Before I had a chance to order, I already felt transported. The pleasant, modern dining room is akin to the bow of a ship, with two side walls curving together to form a point. Numerous windows afford a magnificent view of the waterfront, turning my hour-long break into a relaxing respite from the workday.
The Downtown Dining Week menu offered two selections for each course. My server, an affable hipster with an elaborate man-bun, recommended the Little Gem Lettuce salad and the gnocchi. I followed his advice and was not disappointed. The starter was visually impressive, with slices of blood oranges resting on a bed of light green lettuce leaves. Goat cheese and honey almonds, combined with a citrusy dressing, made for an interesting and delicious combination of flavors. The gnocchi was equally delectable, served in a tomato sauce that included nduja, a spreadable salami that gave it just the right amount of zing, and topped with paper-thin slices of pecorino.
I could have called it quits at that point and been thoroughly satiated, but Dining Week is a three course experience, so I acquiesced to dessert. I ordered the Birramisu, a version of tiramisu –lady fingers, espresso, marscapone cheese—with the addition of beer. I didn’t taste the beer; it just seemed like a very delicious dessert, making it hard to put my fork down. Like all the other dishes, the portion was very generous.
As I paid my bill, I eavesdropped on a nearby table where three diners were discussing the difficulties museums are facing in terms of funding and budget cuts. It reminded me how fortunate Milwaukee is to have such a high quality art museum, with a high quality café.
