By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Sep 23, 2009 at 2:11 PM
As OnMilwaukee.com again gears up to celebrate its annual Dining Month with chef profiles, restaurant reviews and features and the announcements of the winners you selected in "OnMilwaukee.com's Best: Dining 2009," we've also teamed with Milwaukee Food Tours to bring you a series of dining activities that celebrate Brew City's culinary treasures.

The OnMilwaukee.com Dining Tours, presented by Milwaukee Food Tours, allow attendees to sample a slice of downtown dining with progressive lunch, brunch and dinner tours. Rather than select just one restaurant when you dine out, simply select one of five featured neighborhoods and then you will sample the culinary delights of five to seven restaurants and shops along the way.

According to Theresa Nemetz, owner of Milwaukee Food Tours, "most of our attendees have lived in Milwaukee their whole life and love that they can use the tour as a way of finding new restaurants and neighborhoods to visit."

All food tours last approximately two hours, and require about one mile of walking during this new twist on the old concept of a progressive meal. The tastings will add up to a generous meal and each of the tours include visits to at least five restaurants. Each tour costs $40 per person, which includes all food tastings and drink samples as well as an opportunity for unique insight surrounding the restaurants and neighborhoods visited.

Join us as we stroll -- and eat our way -- through Milwaukee's tastiest 'hoods.

Historic Third Ward Dinner Tour
Various times, including Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Explore a neighborhood initially settled by Milwaukee's Irish, and later, Italian immigrants while sampling delicious tastings at modern American, Italian, Turkish, Irish and American restaurants as well as a stroll through the bustling Milwaukee Public Market. On this intimate tour of the Historic Third Ward you'll see the proud heritage of our town as well as the revitalization of this community.

Village of Wauwatosa Dinner Tour
Friday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.

There's a distinct European feel in the heart of the Village of Wauwatosa, brought by the first European settlers in the mid 1800s. Pedestrian-friendly stores and restaurants are reminiscent of some of the great villages of Europe. Savor the flavors of the Village of Wauwatosa with many delicious tastings from locally recognized restaurants such as at a French café, an Italian pizzeria, a restaurant with a Dutch flair, a visit to an olive oil shop, and more.

The "Bloody Third Ward" Bloody Mary Brunch Tour
Various times, including Sunday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Why was the Historic Third Ward once known as the Bloody Third Ward? Who invented the Bloody Mary? Why are their so many variations of the popular drink? These are just a few of the many questions that will be answered on this unique Sunday brunch tour complete with a glimpse into Milwaukee's past. Includes traditional brunch and lunch options, four 6-oz. Bloody Marys and a sweet ending of hand-dipped chocolate.

RiverWalk and Old World 3rd Street Dinner Tour
Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.

Experience Milwaukee's German ethnic heritage on Old World 3rd Street and then eat, drink and socialize your way into restaurants along the RiverWalk in the Westown neighborhood! This tour offers German food tastings as well as an opportunity to visit newer establishments in the area. Visit a spice specialty shop, a nationally renowned German eatery, America's oldest sausage maker, a Wisconsin cheese shop, German and Milwaukee-brewed beers and an array of restaurants along the Milwaukee RiverWalk. We'll even schlemiel, schlemazel our way across the Milwaukee River to visit Fonzie.

Cathedral Square/Milwaukee Street Dinner Tour
Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m.

Once quiet and tucked away, the entire Cathedral Square area, including Milwaukee Street, Jefferson Street, and Mason Street, is now a hidden gem bursting at the seams to be discovered with a wonderful modern new feel! Join us as we stroll through this neighborhood to hear the many colorful stories that contribute to Milwaukee's past and taste some exceptional food including Cuban, Italian and Asian cuisines.

Check availability and book your tour today online.