By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Feb 02, 2016 at 8:20 AM

The Brown Deer location of Pastiche Bistro and Wine Bar is set to open today, Feb. 2,  beginning at 5 p.m. The restaurant, located at 4313 W. River Ln., takes the place of River Lane Inn, which occupied the space for 35 years before closing in 2015.

Staff at the new restaurant may seem familiar, as owner Michael Engel has retained many who worked at River Lane Inn. However, cosmetic changes – including new paint and lighting – have transformed the space into a new destination with a French countryside feel.

In terms of food, the menu at the Brown Deer location will closely resemble its sister restaurant in Bay View. The wine list will be smaller, but favorite French classics like onion soup, escargot, cassoulet and coq au vin will comprise the bulk of the offerings. Engel will man the kitchen with his son Nick and Mike Kush, former River Lane Inn chef.

Next on the list will be the move for Pastiche Bay View to a yet undisclosed downtown location, an event projected to occur in September 2016 when Engel’s lease expires at its current location at 3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

Hours for Pastiche Brown Deer will be Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.  

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

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.