Iron Side
One of the new ways to be reminded how much the city is changing is the Iron Horse Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel inside a 100-year-old warehouse (500 W. Florida St., 888-543-4766). The place is brand spanking new, and I would say a toast is in order – at the hotel bar called Branded. Among the cocktails on the drink menu is the Bacon Flip, made with house-infused bourbon, Wisconsin maple syrup, whole egg and bitters. The food menu I’ve heard described as classic “with a kick in the ass.” Tom Schultz, who developed a following as chef at the deceased Third Ward restaurant Holiday House, is the hotel’s executive chef. His accompaniments to the booze include mini Kobe corn dogs, a surf-and-turf burger (half Kobe and half crab), a roster of sliders that you can dress up with foie gras or Nueske’s bacon, and popcorn shrimp – rock shrimp crusted with corn nuts. Price-wise, many things run in the single digits, but that surf-and-turf burger is $32. Bar hours: Mon-Wed 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Thurs-Fri 3 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-2:30 a.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
Incidentally, if you’re looking for a very nontraditional way to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Iron Horse has it. The seven-course spread is called “No Thanks – get Tanked.” It’s a drink-meets-food meal – maybe more drinks than food. A few of the courses: a cranberry martini served with Wisconsin Billy Blue cheese salad topped with Door County cherry vinaigrette; a Wild Turkey old-fashioned served with braised squab; and house-made bacon bourbon with crispy pork belly. Cost: $125 per person. Space is tight; reservations are necessary.
Living in a Bubble
The next time you want a glass of bubbly, think again. Do you want just a glass… or a bottomless glass? I don’t have to think to answer that question. Until Dec. 19th, Dream Dance is running a sparkling promotion. Buy a bottomless glass of sparkling wine for $25. The proceeds from your purchase will go to the Miracle on Canal Street Fund. Your choices of bubbly are the Piper Sonoma Brut and the Saracco Moscato d’Asti (an Italian sparkling wine with hints of peach flavor). While you’re there, you can enter a drawing to win dinner for four at Dream Dance. (Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St., 414-847-7883)
Righteous Brew
Anne Sprecher (of Sprecher Brewing Co.) describes craft beer – “a righteous beverage,” she calls it – as having a “distinctive sexiness” that’s “better savored than chugged.” That’s what you might not expect to hear about beer. And maybe there’s a lot about beer you don’t know. Adrienne Pierluissi, co-owner of the Bay View bar Sugar Maple, has started a series of craft-beer sessions for women. Basically, the intention is to give women a knowledge boost in the beer department and to encourage experimentation of beers. The first session, “Maltylicious,” will feature some Sprecher beers paired with various eats. Anne Sprecher will lead the dishing about beer. Nov. 23rd, 4-6 p.m. Cost: $15. 441 E. Lincoln Ave. Call Sugar Maple for reservations: 414-481-2393.
Farming It Indoors
Isn’t it sad when farmer’s markets pack up and go away for the winter? Well, this year the Westown Farmer’s Market has packed up and gone inside for the winter. The Westown Indoor Market moved into the first level of the Shops at Grand Avenue (275 W. Wisconsin Ave.). The market is held every first and third Wednesday of the month through Feb. 18th. Items for sale include paintings, stained glass, homemade soap, knitted merchandise, honey and prepared foods. Hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. On those days, live music is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
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, Nov. 20. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
