By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Sep 29, 2014 at 11:02 AM

Hartland will be the next location for Milwaukee-area chef Michael Feker’s globally inspired creations.

Zesti is the name of Feker’s newest project, which will offer Lake Country diners a playful mix of globally infused cuisine.

Village of Hartland planners have approved signage and outdoor seating for the new restaurant, which will be located at 130 E. Capitol Dr. 

Feker says the restaurant is likely to open sometime in November.

Meanwhile, a new menu at Il Mito East will reflect Feker’s love for cultural and culinary fusion.

Menu items, entitled "Flavor Destinations," are inspired by countries that Feker visited while studying abroad as a culinary student and aim to offer diners a mini-getaway during their lunch hour.

Sandwiches, priced at $11.95, include Italian style porchetta, French ham and cheese with tomato dipping sauce, and a New Orleans style seafood Po Boy, along with other selections inspired by destinations in Cuba, Mexico, Vietnam and South Africa.

For instance, the Tortas Ahogadas features crisp bread filled with slow braised pork shoulder, pickled onions, cotija cheese, cilantro and sour cream, served with tortilla chips and roasted salsa.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Banh Mi  sports roasted pork loin, country pate, pickled jalapeno, fresh cucumber, radishes, cilantro and a Vietnamese basil mayo spread.

One dish, named "The Gatsby," is inspired by an experience Feker had while visiting South Africa in 1984.

"Before I arrived in Cape Town, the only Gatsby I knew was the one from the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald," says Feker. "One day while I was there, I explored the local market for something to eat for lunch. It was like madness seeing and hearing so many vendors calling for me to eat their own style of Cape Town cuisine. I felt a need to try them all, but of course I had to pick only one. All of a sudden, it was like the market came to a complete stand still. The smell of pan fried beef filled my nostrils and the sizzling of ingredients filled my ears."

"The Gatsby" sandwich Feker chose for lunch made a lasting impression and he says he can’t wait to share it with diners in Milwaukee.

"The Gatsby" at Il Mito East is comprised of hoagie bun filled with shaved grilled New York strip, extra virgin olive oil, pan fried onion, crispy homemade shoe string Wisconsin potato fries, Knaus farms shredded three-cheese blend, tomato, lettuce and beef au jus.

Lunch options are available for dine-in. carry-out, office delivery, private business lunch-ins and catering. The full menu is also included on Il Mito’s new mobile app.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.