Nobody will or should ever show empathy for the plight of the dining critic, “forced” to consume steady diets of steak au poivre, fried chicken, eggs Benedict — whatever the assignment dictates. Eating is just one part of the job; cooking, traveling, reading and nonstop learning also help inform the work I do at Milwaukee Magazine, whether I’m writing or editing a column. Trust me, I know I’ve got a “nice work if you can get it” kind of gig.
And my work got a great deal more interesting over the last 15 years or so (yes, I’ve been doing this a long time!), as developments have transformed our neighborhoods and skyline. Fresh living and work spaces lure in people, while people draw new restaurants. Keeping up with the culinary growth is my ongoing challenge, and the latest restaurants routinely have a prominent position in my monthly column.
For the first time ever, we’ve culled the best new restaurants in a greatest hits edition called Dine Out. It features reviews of 12 major openings, such as Third Ward American-Chinese joint Dandan, Waukesha small-plates haven Tofte’s Table, Latin-inspired Bay Viewer C-viche, and storied German establishment Karl Ratzsch, (now unfortunately closed).
Augmenting the coverage of dining and culinary culture that you look for every month in the magazine, consider this guide your planning resource!
Karl Ratzsch
A modern chef re-imagines this Downtown staple, melding tradition and a contemporary aesthetic [Now closed].
C-Viche
The bold, biting flavors of Latin America are at home on Bay View’s vibrant South Kinnickinnic Avenue.
Pastiche at the Metro
With Pastiche bistro in the house, is the 18-year-old Hotel Metro poised for rebirth?
Tofte’s Table
A longtime steakhouse chef trades in fine dining for laid-back, something-for-everyone tapas.
Dandan
Chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite have pooled their skills and love of Asian food at the Third Ward’s offbeat restaurant.
Tre Rivali
The Third Ward’s Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is home to Tre Rivali, which is Italian for palate-pleasing plates in a stylish atmosphere.
i.d. at the Delafield Hotel
The best gastronomic reason to live near downtown Delafield is this charming modern hotel restaurant.
Irie Zulu
Irie Zulu offers a fascinating, exhilarating journey through the cuisines of Africa and Jamaica.
Easy Tyger
Brady Street’s new small-plate restaurant jockeys for position in the pack.
Iron Grate BBQ
Cohabiting businesses Iron Grate BBQ and Hawthorne Coffee Roasters draw from each other’s strengths.
Merriment Social
The evolving menu served at this old warehouse venue is the antidote for ennui.
Wy’East Pizza
Portland, Oregon’s loss is Washington Heights’ gain with this pie maker that treats its oven like a newborn babe.
