At OnMilwaukee, we believe in lifting up all voices and using our platform to support others’ dreams.  And that's what we hope to do for Dominic the Food Reviewer. When I first met Dominic almost two years ago, I was impressed by his passion, his curiosity and his interest in improving his writing. Over time,  I’ve not only enjoyed getting to know him better, but he has taught me as much as I have him. My hope is that you’ll not only enjoy reading Dominic’s reviews, but also glean understanding and joy from seeing the world of food through his eyes. -- Lori Fredrich, Dining EditorFor the month of November I am going to be focusing my reviews on restaurants and businesses that are either owned or helped run by individuals with disabilities. 

This week I went to Friendship Cafe & Bakery. It is located at 8649 N. Port Washington Rd. in Fox Point. Friendship Circle is a bakery, art studio, cafe and more. I got to meet up with one of the owners, Rabbi Levi Stein, to talk about the background and how it all got started. 

Friendship Circle provides support, friendship, and opportunities to include people with all varying abilities in the community. Rabbi Stein told me that they opened in December, 2019. Currently, there are a total of thirty employees that work at the facility. The bakery and cafe employ individuals with and without disabilities. For the workers, it is a very rewarding and exciting opportunity. The business provides different types of skill training for anyone who is interested in working at the cafe or art studio. Rabbi Stein believes it is important to give opportunities and choices to all of their employees. Rabbi Stein explained that since he was just a twelve year old kid, he has always wanted to make a difference for everybody within the community.

The interior of Friendship Bakery and Cafe was designed by adults with special needs. Rabbi Stein also helped design the commercial kitchen with a pastry chef and an architect. He also expressed that the art studio and the open concept of the cafe brings everyone together. The decor has very vibrant colors. The orange and white on the walls make the space inviting and comfortable. They have cozy chairs that you can sit at and socialize and even a sensory room for anybody to go in and take a breather. 

While at the bakery and cafe, I tried the oatmeal raisin cookie and some challah.

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The oatmeal raisin cookie tasted very gooey, which is how I like my cookies and it had a very rich flavor and taste to it. All the bakery was clearly made from scratch, as it was fresh and delicious. My oatmeal raisin cookie was probably one of my favorite cookies I’ve ever had. 

I gave the challah bread a try, and it was very sweet and tasty. The taste reminded me of Hawaiian rolls, which I enjoy very much. The challah had a thick texture and if you have never heard of this kind of bread, then I would highly recommend trying it.

My friends tried cupcakes, a cinnamon roll, cake pops and some of their specialty drinks. Everyone was very satisfied and impressed with the baked goods and drinks.

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The cafe also sells food which I hope to try the next time I come in. Every employee was so kind and told me how much they love working at the cafe. You could tell how proud the employees are to work at the business and to work as a team. 

I would highly suggest checking Friendship circle out, because it is a local business that brings everybody together. They have so many different choices of baked goods, food and beverages. Some items include breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cookies, cinnamon bites and more.

If you are hungry for any kind of baked goods, I would give this bakery a try. Friendship Circle is a very positive place that employs individuals with all abilities and gives back to the community.