Blog entries for jenyerkes

goodbye Margarita Paradise hello Paradise Cafe!

jenyerkes — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:33:23 GMT

As my husband and I were sitting at one of our favorite bars eating some of our favorite Mexican food at Margarita Paradise, he asked me when the first time my family brought him there... my guess was around 1994ish. I remember going there as long as I can remember eating good Mexican food!... many birthday celebrations or impromptu family
gatherings were here.
Right after this conversation the General Manager, Amil Alarcon, came up to us with a card and said "I have to tell you guys something..." those words always make me nervous... as he continued to say they are closing this location sometime this May. We were sad of course and told him of our recent discussion but he promised us it's a good thing. They will be moving into the new construction near the old CBS building on Hawley Road (813 S 60th St in West Allis). They will still make everything from scratch but are expanding beyond Mexican and into more varieties of Latin foods. The building was getting old I guess and the timing was right when this opportunity presented itself. It's a much bigger space, closer to the freeway but they will be missed in the charming building. The Margarita Paradise in the Milwaukee Public Market will not change. We are sad to see them go but looking forward to new celebrations in their new space!

The Domes "Music Under Glass"

jenyerkes — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 04:48:24 GMT

As the weather gets cold and festivals are long gone, one of Milwaukee's most unusual structures comes alive on Thursday nights through winter. I love all things plants and to see the domes at night is a great change of pace.
The Floral Show Dome features a band and the inside walls of the dome light up. There's seats so you can enjoy the show or walk around and view the displays while being entertained. Food is available (sandwiches and some desserts, not a huge selection but something to grab while watching the show!) along with a few cocktails and wine.
The Tropical and Desert domes remain dark with some spotlights and a giant globe. Beautiful decorations were up for the Day of the Dead among marigolds, an important flower for the holiday.
Last season, my husband and I went opening night to see a friend that works with Streetlife and we look forward to returning this year. The 2012 lineup is listed on the Milwaukee County Park's web page.

ROCKERBOX 2012

jenyerkes — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:18:07 GMT

I've been fortunate enough to visit many motorcycle rallies but my favorite happens to be right in my hometown of Milwaukee. Rockerbox was created by two local business owners (Fuel Cafe & The Shop) in the Riverwest neighborhood. It's fun to see every year it get bigger and better. It's a combo bike show, street party, motorcycle flea market, and fundraiser for The Steel Shoe Foundation for injured flat track racers.
    Motorcyles of all kinds are found here... scooters, sport bikes, choppers, Harleys, homemade from bicycles, tractors, beer kegs, and many other random spare parts! It's always fun to see the great mix of bikes and creativity in customization. And the people watching is the best here. Crowd is a mix of all people that love motorcycles and curious neighborhood residents. Great style and tatoo inspiration can definately be found here.
    Food reflects the neighborhood with a mix of vegan sloppy joes, burritos, burgers and of course PBR a plenty. It's held in front of Fuel cafe on Center Street so there's many great restaurants and bars in this area if you don't want the street food.
    The show is one day only on a Saturday in August from 11-6 with a couple rides scheduled throughout the city to drive into the event (Harley-Davidson Museum & Southeast Sales put together rides this year). Follow them on Facebook, to get the dates for next year.

Braise = Milwaukee's Finest!

jenyerkes — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:39:32 GMT

Braise has got to be one of MKE's finest... it's the city's first Community Supported Restaurant with several levels of membership. You can always just drop in; reservations are recommended unless you want to take your chances like my husband and I prefer at the bar or in the back at the food bar where you can see all the kitchen action. The building is a beautiful brick ex-bowling alley just North of the Allen Bradley clock tower. Look closely inside and you'll find elements from the bowling alley days. My favorite being the tables up front that were created from the actual lanes.

Starting with the drinks, all is very well thought out and executed. Mixed drinks are great classics using liquor that's been distilled by small crafters in Wisconsin. Several liquors are infused in house. I'm a big fan of the wine dispenser which serves up wine from the casks. Sometimes I stop in just for the Rishi Masala chai with milk steamed in their espresso machine.

Menu changes daily so it's always an adventure. We prefer to stick with small plates so we can try a variety. Some of my favorites were raviolo, veggie verions of lasagna, and the tarts (anything from nettles to potatoes and onions!). My husband loves the Crispy Pig, Pork Buns and any of the soups. And don't forget he buckets of bread and butter blend to start... they are incredible! Several varieties of bread in there and a seasoned butter on the side.

Desserts are not to be missed. Sweet little cakes that melt in your mouth with a sauce (the fruit ones are my favorite) and a scoop of fresh whipped cream or ice cream. My husband loves the chocolate pots de creme or the coffee based ones. Tarts are also winners; anything from lemon to salted caramel.