Tapas and Lake Perch
I’ve mentioned the great burgers at this place. And the create-your-own mac and cheese. Every day is comfort food at Triskele’s, which opened last year at a space on Third and Maple (1801 S. Third St., 414-837-5950). A few things have changed since the early days. For example, Wednesday is Stews and Brews Night. Last night, chef/co-owner JoLinda Klopp made a roasted chicken stew with porcini mushrooms. Next week, who knows? Along with the stew special, beers run half-price. On Thursdays, tapas are the thing – 4 bucks each. Klopp might make prosciutto-wrapped shrimp with cherry vinaigrette, chicken and rice croquettes or roasted garlic mussels. You’ll typically have a choice of five tapas. Wash them down with a $4 sangria. Friday is the proverbial Night of the Living Fry. The Sprecher Amber-battered lake perch comes with coleslaw and a new potato side dish that Klopp is perfecting right now. This meal runs $13.
French Dream
The Tosans I know have been talking up Le Rêve, the new French patisserie and cafe. They’re happy to have another option – and a French one, no less – in their neighborhood (7610 Harwood Ave., 414-778-3333). With a dinner menu now joining the breakfast and lunch options, Le Rêve is open until 10 p.m. The options include chicken in a Riesling sauce with mashed potatoes; steak frites; trout with lentils, walnuts and asparagus; pan-seared duck with mushroom risotto; vegetable gratin; and pork Normandy. Entrée price range: $12-$22.
Slam Dance
Last year, I slammed. I admit it. That would be the terminology for someone who has attended the annual WMSE Food Slam. Unfortunately, prior plans will keep me away this year. Too bad, because it’s a fun night of eating and raising money for this local radio station and Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force. What’s not to like about a night of grazing? The Slam will have 24 local businesses all congregated inside the Eisner Museum. Among them: Beans and Barley, Classic Slice Pizza, Good Life, Maxie’s Southern Comfort, Meritage, Nanakusa, Sala da Pranzo and Simma’s Bakery. At the cash bar, Milwaukee Ale House will offer some of its brews, and Dee’s Wine Stop from Bay View will have a selection of vino. If you buy your tickets in advance (which I recommend, since the event may sell out), you save 5 bucks. They’re $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Friday, Oct. 3, 6-10 p.m. Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design, 208 N. Water St. Info line: 414-277-7556.
Packers Tackle Hunger
Green Bay is, what, a three-hour drive from Milwaukee? That’s nothing, especially since we’re talking about the home of the Green Bay Packers. If you have nothing going on next Thursday night, you could drive up to Green Bay for the local version of the “Taste of the NFL.” The original “Taste” has raised millions of dollars for hunger-relief organizations. The Green Bay event is raising funds to combat hunger in our own state. A few restaurants from Green Bay and Appleton will be there, and more importantly a group of Milwaukee establishments are making the trek, including Bacchus, Triskele’s, Sanford Restaurant, Lake Park Bistro and Zarletti’s. Individual tickets are $175. Admittance to the event means the chance to see Packers Atari Bigby, Al Harris, Jordy Nelson and Aaron Rouse. This takes place at the Lambeau Field Atrium, 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay. Oct. 2., 6-9 p.m. Call 920-569-7252 for tickets.
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, Oct. 2. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
