Pizza in the Oven
Graffiti is one way to advertise a business-to-come. What I’m talking about is Milwaukee Street, east side of the street, some intriguing painted boards covering a doorway. That’s all we can see of Dick’s Pizza and Lounge (730 N. Milwaukee St.). Co-owner Tom Wackman, who already is firmly entrenched in the street (as a partner in Umami Moto and Charro ), told me he hoped to have the place open by year’s end (that is, 2009), but it’s not likely to happen. As with Umami and Charro, the look of the place will be dramatic. The first level will feature a service area to buy by-the-slice pizza and a bar that “mimics an old-style diner.” The second level will have a lounge. The decor will have a sort of Japanese anime theme. When I’m in touch with Wackman again, I hope to have an opening date and more info about the menu.
A Perfect Ten
Every month, Coquette Cafe offers a separate menu that takes diners somewhere other than France – or Milwaukee, for that matter. Say, four courses through Jamaica or Poland. Well, things are gonna be different in November. They’re different right now. In lieu of the monthly “Coquette’s Travels” menu, the Third Ward restaurant is running a 10th Anniversary Coquette Menu. It’s three courses of (French) favorites from Coquette’s history. The courses: crispy packet of shrimp and potatoes on a bed of paprika cherry mushrooms; grilled pork chop with mustard spaetzle, julienned pickles and grainy mustard sauce; and praline nougat glacé ($34 per person). Check it out. 316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-291-2655.
Almost Famous
Also, have you noticed that Wisconsin-based dining establishments have been getting the love quite a bit lately? (Just one example is Guy Fieri, the Food Network dude with the blond spiky hair who spent time on the East Side earlier this year – he later covered Comet Cafe and Cempazuchi on his TV show.) It just means the world is discovering what we already know. Now recently, Minnesota-based TV personality Andrew Zimmern was in town, hanging out with restaurateurs Sandy and Angie D’Amato. He got the full Milwaukee food treatment. And you’ll see for yourself if you tune into Zimmern’s new show, “Bizarre World,” on the Travel Channel. The Wisconsin episode is next week: Tues., Oct. 27, 9 p.m. Click this link for more info.
Tailor Made
It feels like a duck-fat potatoes sort of day. Rainy, damp, general yuck. Tom Schultz has already gone very comfort foody with his menu at the Iron Horse Hotel’s restaurant Smyth (500 W. Florida St., 414-831-4615). The new fall menu just happens to be more comfort foody. Confit of rabbit ($12); candy apple pork loin ($30); pan-roasted striped sea bass with smoked peppered bacon ($30); red wine-braised pot roast with duck fat potatoes, French bean casserole and buttermilk onion rings ($30). That all sounds like the antidote for what I’m looking at outside the window. Smyth’s dinner hours: Tues-Thurs 5-10 p.m; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.
Pilgrims and Tofu
I’m still trying to figure out what my costume will be for Halloween. (Maybe a restaurant critic?) I can’t think about Thanksgiving yet. But you should. And if you’re thinking about tofurki this year, Brookfield’s Café Manna has some more creative ideas for a meat-free Thanksgiving. The kitchen staff will demo each course and make sure each student is well-fed. The feast includes butternut squash soup with sage croutons; tofu pocket with chestnut-rosemary dressing and mushroom gravy; sweet potatoes with pineapple and candied pecans; and pumpkin pie with caramel sauce, caramelized pepitas and a pecan cookie. The cost: $55 per person (wine included). Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. The class is offered again on Monday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. (3815 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, 262-790-2340)
Don’t miss this week’s Shopaholic to learn about new stores and events in the world of local retail.
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
