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Birch
459 E. Pleasant St., (414) 323-7372
birchonpleasant.com
New American
$$
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Simplicity and quality form the foundations of the menu at this Downtown restaurant, which serves up an ever-changing feast of fare that pays the utmost respect to locally sourced meats and vegetables.
Dishes run the gamut from fresh and bright (take that summer crudo made with Steelhead trout pictured above, for instance) to sexy and caramelized (like charred beef carpaccio with pickled shallots, nasturtium and parmesan). Meat dishes are satisfying, but never overly heavy; and their housemade filled pastas are simultaneously exciting and comforting.
Most importantly, if you love vegetables, you'll find them in spades. They're respected, treated well and allowed to shine... right there in the center of the plate.
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with your server about perfect pairings for the dishes on the menu. And be sure to check out special offerings like their French Bistro Lunch and happy hour specials. Patio dining is also available.
Recommended: Crunchy farm vegetables; crudo; housemade pasta; Contramar-Inspired fish
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
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