Members Only

Bon Appetit   Special Interest Group

Restaurant Reviews (in alphabetical order)

To join the PD Bon Appetit dining group, contact Mary Koziboski at mfkoziboski@ra.rockwell.com.  The following reviews appeared in recent issues of the PD newsletter.

Barossa

235 S. Second Street, Milwaukee

414-272-8466

Lunch, Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 2 pm

Dinner, every day – From 5 pm

Brunch, Sunday – 10 am – 3 pm

Prices:  Lunch $5-$11; Dinner $9 - $26; Brunch $5- $10

 This Walker’s Point restaurant has no exterior sign marking its location, so look for the address on the building and a small neon “open” sign in the window.  Housed in a former warehouse, Barossa specializes in organic foods.  Our dining experience generated the most polarized reaction of any Bon Appetit gathering in recent memory.   We uniformly enjoyed the creative and perfectly prepared appetizers and desserts; however there was disagreement on many other components of our dining experience.  Some found the entrée portions too small for the price; others liked the “manageable” portions.  Most thought their entrees were flavorful and well prepared, but some were unimpressed and one entrée arrived with cold mashed potatoes.  Service was inconsistent.  Our server was gracious, but as time passed he began to overlook some of our requests.  The lighting in the room in which we were seated (there are three) was so dim that we passed around a key chain flashlight to read the menu, and felt a little ridiculous doing so.  Our group easily carried on a conversation without raising our voices, but the room was almost empty.  On a crowded night, sound bouncing off brick walls and wooden floors would create a noisy room.   Some in our group felt that they could not recommend Barossa; others liked the creative, unique menu.  Overall, this discord resulted in a rating of 2 ¾ high heels on a scale of five.  You’ll have to try it for yourself.  

California Pizza Kitchen

Bayshore Mall

5665 N. Center Park Way

414-967-8088

11 am – 10 pm Mon-Sat,11 am – 9 pm Sun

Handicapped accessible, Free parking in mall structure

This is a chain that features a wide variety of hearth baked pizzas, as well as pastas and sandwiches. The main attraction is the pizza, which comes in 18 varieties—both innovative and traditional. We ordered Thai Chicken Pizza, White Cheese Pizza, Mushroom Pizza, and Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza. All were delicious. The ratio of toppings to crust was perfect, toppings were fresh and flavorful, and the Neapolitan (thin) crust was among the best any of us had ever eaten. Our avocado/bacon egg roll appetizer was excellent, but the lettuce wraps were disappointing. Served as a half head of iceberg lettuce on one plate, and the filling on another, the roll your own wraps proved to be messy and mediocre. Although we did not order salads, a member of our group who had previously dined at the restaurant recommended them. Desserts included average key lime pie; a generous slice of tasty, rich chocolate banana cake that was drizzled with sauce that contained unpleasant artificial banana flavor; and an outstanding chocolate soufflé. Ambiance is pleasant, tables are spaced well apart, and acoustics encourage comfortable conversation. Our server was personable, helpful and attentive early in the meal, but became less so as the evening progressed. California Pizza Kitchen is definitely worth a trip if you like pizza. Go with a group to sample the greatest variety by sharing pizzas.

Coast 

931 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee

414-727-5555

Lunch and dinner daily

Validated parking in the O’Donnell structure; valet service Fri/Sat.

 Located on the east end of Wisconsin Avenue in O’Donnell Park, Coast features cuisine from coastal regions of New England, the mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, California and the Great Lakes.  It’s run by the Zilli family, which also operates the Grandview Inn in Waukesha, Ellen’s Prestige Catering, and the Café at the Milwaukee Art Museum.   The restaurant’s interior subtly (no fish nets here!) suggests its connection to water. Diners walk along a curved stone path through the various seating areas to their table. The large room includes a small library with sofas and fireplace; another sofa grouping next to a grand piano near the large bar; a special section for solo diners who can join a table of other unaccompanied diners or dine alone; a cozy corner dining area that overlooks Wisconsin Avenue; and a three-tiered main dining area that capitalizes on the lake view.  Service was excellent. As the size of our group gradually grew to 14 over an hour’s time, the friendly, accommodating staff moved tables and place settings so that we were all seated together. We were given a variety of complimentary appetizers, followed by complimentary warm popovers--a Coast specialty. We enjoyed several beautifully presented seafood entrees, soups, salads, and desserts. All were well prepared and delicious except for one entrée:  the scallop platter contained scallops of various sizes and all were not cooked uniformly. After dessert, a member of the Zilli family gave us a tour of the restaurant’s two meeting rooms:  a board room for 8-10 people with portholes overlooking the lake, and a room that seats up to 35 people at several tables.  Both offer internet access and the larger room is equipped for videoconferencing. Coast is only the second restaurant in the history of the Bon Appetit group to receive our top ranking of 4.5 out of 5 for ambiance, service, food, and value. It gets a bonus point for the view.

Crazy Water

839 S. Second Street, Milwaukee

414-645-2606 

This tiny restaurant in the old Zur Krone Tavern building, just north of Allen-Bradley/Rockwell International, is owned by a woman who is also the chef.  From her 4' x 4' kitchen the front window, she creates excellent, creative meals.  Our group enjoyed semi-private seating in a small room adjacent to the main dining area.  Diners can also sit at the bar, where they can talk to the chef and watch her prepare their entrees.  The intimacy of this place creates a cozy, relaxed environment, which makes up for the sparse decor.  Our appetizers and entrees were excellent, except for one appetizer that was not heated thoroughly.  Desserts were average, prices moderate, and service very good.  Crazy Water offers excellent value for the money.  On a scale of four high heels, Crazy Water rates 3.3 highheels  (2/03)

Cubanitas

728 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee

414-727-5555

 Looking for a fun and lively change of pace?  The women on PD’s Bon Appetit restaurant group found just that at Cubanitas.  Cubanitas, which means “little Cuban girls” opened in September and is owned by Marta Bianchini.  The atmosphere at this restaurant / club is Caribbean casual and so is the food.  A glass of Mojitos – a traditional Cuban drink – put us in the right mood for this fun little place.  All items on the menu are Cuban specialties, a variety of sandwiches, meat dishes served with rice and beans, interesting side dishes such as plantains and yucca.  The food is tasty and the prices are good.  The most expensive item on the menu is $10.95. The place is noisy, so don’t plan to go there if you are looking for a quiet night out.  And parking was difficult to find right after work.  Marta is sensitive this problem and apologized that the valet was not on duty sooner.  So that is likely to change.

Cubanitas is definitely worth the visit.  The Bon Appetit group rated it with 4 high heels.

One of Milwaukee’s Best Kept Dining Secrets

Cuisine Restaurant

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Downtown Campus

414-297-6697 or reserve online

Lunch service only – Tuesdays,Wednesdays and

Thursdays during the school year

Reservations strongly recommended. or $14.50 first course buffet only

Surrounded by classrooms on the 6th floor of the Main Building on MATC’s downtown campus, Cuisine is a student-run fine dining restaurant that is part of the college’s Culinary Arts program. With white linen and fresh flowers on every table, the attractive space looks nothing like the classrooms that surround it. As part of their degree instruction, students rotate through food preparation stations and table service under the watchful eye of culinary arts faculty. Cuisine offers upscale, full-course meals that rival those found in many area restaurants, but at non-profit prices. Diners can choose entrees from the menu ($6-$10), or with 24 hours advance notice, order broiled lobster tail for $15.00 per person. Parties of up to six may reserve the Chef’s Table in the kitchen for a table charge of $10.00. Desserts change daily and are created by Pastry Program students. Cuisine is located in Room 628 in the brown brick building on the northwest corner of Sixth and State Streets in Milwaukee. View the menu and make your reservation at http://matc.edu/communityresources/cuisine_fine_dining/welcome.html

Forty8

4823 W.National Avenue,West Milwaukee

414-389-9350

Lunch 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday-Friday

Dinner 4:00 pm to closing Monday-Saturday

Handicapped accessible

An unassuming exterior and neighboring empty storefronts might discourage drive-by diners from visiting Forty8, whose menu contains creative cuisine, as well as some traditional sports-bar food such as burgers and patty melts. Appetizers include Portobello fries, Coyote bites (cream cheese, jalapenos, roasted corn, and black beans wrapped in wonton skins and deep fried), blackened scallops dusted with Creole seasoning and served with corn salsa and citrus vinaigrette, and a handmade thin crust pizza. Equally creative salads incorporate roasted vegetables, tropical fruits, and vinaigrette dressing blended with champagne. Entrees include braised short ribs, ahi tuna, five seed sea bass, stuffed salmon, and pork medallions. All were perfectly prepared and presented with the visual appeal typical of upscale restaurants. Desserts are made on site but were not extraordinary. Our server was friendly and attentive. The restaurant’s compact interior consists of a large bar and eight dining tables. Patrons include the sports bar crowd who watch the game, neighborhood regulars, and foodies. Occasionally loud conversation and cigarette smoke drifted in Bon Appetit’s direction from the bar. Although ambiance is lacking, Forty8’s food and service are excellent. On a maximum scale of five high heels, we give it a rating of 4.

Mardi Gras

7926 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee

414-527-4727

8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday

Handicapped accessible

Parking lot

Children’s menu

This is a casual, comfortable, family friendly restaurant reminiscent of neighborhood restaurants off the tourist path in New Orleans. Accent colors of purple and yellow reflect the hues in Mardi Gras masks displayed throughout the interior. Bright fluorescent lighting is a bit harsh. The co-owners are natives of New Orleans and have done a good job of training staff to convey the warm, welcoming attitude that’s a signature of that city’s culture. The menu offers Creole, Cajun, American, and Southern comfort food and appeals to a diverse customer base. Bon Appetit observed young families dining on burgers and fries, seniors enjoying meat loaf, and singles having pie and coffee at the counter. We dined on assorted appetizers and entrees, including jambalaya, gumbo, fried chicken and braised short ribs, with side dishes of corn bread, red beans and rice, fried corn, smothered cabbage, candied yams, and macaroni and cheese. Desserts include red velvet cake, bread pudding, pecan pie and sweet potato  pie. Friday through Sunday, Mardi Gras serves fresh beignets, which are small pillows of sweet, deep fried dough covered in powdered sugar. One Bon Appetit diner thought food quality was below average, but most found it flavorful and true to its Southern roots. Our group of 16 challenged our waitress, who confused a few orders. The kitchen ran out of the restaurant’s signature frozen daiquiris before all of us were served. Mardi Gras serves rich, filling food in generous portions at modest prices in a congenial atmosphere. Evaluating ambiance, service, food, and value, we rate Mardi Gras 3.5 on a maximum scale of five high heels.

Pizza Man

1800 E. North Avenue (at Oakland), Milwaukee

414-272-1747

No reservations

Very limited street parking

 With a huge wine list and the most upscale atmosphere of any pizza restaurant in town, Pizza Man is worth a visit.  The décor suggests a wine cellar, with lots of wood, stone and small tables.  The atmosphere is enhanced by the classical music playing in the background.  Service was very attentive.  The pitcher of ice water that was placed on our table is an increasingly rare commodity in restaurants.   We enjoyed the fried eggplant and tomato basil bread appetizers.  Ribs were flavorful and very tender.  We ordered two kinds of pizza—both with wonderful thin, crispy crust.   Especially delightful was the artichoke pizza with cream cheese.  The menu also offers several pasta and chicken dishes.  Pizza Man presents an excellent value for the money.  Our group of eight had three appetizers, two large pizzas, and a rack of ribs, plus tip for $13 per person.  Beverages were additional.   Our combined rating of Pizza Man’s ambiance, service, food and value is four high heels out of a possible five. 

Roots

1818 N. Hubbard Street, Milwaukee

414-374-8480

Parking:  on the street

 Monday-Friday:  Lunch and dinner

Saturday:  Dinner

Sunday:  Brunch 10 am – 2 pm

 Located in the Brewers Hill neighborhood, Roots offers a spectacular view of downtown Milwaukee--day or night.  Outdoor seating offers the best view.  Inside, the restaurant uses rich wood, gently curved tables that precisely match the curve of the silverware, and beautiful glassware to create a distinctive atmosphere.   The décor sets the tone for what’s to come.  From our table near the open kitchen we watched the chefs in constant motion, preparing creative, beautiful and flavorful food.   Meals of this quality can be found elsewhere in Milwaukee, but at higher prices. Diners can choose from many seafood entrees, plus beef, chicken and vegetarian options.  Most notable is the element of surprise in flavor and ingredient combinations that makes dining here a delightful adventure.   Desserts were delicious and imaginatively presented.   Service is not yet up to the standard of Roots’ food.   Noise was a significant annoyance. The dining area and bar, both in the same room, were packed on the night of our visit and the noise volume was so high that we had to shout to be heard by the person sitting across from us.   A member of our group returned to the restaurant at noon on another day, and found it to be much quieter.  In evaluating ambiance, food quality, value, and service, we gave Roots 3.75 high heels out of a possible five.  

Look for the gilded life size cow in the window to locate St. Bessie's. When we arrived at 5:30 pm, the place was empty and the jazz CD was playing a little too loudly for comfortable conversation.  But soon the room was full with a mixture of families, couples and groups of friends, and conversation combined with the music reached just the right balance.  Those ordering grilled salmon got an indication of the chef's exceptional skill at preparing sea food when they were asked if they would like it rare, medium or well done.  Our server offered helpful comments on menu items and was attentive in spite of the full house.  Food was excellent, and service, ambiance, and value for the money were very good.  On a scale of four high heels, St. Bessie'

Watermark Seafood

1716 N. Arlington Place, Milwaukee

414-278-8464

5-10 pm Tuesday through Saturday

Parking:  two nearby lots

Reservations strongly recommended

With outstanding seafood, abundant off-street parking, and quiet acoustics, Watermark Restaurant is an excellent choice for seafood lovers who enjoy carrying on a conversation over dinner.  The minimalist décor captures the movement of waves, but at least one of us longed for some artwork on the walls.   Patrons can dine at the bar or at tables, and watch the action in the open kitchen.  Service was slow while we were waiting for a latecomer, but improved as soon as everyone arrived.  Our server’s extensive knowledge of the menu was very helpful to us in making our selections.  Appetizers were excellent, although the quality of the crab cakes is matched at other restaurants in Milwaukee.  Entrees, which change daily based on availability, were uniformly exceptional:  perfectly cooked and beautifully presented.  Chef Mark Weber, formerly of Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, is offering some of the best seafood in town.  The two chocolate desserts recommended by our server were wonderful.  One member of our group chose a non-chocolate dish and was disappointed.  Considering ambiance, service, food quality and value, we gave Watermark 3.5 high heels on a scale of four.   Note:  only one non-fish item is offered on the menu.

Yen Ching

www.yenchingchinese.com

7630 W. Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, 414-353-6677

Lunch: 11:30 – 2:00 pm (except Saturday)

Dinner: 4:30 – 9:00 pm

Handicapped accessible

Yen Ching is a Chinese restaurant that has consistently served high quality food for decades. The restaurant’s oriental theme is evident in its architecture and furnishings. Traditional, authentic seating in the lobby is so intricately carved that it requires a few minutes of examination to take in all of the detail. Round dining tables with rotating lazy-susans are provided for large groups, and offer optimum seating for conversation and entree sharing. Bon Appetit ordered the Royal Dinner for ten that included soup, crabmeat Rangoon appetizers, seven entrees, steamed rice, fortune cookies, and tea for $14.00 per person. Entrees included shrimp, scallop, beef, chicken, vegetable, and sizzling rice dishes. Variety, quality and flavor were excellent. Entrée service was paced so that the entire group was able to sample two or three dishes before the next platters arrived piping hot from the kitchen. Our wait staff diplomatically guided us in the strategic placement of serving utensils on the lazy-susan so that they didn’t collide with anyone’s drink as the lazy-susan rotated.

.