By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jul 14, 2014 at 1:25 PM

The Cheel, a restaurant specializing in Himalayan fare, will open this weekend on the southwest corner of Buntrock Avenue and South Main Street in Theinsville.

Beginning Saturday, July 19, The Cheel, owned by local entrepreneurs Barkha and Jesse Daily, will feature American dishes with "a Himalayan twist," as well as authentic flavors from Nepali, Tibetan, Burmese and North Indian cultures.

At the helm is Chef Joe Sandretti, formerly of Buckley’s and Pasta Per Tutti and Johnny Delmonico’s in Madison, along with general manager Ryan Palkowski, formerly of Elsa's on the Park.

The centerpiece of the menu is the momo, a Nepalese dumpling filled with a savory medley of seasoned meats and raw vegetables that is steamed, baked or sautéed and served with achars, dipping sauces made from the artful blending of a variety of Himalayan spices that are roasted or toasted and infused with oil to impart unique flavor profiles. 

Other items include Choyla, featuring grilled and shredded pork ribs or soy nuts served over crispy rice, fing, a Burmese salad made from bean threads, egg crepes and toasted peanuts, lamb meatballs and classic dal, with braised lentils, chickpeas, or beans served with rice and a variety of garnishes.

The Mount BLT is a riff on the American classic served with thick slices of bacon, lettuce, tomato and Himalayan mayo on toasted bread with your choice of side and achar, a roasted tomato relish.

Cocktails will include popular classics from the 1930s, made with house-infused liquors and freshly pressed juices. 

The Cheel will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, with the bar remaining open until 2 a.m.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.