For the ninth straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2015."
Bavette La Boucherie
330 E Menomonee St.
(414) 273-3375
bavettelaboucherie.com
This upscale butcher shop and cafe in Milwaukee’s Third Ward features elevated takes on salads and sandwiches, as well as charcuterie and soups. Bavette is a great spot for a delicious lunch; but, don’t discount it as a great dinner spot. Order one of the daily dinner entrees or create your own feast with shareable plates like the bresaola with fig-black olive tapenade and Parmesan ($14) and delicious seasonal salads like burrata cheese with cured ham, roasted nectarine, pesto and lemon white truffle vinaigrette ($13). An exceptional wine list showcases old world style selections, with a variety of beer and cocktails also available.
Type of food: Modern seasonal dishes, influenced by world flavors
Prices: snacks, charcuterie salads and small plates $6-21; sandwiches $10-13;
Vegetarian friendly? No
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking: Metered parking within a one-block radius is generally easy to secure; take care to arrive early, especially during evenings when area theaters are hosting performances. Additional parking is available in the Third Ward parking structure at Milwaukee and Chicago Streets.
Vibe/dress: The vibe at this Third Ward spot is casual; but you won't feel uncomfortable in a suit and tie. Grab a seat at one of the tables, the communal table in back, or a seat at the counter, which overlooks the open kitchen and prep area.
Hits: Don’t miss the smoked trout deviled eggs ($6), and the steak tartare ($14), which is some of the best in the city. The warm wild mushroom salad served over creamy polenta with asparagus, parmesan and a perfectly poached egg ($13) makes a warm and savory lunch on a blustery day.
The corned beef tongue reuben is always a good choice in the sandwich realm ($10.75); but don’t be afraid to branch out and try any one of Chef Karen Bell’s creations, which are always unexpectedly delicious. For dessert, try the warm flourless chocolate cake ($8) or grab a specialty cookie, made fresh daily.
Misses: It’s tough to find a miss on Bell’s creative menu, where even the most unexpected flavor combinations aim to please.
Insider tip: Head over on Wednesday evenings (in the milder months) for burger night, when Bell rolls out the grill and creates delicious burgers with creative toppings like corn ricotta purée, buttered leeks, oven dried tomatoes and basil aioli.
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.
