of June – which would undoubtedly make shop owners around here very happy.
Forkfuls of Romance
On the prowl for more cheapies? The Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar has one for couples that gets the romantic juices flowing. But keep it contained until mid-week. This special runs Tuesday through Thursday nights. Dinner for two – appetizer, two salads and two entrées, a shared dessert and a bottle of vino – is $80. It’s a limited-time deal, though, and reservations are a good idea. Weekday hours: 5-9 p.m. (1503 N. Farwell Ave., 414-276-8867)
Don’t miss this week’s Shopaholic to learn about a few hip, upcoming fashion soirées and the city’s best deals on great design.
If you spot any restaurant openings or closings out there, don’t hesitate to post it on my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com
