A Saucy Day
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A public tomato fight is messy, but exhilarating fun. Juicy, pulpy, bright red tomatoes flying through the air – splat! More fun than a pie-throwing contest? After last year’s Tomato Romp! on East North Avenue, I stood at the Beans & Barley deli counter next to a girl schmeared head to toe in tomato mush. She was rather blasé about it. This year’s event – held Saturday, Sept. 17 – could be the romp to end all romps. First up is the Bloody Mary Competition (11 a.m.-3 p.m.). If you’re 21 or older, you can buy a ballot ($15) and receive 5-ounce samples of the competing Bloody Marys, beer chaser included. The 13 local bars competing include Hotel Foster, Hooligan’s, Eastsider, Vitucci’s and Von Trier. The theme being tomatoes, this romp includes a salsa tasting, plus vines of tomatoey treats for sale – BLTs, tomato soup and specialty pizzas. At 4 p.m., all beefsteak tomato hell breaks loose with the Tomato Fight. Requirements to participate: You must be at least 16, and you’ll have to sign a waiver. Your only other requirement is to pay $5. The proceeds will be donated to organizations that help combat hunger in the Milwaukee community. In exchange, you will get a T-shirt to call your own. Location: North Avenue, between Prospect and Oakland.
It’s Coming, Honey
A little diversity goes a long way. A one-time Omega Burger joint on the corner of South KK and Becher is getting Hamburger Mary’s MKE (2130 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), the first Wisconsin location of this Chicago-based, LGBT friendly restaurant company. I’m hearing rumblings that the Milwaukee space might be open by month’s end, but no promises. When Hamburger Mary’s does open, it will be cooking. It’ll be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. I hear the menu will be similar to the Chicago location’s, so you might find the meaty meatloaf, Pasta Milan Rouge, the “GLBT Night” club sandwich and the Queen Mary burger.
Take My Seat, Please
Before Harry’s Bar & Grill closes – briefly – to powder its nose, you can gaze upon the chairs and bar stools one last time. The carpeting and walls, too. You can also take a seat with you if you like. Harry’s has a special night dedicated to its stools and chairs. It’s October 1, the night before the scheduled remodeling project. Now, this is an interesting offer. If you come to Harry’s after 10 p.m. on that evening and spend a minimum of $20, you can walk out with the chair (or stool) that supports your backside. That means you can carry a part of the old Harry’s home with you. The staff anticipates that the remodel will take about 10 days. Prior to this work, Harry’s released a new menu that includes chiles rellenos and chile grilled flank steak with wasabi mashed potatoes. And you know the small parking lot on the south side of the building? It is now partially covered by a patio, softly lit, decorated with foliage and warmed by heat lamps and a cozy fire pit. (3549 N. Oakland Ave., 414-964-6800)
Look for Dish on Dining on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
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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
