This week's new lunch adventure brought us to Laissez Faire, 724 N. Old World 3rd St.
I'm starting to think the patrons must see us and coming and clear out, since like the last few places we tried, Laissez Faire was also empty. But that meant more time for the two-person staff to work on our meals, I suppose, and both my wife and I were pleased with our lunch.
The menu is small at this New York-style deli, and you do your ordering at the counter. I chose the "Irishman," a big corned beef sandwich with stone ground mustard on marbled rye bread, for $6.50. My wife picked the ricotta ravioli for $8.
My corned beef sandwich was quite large and lean, and as good as any I've had at Benji's or Jake's. It came with just a pickle as a side, and I left just a bit hungry.
My wife's dish came with a beautiful presentation on a big, gracious plate. Though it had a lovely color, she found it a bit bland and too al dente for her taste. But she added some salt and pepper and liked her lunch, too.
We both enjoyed the atmosphere and will return soon. I hope others catch on, too, since it's a little sad to see a new restaurant sitting empty at lunch. But the food speaks for itself, and if people give it a try, this new lunch destination won't be lonely for too long.
Andy is the president, publisher and founder of OnMilwaukee. He returned to Milwaukee in 1996 after living on the East Coast for nine years, where he wrote for The Dallas Morning News Washington Bureau and worked in the White House Office of Communications. He was also Associate Editor of The GW Hatchet, his college newspaper at The George Washington University.
Before launching OnMilwaukee.com in 1998 at age 23, he worked in public relations for two Milwaukee firms, most of the time daydreaming about starting his own publication.
Hobbies include running when he finds the time, fixing the rust on his '75 MGB, mowing the lawn at his cottage in the Northwoods, and making an annual pilgrimage to Phoenix for Brewers Spring Training.
