http://onmilwaukee.com/rss/rss_amyl.schubert.xml Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Amy L. Schubert en-us Sat, 7 Nov 2009 16:00:14 CST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://onmilwaukee.com/images/layout/omc_rssfeed_logo.gif http://onmilwaukee.com 204 67 One of the most consistently busy restaurants Amy Schubert has encountered during her review tour has got to be The Wicked Hop. But what is it that makes the Hop so busy? While the service can be imperfect, The Wicked Hop hits some homers in the kitchen. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wickedhopreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wickedhopreview.html?20712 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:15:00 CST It seems that the culinary scene is undergoing a burger revolution of sorts, with media outlets pumping out articles on the hunt for the perfect burger, sliders cropping up on menus of restaurants large and small and a trend forming towards "gourmet" grass-fed beef. Stack'd, the burger bar at 170 S. 1st St., has found a winning combination of beef, beer and extras. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stackedbarreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stackedbarreview.html?20633 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:09:00 CST Okay, for round two, let's try converting meatloaf and mashed potatoes into Shepherd's pie; both of which could likely be classified as classic comfort foods. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/leftoversmeatloaf.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/leftoversmeatloaf.html?20588 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:18:00 CST As the name suggests, wine takes center stage at Balzac Wine Bar. The menu is unique, and the moderate prices allow guest to share a few small plates or grab a sandwich or salad without blowing the budget. Overall, the experience at Balzac is one of serenity. It's nice to have a nook to grab a bottle and know that if you do decide to eat, there are some very good options to play with. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/balzacreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/balzacreview.html?20543 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:01:00 CST If a continuously packed parking lot doesn't give you a clue, El Fuego is the most popular dining spot to rear its head on the street in decades, maybe ever. The restaurant, whose name translates to "the fire," has lit a fire in the bellies of many South Side diners, creating an already loyal and large following. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/elfuego.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/elfuego.html?20464 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:04:00 CST In our house, we often struggle with eating leftovers. Point blank, no matter how well-intentioned you are, it's downright difficult to get yourself to eat the same thing day after day until it's gone. (Okay, so maybe some things are easier than others to do this with, but I still think you get my drift.) http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/leftovers.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/leftovers.html?20393 Fri, 9 Oct 2009 08:26:00 CST For OnMilwaukee.com's dining month, I thought some quick and inexpensive meals might be a fun little feature. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/cheapmealcreamedbeef.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/cheapmealcreamedbeef.html?20391 Tue, 6 Oct 2009 14:11:00 CST If someone mentions Taylor's, you likely think immediately of the jet-setter bar on the corner of Jefferson and Wells Streets that has accommodated Jazz in the Park patrons and the nighttime cocktail crowd since the mid-1990s. Earlier this year, Dan and Jim Taylor brought some of the elements of the hotspot to Waukesha's revitalized Downtown. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/peoplespark.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/peoplespark.html?20364 Mon, 5 Oct 2009 13:04:00 CST For the first time in as long as I can remember, we didn't leave a tip last night. We ate at a well-known family run restaurant that is known less for the quality of its food and more for its conviviality. The name of the restaurant? Doesn't matter. The restaurant held up its end of the bargain. The server didn't. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/notip.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/notip.html?20297 Sun, 4 Oct 2009 10:54:00 CST For those of you who show people you love them by cooking for them, like I do, my husband very well may have found the perfect cookbook. Scott's in independent sales, so he periodically brings home samples from manufacturers that spark my interest, but this one takes the cake. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/showmethelove.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/showmethelove.html?20296 Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:22:00 CST Scott decided to spoil me with the recent gift of a Cuisinart Elite Collection 16-cup food processor, which I broke in this weekend. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/cuisinart.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/cuisinart.html?20295 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:12:00 CST After 20 years in business, Sanford -- the restaurant operated by Sanford D'Amato and his wife Angie at 1547 N. Jackson St. -- still offers a nearly flawless dining experience. The service, atmosphere and food are impeccable. There is no glory in being "seen" at Sanford; the payoff is getting to spend an evening eating, drinking, and enjoying the art of fine dining. People who dine at Sanford truly appreciate what the restaurant brings to the table. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/sanford2009.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/sanford2009.html?20281 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:17:00 CST Bombay Sweets is a vegetarian restaurant that seems like a giant cafeteria and bakery featuring cases and cases of Indian, Pakistani and Bengali sweets and a substantial menu posted on the wall. Non-vegetarians should not be intimidated or discouraged from dining. Just about everything on the menu is explained by ingredient or photograph, and the confections are delicious. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/bombaysweetsreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/bombaysweetsreview.html?20227 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:19:00 CST If you're looking for cheap, ordinary Mexican food plated with boring rice and beans, Agavé Southwestern Grill in Brookfield probably isn't a place you want to try. If, however, you want to experience adventurous tapas, cevichés and entrees in a jaw-dropping indoor-outdoor setting, you should make a visit. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/agavebrookfield.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/agavebrookfield.html?20147 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:22:00 CST It's located around the corner from East Side staple Emperor or China, but Lucky Liu's, 1664 N. Van Buren St., may carve out its own niche with fresh and tasty concoctions from a hybrid menu of Chinese and Japanese selections served from the tiny storefront that for many, many years housed Aveni's Italian Specialties. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/luckylius.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/luckylius.html?20009 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:22:00 CST Milwaukeeans seem to have a love-hate relationship with barbecue. It seems just about everyone claims they love slow-cooked or smoked barbecue, but yet, the demise of many well-intentioned barbecue joints in our area seems to speak in volumes. Silver Spur Texas Smokehouse BBQ, 13275 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove, however, seems unafraid. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/silverspurtexasbbq.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/silverspurtexasbbq.html?19941 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:14:00 CST Our friends Bobby and Maire Greenya, proprietors of Champion's Pub, 2417 N. Bartlett Ave., recently introduced us to my new favorite summer libation, a Firefly Sweet Tea vodka press. Sitting in the sun on the patio at Champion's and sipping this sweet tea cocktail made all the months wading through cold, damp weather just float away. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/fireflytea.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/fireflytea.html?19907 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:42:00 CST Selections at Jalapeno Loco, 5067 S. Howell Ave., dance between the typical plates of rice, beans and burritos and more eccentric and regional dishes. The printed menu still gives diners some welcome options for the basics, such as letting you select two different meats for a fajita combination. If you're craving something different, look beyond this standard menu and grab the tabletop version. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/jalapenoloco.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/jalapenoloco.html?19878 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:19:00 CST My paternal grandmother was a huge canner. She made everything -- canned tomatoes, rhubarb jam, all things pickled, and heck, she even made her own soap-with lye. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/frigpickles.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/frigpickles.html?19851 Thu, 6 Aug 2009 07:36:00 CST The family that runs Christies, 3261 S. 13th St., classifies its offerings as "Gourmet Pub Food." Indeed, it is. The appetizers, including fried squid, prosciutto wrapped scallops over pears, set the stage for strong entrees like bacon wrapped, barbecued shrimp ($13) and fried lobster. Everything is served in a warm, welcoming environment that will make you want to return. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/christiespubandgrill.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/christiespubandgrill.html?19718 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:17:00 CST Finding a Downtown lunch for under five bucks has historically been a struggle, but Brick 3 Pizza, 1107 N. Old World 3rd St., not only gets the concept of a good, cheap and quick lunch away in their matchbook-sized location, they deliver it -- curbside or right to your home or office. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/brick3review.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/brick3review.html?19685 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:14:00 CST Over the course of the last 10 years or so, we've had multiple friends mention that if you want a good fish fry, you have to go to Fritz's, 3086 S. 20th St. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/fritzspub.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/fritzspub.html?19618 Tue, 7 Jul 2009 11:05:00 CST Don't expect fancy foodstuffs or presentations at Generations at Five Points. Like the minimal signage on the restaurant's front, menu selections are simple, clean and no-frills. Diners can choose from a soup of the day (on our visit, this was a creamy tomato basil for $4), chopped salad ($4), which deviates from the norm with mixed mesclun greens and a choice of dressing, or house salad ($4), and a variety of options apportioned for two. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/generations.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/generations.html?19610 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:20:00 CST Over the years, I've had many bad, bad barbecued baby back ribs on the grill, some of which came out of our own kitchen when we were following recipes passed down from friends. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/grilledribs.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/grilledribs.html?19487 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:30:00 CST The stars haven't quite yet aligned for the St. Francis Brewery and Restaurant, 3825 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, which undoubtedly has the potential to be something exceptional. When you walk in, you just get the feeling that you really, really want to like this place. The location, building and concept are solid, but service during three recent visits proved slow and unpracticed and the food quality was a bit uneven. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stfrancisbreweryreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stfrancisbreweryreview.html?19464 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:18:00 CST If you don't get to Caledonia very often, Sebastian's Fine Food and Spirits, 6025 Douglas Ave., provides a good reason to head south. Patrice and Scott Sebastian, long-time veterans of Milwaukee's dining scene, have created and maintained a surprisingly comfortable, casual, yet high-end dining experience in one of the more beautiful restaurant spaces in our area. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/sebastiansfinefood.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/sebastiansfinefood.html?19397 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:28:00 CST A recent scouting visit to The Anchorage, 4700 N. Port Washington Rd., proved once again that in Milwaukee, not all hotel restaurants are created equal. Though the restaurant is housed within a Hilton Hotel, don't expect standard hotel restaurant fare here. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/anchorage.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/anchorage.html?19275 Mon, 1 Jun 2009 14:21:00 CST Located in a former coffee shop on the ever-evolving South 2nd Street in what is now called the Fifth Ward, Fuzion Café and Lounge, 524 South 2nd St., has self-proclaimed itself the "Home of the Signature Cocktail," and "A collision of art, music, food and drinks." With a drink menu divided into categories -- exotic cocktails, anti-oxidant drinks, and "seemingly healthy" herbal cocktails -- and a dinner menu influenced with flavors that seem to span the Seven Seas, perhaps they aren't too far off base. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/fuzioncafe.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/fuzioncafe.html?19201 Mon, 25 May 2009 11:39:00 CST In a vibrant orange space with an intimate bar, Cubanitas takes on a more casual and upbeat face than its Milwaukee Street neighbors, which is likely part of what makes the restaurant a favorite for lunch and dinner. Of course, the delicious sandwiches, entrees and mojitos play a part, too. Though service was inconsistent on two recent visits, the quality of food and drink offerings made up for that. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/cubanitasreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/cubanitasreview.html?19076 Mon, 11 May 2009 08:20:00 CST Housed in a former Boy Blue Custard stand at 4125 S. Howell Ave. on Milwaukee's near South Side, Sahara Café once again is serving up Mediterranean food on-site, or for take-out or delivery. With outstanding hummus, kabobs and other dishes available at very reasonable prices, Sahara rivals the best competitors from local sit-down eateries. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/saharacafe.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/saharacafe.html?19003 Mon, 4 May 2009 11:23:00 CST I don't drink a lot of soda, so when I'm out for lunch, my drink of choice is more often then not, iced tea, no sweetener with a slice of lemon and a water on the side. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/teablog.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/teablog.html?18956 Sun, 3 May 2009 10:03:00 CST Mistakes happen in restaurants. No one is perfect, and if you're turning enough business, occasionally something won't turn out right. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/mkaegood.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/mkaegood.html?18955 Sat, 2 May 2009 11:50:00 CST If you recently lost your job, be assured that you most certainly aren't alone. The State Department of Workforce Development released preliminary results yesterday showing a 9 percent unadjusted unemployment rate by Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/pinkslip.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/pinkslip.html?18952 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:12:00 CST In summer 2008, Andrew Schneider and Therese Hittman opened a two-tiered, French inspired bistro and patisserie in the heart of Wauwatosa. Le Reve, 7610 Harwood Avenue, pairs a sleek, contemporary dining environment with a small, well-thought-out menu and wine and beer selection; but the main attraction at Le Reve is undoubtedly their vast pastry and dessert selection which taunts diners from the far reaching glass case on the first floor. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/larevereport.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/larevereport.html?18914 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:19:00 CST I've been involved in a lot of discussions lately about whose responsibility it is to keep Milwaukee restaurants in business. And it is true that if people don't patronize their favorite restaurants, they may end up having to close. So, please, Milwaukeeans, make sure you're holding up your end. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/restaurantidol.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/restaurantidol.html?18928 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:31:00 CST A popular fish fry and reasonable prices keep a steady stream of regular customers flowing to South Woods of Cudahy, 5404 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Although two recent visits revealed uneven quality and service, the 40-year-old supper club continues to win fans with its rustic setting and homestyle experience. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/southwoods.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/southwoods.html?18781 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:26:00 CST There has been a shakeup in recent months at Milwaukee Public Market. The departure of Sheridan's Finest Wines and Generous Spirits provided an opportunity for St. Paul Fish Company, 400 N. Water St., to offer seated dining with full table service. So far, the concept seems to be right on the money. Recent visits to 400 N. Water St. revealed the fish to be fresh and the service exceptional. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stpaulfishcompany.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stpaulfishcompany.html?18707 Mon, 6 Apr 2009 08:17:00 CST The menu at Charro Restaurante, 729 N. Milwaukee Street, is is a compilation of Cuban, Mexican and Spanish flavors. That's not a surprise when you consider the name, which comes from an Elvis Presley western. The decor is trendy, which you'd expect from a venue run by veterans Tom Wackman, Omar Shaikh and Michael Polaski. The surprise is the quality of the food and the reasonable prices. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/charroreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/charroreview.html?18644 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:18:00 CST This week's wine of the week, a 2005 Estate Benessere Sangiovese, comes on the recommendation of Dean Cannestra, proprietor of Libiamo, 221 W. Galena St., and is from the family owned Benessere Napa Valley vineyard. This sangiovese is available by the bottle at Libiamo. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/wineoftheweek2.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/wineoftheweek2.html?18565 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:15:00 CST In a forthcoming edition of Lake Effect, NPR's Dan Harmon and I discuss pizzerias -- what makes a good pizzeria, what makes a good pizza? http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/portesi.html http://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/portesi.html?18562 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:03:00 CST In an effort to attract diners during tough economic times, the "new" Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Tavern, located at 1298 Friess Lake Dr. in Hubertus, is offering a "buy one, get one" dinner special that runs Sunday through Thursday. Weekend pricing is reasonable, too, so if you're in the area and looking for an inexpensive, solid meal, Fox and Hounds may be exactly what you're looking for. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/foxandhounds.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/foxandhounds.html?18543 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:17:00 CST St. Patrick's Day on a Tuesday was lovely because it meant we didn't have to fight the crowds to get our food. I know Ireland isn't known for its food, but some of the offerings you can get in Milwaukee on this holiday would definitely make you think otherwise. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stpatsfood.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/stpatsfood.html?18546 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:40:00 CST If it's been awhile since you visited Old Town Serbian Gourmet House, 522 W. Lincoln Ave., you may notice that not much has changed. The restaurant, which opened in 1971, offers heavy, homemade food and reasonable prices in a setting that evokes the old times. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/oldtownserbian.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/oldtownserbian.html?18474 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:16:00 CST I've heard of coffee of the month clubs, and I've belonged to one or two wine of the month clubs over the years, but I never realized there was a bacon of the month club. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/baconclub.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/baconclub.html?18433 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:23:00 CST The once-renowned pictures of monkeys are gone, but the Palms Bar and Bistro, 221 N. Broadway, still has a cool, artsy vibe and the kitchen dependably turns out solid entrees and excellent appetizers at a reasonable price. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/palmsbarandbistro.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/palmsbarandbistro.html?18400 Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:22:00 CST The Range Line Inn, 2635 W. Mequon Rd., is one of the oldest structures in Mequon. The entry foyer is decorated with newspaper articles and write-ups about the historic building, its record as a restaurant and several glowing reviews from local publications. The comfortable atmosphere and tasty, casual food make it easy to see why the Inn is so popular with repeat customers. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/rangelineinn.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/rangelineinn.html?18340 Mon, 2 Mar 2009 08:08:00 CST If Milwaukeeans have one constant (and highly generalized) passion, besides our hometown beers, bratwurst and sports, it has to be Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Sleek, sexy and fast, the top of the line bikes roar with delight every time the Milwaukee sun shines down on us, with orange and black blazing. So, putting a restaurant within the Harley-Davidson Museum called Motor, 401 W. Canal St., was not only fitting, it was ingenious. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/motor.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/motor.html?18258 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:07:00 CST Although there were some issues with pacing, the restaurant inside the breathtaking Iron Horse Hotel may soon become a destination dining spot for visitors and local residents. Chef Thomas Schultz's menu is heavy with steaks, burgers and other items that could be "branded." His love of duck confit shines through (in his trademark DLT) and the house chips with white truffle and parmesan are worth a trip to the bar. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/brandedreview.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/brandedreview.html?18192 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:22:00 CST With it's second-floor location above the family's historic crystal shop at 760 N. Jefferson St., Watts Tea Shop serves simple dishes in a serene and classy setting that provides a respite from Downtown's daily hustle and bustle. An array of delicious sandwiches, homemade soups and salads will leave diners feeling full, but not stuffed. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wattsteashop.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/wattsteashop.html?18039 Mon, 2 Feb 2009 08:28:00 CST I was listening to another local media outlet yesterday discussing McDonald's recent release of 2008 earnings at an 80 percent increase and how this enables many Americans to make themselves become both poorer and fatter. http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/healthyeating.html http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/healthyeating.html?18005 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:07:00 CST