Pizza Palace
As I write this, I’m looking at the March 2010 issue of Milwaukee Magazine, the cover story being “Best Pizza.” And I’m salivating over a small photo of “I’m Feta Up!!!” a specialty of Classic Slice (2797 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.). There is nothing like a slice from this Bay View ’za factory to bring perspective to the day (or night). East Siders should be reveling in the news that Classic Slice is mere hours from opening its second location, in the former Downer Avenue Garage (1609 E. North Ave., 414-270-1880). The East Side restaurant officially opens on Thursday at 11 a.m. (closing at midnight). Are you a fan of the Baconizer, Super Veggie or Satyricon Sausage? You’ll find them at the new pizza joint. The menu will mirror Bay View’s. The restaurant has been baking its own bread and desserts (brownies, tiramisu, fruit tarts), and you will likely see an expanded selection as time goes on, says owner Marisa Lange. The East Side location will offer delivery as well.
Guapo Gone-o
El Guapo’s Cantina officially gave up the ghost on the Sunday after New Year’s (342 E. Silver Spring Dr.). The Whitefish Bay Mexican restaurant – a sibling of Firefly Bar & Grill (formerly Bjonda) in Wauwatosa – lived little more than a year. El Guapo’s was Marija and Ryan Whitman’s second restaurant at that address. Berkeley’s Cafe’s run began in November 2008 (ending a year later). For many years before that, the location was Murray’s Wine & Spirits. No word on the future of the space.
Braun Will Be Back
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is often a sleepy restaurant time. All that eggnog. But the press release wheels were turning. And man, Milwaukee’s SURG Restaurant Group is busy. The group – whose dominion of bars and restaurants includes Carnevor, Umami Moto and Mikey’s – is taking on the role of daddy to Ryan Braun’s Waterfront (102 N. Water St.). Braun’s closed about a month ago. SURG plans to warm up the interior and capitalize on the outdoor deck, says co-owner Omar Shaikh. Changes are set to begin this month, with the hope that the restaurant will reopen in March. More details – including the identity of the executive chef – to come.
Tostada Tales
Is West Allis – ’Stallis, as it is fondly known – in your dreams? It is now the home of My Dreams, otherwise known as Mis Sueños Mexican-American Restaurant (7335 W. Greenfield Ave., 414-763-5150). “My Dreams” is the English translation. At Mis Sueños, some former staffers from Monreal’s El Matador are doing typical Mexican fare, including lunch specials (“under $6.95”) and Mexican-American breakfast on weekends. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-10 p.m. El Matador (9155 W. Blue Mound Rd.) is now the second location of La Fuente.
Tweet Feat
The other news of the week comes from that Tweeting wunderkind Joe Sorge. Sorge and his spouse/partner Angie are merging their restaurants (AJ Bombers, Swig, Water Buffalo) with Marcus Investments, which owns the Zaffiro’s pizza franchises. Going forward, the Sorges will not only operate their existing places, they will take on any future Zaffiro’s locations. The Sorges’ next venture is to open the barbecue joint Smoke Shack, in the old MJ’s (332 N. Milwaukee St.). It’s projected to open in spring of this year. The name of the Sorge/Marcus partnership has not been determined.
Look for more Dish on Dining soon.…
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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.
