Milwaukee Brunch Reviews

Sheridans - Modern Cafe, Awesome Brunch

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

One fall Sunday morning, Andrew and I were trying to figure out where to check out for brunch. Since starting the blog, we have been to many places in and around downtown. However, we had not tried any places south of the city. Looking at "The List" of places that readers of this blog have suggested to review, we decided to check out Sheridan's in Cudahy.

Since neither Andrew and I are familiar with Cudahy, we broke out the GPS and plugged in the address for the restaurant. We were too busy looking around at the nice houses and beautiful park, that we completely missed the parking lot for Sheridan's (completely my fault). This beautiful boutique hotel restaurant sits on the west side of the street (with parking to the south).

We walked in and were greeted by the hostess and a cute cafe style restaurant. On the wall opposite us sat a beautiful wine bar, which I am sure is a great place to catch a happy hour drink during the week. We were immediately sat in the next room where the wall is lined with a large bench. Andrew and I were seated in the corner and looked over the menu.

Our server Melanie came over and asked for our drink order. Andrew ordered a bloody mary ($7) and coffee ($2.25). He loved the bloody—just the right amount of spice, heat and flavor. The add-ons were good—mushroom, olive, onion, pickle, lemon and lime—but would have been even better with a cheese and/or beef stick. I ordered my usual, mimosa ($7), coffee and water. I was surprised to see the size of the mimosa. It wasn't a huge drink, but for mimosa standards it was larger than normal (extra points in my book).

We breezed over the large brunch menu and decided on our entrees. Andrew chose the Eggs Sheridan ($10). This dish is a cross between a traditional Eggs Benedict and a Florentine Benedict. Two poached eggs are perched upon a toasted baguette with wilted spinach and baked ham hidden between them. Topped with an amazing Hollandaise sauce, this dish had me salivating from across the table. The sauce was a perfect blend of rich, creamy butter with the zing of lemon that you want with a great Benedict. The ham and spinach were also tasted very good. The breakfast potatoes that were on the side were lightly salted and sprinkled with rosemary. What more would you want with this incredible brunch dish?!

When I was looking over the menu, one item stuck out to me—Prime Rib Omelette ($12). Just from the description, I knew this dish could be one of my favorite brunch items in the city. When the plate was delivered to our table, I was shocked by the size of this omelette. This three egg entree takes chunks of prime rib, chopped mushrooms, shallots and pepper jack cheese and created one of the best egg dishes in the city. But that is not all, it is slathered in the same amazing Hollandaise sauce that Andrew enjoyed on his Benedict. Served with a side of the same delicious breakfast potatoes and a choice of toast (I got rye), this omelette is simply spectacular.

If you enjoy a large brunch line-up (salads and sandwiches included) and want to check out a new restaurant, place Sheridan's at the top of your list. This south side secret is simply stunning. The upscale cafe atmosphere is welcoming along with the service. I cannot get over the size of the mimosa nor of my omelette. If this quick review takes an accurate snapshot of Sheridan's, expect a great midday meal. With a parking lot across the street, and a price of around $20 per person (with drinks), I highly recommend checking out Sheridan's soon for brunch!

Until next time, hope you have a great week and look forward to seeing you next weekend morning!

What have been your experiences at Sheridan's? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments or suggest other places for me to try around Milwaukee!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Sheridans (*****)

5133 S. Lake Drive

Cudahy, WI 53110(414) 747-9800

http://www.sheridanhouseandcafe.com

Brunch hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Bright, modern cafe with lots of natural light and Cream City brick.

Food: ***** (awesome)
Large portions, large selection and great breakfast potatoes

Service: ***** (awesome)
Friendly, honest and knowledgeable of menu items

Drinks: ***** (awesome)
Mimosa - ***** (very good, a little too much pulp for me)
Bloody Mary - ***** (nice blend of flavor and spice)

Price: ***** (awesome)
Around $20 a person that will leave you full and wanting to come back again.

Hilton City Center - Come Hungry—Leave Satisfied

2011-07-21T08:45:00.006-05:00

I know how the saying goes—hotel restaurants are not that great. However, those who live by that statement have not tried the Hilton Milwaukee City Center's brunch. If you are looking for a brunch buffet that has style and class written all over it, then look no further than this downtown hotel.

Located on the corners of Fifth and Wisconsin, it is hard to miss this Milwaukee landmark. With over 700 rooms, it is the city's largest hotel. And with that, it has an attached parking garage. Walking into this grand hotel, you are taken back to a time when hotels were destinations all unto themselves. The marble floors, grand stair cases, crystal chandeliers and gold leaf transport you back to yesteryear. If you are going their for brunch, you head to the ground level and into the Cafe.

This modest dining area has several different seating areas, so you don't have to sit next to the table with the screaming kids if you don't want to. Andrew and I went one Sunday morning with his parents. We had been to this brunch buffet years ago when family members used to work there, but recently we have been brunching around town. It was really nice to get back to a place that felt familiar and welcoming.

We were sat at our table, and the server told us about the menu and all about the buffet. It was interesting to note of some changes. In addition to the normal brunch buffet there was a fruit of the month station and bloody mary bar. Instantly we all knew which brunch we were going to order. For $16 per person, we were about to brunch until we were content and check out the fruit and and bloody mary bar. It is important to note that all coffee, juice and water were included in this price. If we wanted vodka for the bloody marys, it would cost between $6 and $8 per shot depending on the vodka.

We ordered our drinks. Andrew and his dad ordered vodka to go in their bloody marys ($6). I ordered my usual, mimosa ($7), coffee and water. The mimosa took sometime to get to the table, but I was ok with it. Considering I had my choice of four different juices at the buffet, I got a small glass of cranberry juice while I waited. When the mimosa did come, i was surprised to see the fresh strawberry garnish! It was very tasty and the mimosa was just perfect—not too much pulp and not overly sweet. Andrew told me that he had the choice between two different bloody mary mixes—mild and spicy. He made himself up a mild bloody and had a great time choosing all the different add-ins he wanted for his drink. One thing we did notice was we were not offered any chaser for the bloody mary. But in the long run, it didn't matter much—there was still so much food to look over to eat!

I scanned over the buffet and made my choices wisely. I knew that I was hungry, but I wanted to try to sample everything in front of me. So, for the first plate I decided upon sausage links, bacon, breakfast potatoes and scrambled eggs. Next to the eggs dish, the staff had laid out cheese, green onions and salsa to add on top! I thought this was great! I could add a little extra flavor to my eggs if I wanted to! I rounded the first corner of the buffet and noticed the Babybel cheese wheels. Now this has a special meaning to me and Andrew's mom, because I made some comment about this cheese the first time I had it. It makes the two of us laugh, and so I had to grab one for this photo. Lastly I added two different types of melon to my plate from the fruit of the month station. It was covered with melons—sliced, whole, balled, cubed. There were melons everywhere. They all looked delicious, but I knew I needed to pace myself for this buffet. Everything on my plate was delicious, and I was surprised on how fresh everything tasted.

Back at the table, our server came around again to let us know that if there was some thing else we wanted that was not on the buffet, to let him know. If we wanted hash browns rather than the breakfast potatoes or waffles or pancakes, we could just ask him for it. He would run back into the kitchen to have it prepared for us. While this was a very generous offer, I just wanted to get back up to the buffet for my second plate!

I returned to the buffet and started looking over the third and fourth rows of food. Yes, there are literally four rows of food to this buffet. I think my eyes caught up with my stomach because I didn't take nearly as much food the second time around. I settled on a bowl of granola with milk, a yogurt, some grapes and I just had to grab a small cinnamon roll. It was just too good to pass up. (I later found out that the cinnamon roll is home-made at the restaurant, and it was delicious!) I think it must have been that granola that filled me up, because after that plate, I couldn't eat anymore. And I did want to get back up there and try an omelet from the chef prepared omelet station.

Now, if you are not into the all-you-can-eat-fest that is this amazing Hilton Breakfast Buffet, the chef does offer a made-to order brunch menu with corned beef hash, benedicts and all sorts of omelets. Also for only $16 per person, there is a wide selection of food to choose from. "Come hungry and leave satisfied" should be the new saying for this hotel brunch option. The attached parking garage is also an added benefit. For only $5, it beats driving around to try and find parking when there is an event in town!

Until next time, hope you have a great weekend and happy brunching!

Full Disclosure: Although we received our meals free of charge (many thanks to Chef Nicole Booker), I was not paid to advertise for the Cafe or the Hilton Hotel. All opinions expressed in this blog entry are our own and are reflective of our experience.

What have been your experiences at the Hilton City Center? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments or suggest other places for me to try around Milwaukee!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Hilton Milwaukee (****½)
509 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 271-7250
hiltonmilwaukee.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Atmosphere: **** (very good)
Brick pillars, granite and wood tables, very traditional hotel restaurant setting

Food: ***** (awesome)
Great selection and the food was fresh

Service: **** (very good)
Impeccable, friendly and knowledgable. Perhaps overly attentive to the table.

Drinks: ****½ (very good)
Mimosa - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Mary - **** (very good) (perhaps a chaser for the bloody?)

Price: ***** (awesome)
$16 a person gets you a lot of food!

Steak and Eggs Benedict Brunch Special

2011-07-07T09:45:00.017-05:00

It's coming back. For one weekend only, the chef at Cafe Centraal will be preparing their signature Steak and Eggs Benedict as the brunch special for the weekend of July 9 and 10.

For those that don't know, Cafe Centraal was the first restaurant in Milwaukee that I gave a 5-star review. The entree I had that day simply put everything a great brunch entree should be onto one plate—The Steak and Eggs Benedict. Since then, I have adopted the photo I took as the main profile photo for this blog.

I was sad to hear that this benedict was taken off their brunch menu, and so, through some conversations, Cafe Centraal has agreed to bring back this benedict on July 9 and 10!

If you want to taste my favorite brunch entree in Milwaukee, make plans to visit Cafe Centraal for brunch this upcoming weekend! I know I will be there on Saturday morning!

On Facebook, you can say you're attending this event.

On Twitter, you can say you are joining in on this tweet-up.

If you do go to check out this benedict, be sure to mention to your server that you heard about this special through Milwaukee Brunch Reviews!

Cafe Centraal (*****)
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Bay View, WI 53207
(414) 755-0378
www.cafecentraal.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cafe Benelux - Food and Patio Paradise

2011-06-30T09:22:00.003-05:00

It seems to me that summer in Milwaukee is really when the city comes alive. Downtown starts to crawl with people on the weekends. And the past couple of years have seen several new attractions, businesses and restaurants open downtown. One such new place is Cafe Benelux in the Third Ward. Part of the Lowlands Group of restaurants, Cafe Benelux is bringing something new and something old to this historic part of the city.

Situated on the corners of Broadway and St. Paul, Cafe Benelux takes the place of the old Good Harvest grocery store. Right across the street from one of Milwaukee's best bloody mary spots, this restaurant is building upon the strong following the other Lowland Group restaurants: Cafe Centraal, Cafe Hollander and Trocadero. The most prominent thing that sets this restaurant apart is the roof-top patio. Once I saw this, I knew that I really wanted to get to this new brunch spot and check it out.

My friend Sara organized a brunch outing with some friends, and I asked if Andrew and I could tag along to make it a review. She said sure, and the plans were set. We wanted to meet at noon, and calling ahead on Saturday, one friend, Amy, found out that the restaurant does not take reservations. Since she lived right in the neighborhood, she went to the restaurant around 11:15, to grab a spot in line for a table on the roof. Right around noon, Andrew, Sara and I show up and our table was ready—rock star seating, because we sat right at the corner above the main entrance.

Walking into the restaurant, it seems a bit dark, but the large staircase in the middle opens up to the roof, letting in a fairly large amount of natural light. I am guessing in the winter, it will feel nice to sit inside with all that natural light.

Sitting at the table, our server took the four of our drink order while we waiting for two more. Andrew ordered the Classic Bloody Mary ($7). He said the flavor was nice and rich—not too much spice and the mix-ins were nice, including a pimento-stuffed olive. I ordered my usual, mimosa ($6.50), coffee ($1.95) and water. The mimosa is the usual one you will find at any of the Lowland Group's restaurants and the coffee is delicious. We waited for our other friends to come and once they ordered they got a beermosa ($7) and a Morning Rooster Bloody Mary ($8). This unique bloody uses chipotle Hangar One vodka, house-made bloody mary mix, and comes with the usual add-ins and a jalapeño-stu ffed olive. Talk about spice. I can see that one waking you up in the morning with all that heat in the drink.

We all caught up and poured over the menu. We placed our order, and this is where the brunch went a little south. Service was a little off. The server that took our order, Alaina, would come around every so often to check-up on us, but other servers would come over and ask to refill our waters. Twice, they forgot about Amy's water. Another time, a different server came to ask to refill our drinks, and didn't even ask Andrew what he wanted, as he was sitting in front of an empty glass. On top of the missed drinks, our table sat for over 50 minutes after ordering before we had food come to the table. We actually measured it by two or three rounds of drinks for some. While I understand a new restaurant might have some service issues to start off with, this was a little much.

Once our food did make it to the table, we were all fairly hungry and even a little tipsy. Our friend Chris ordered the Classic Benedict ($8.95). This traditional entree was served with a large ham steak in the middle of the benedict. Chris told me that since he lives on the East side near Cafe Hollander, this benedict was much better. While the ham was large, the egg on top easily covered it, and the Hollandaise sauce was nicely prepared—buttery with a hint of lemon to hit you in the corner of your jaw. Although he was hoping the the signature breakfast potatoes that could be found at the other restaurants, the hash browns were nicely prepared.

His wife, Neha, ordered the Market Omelet ($9.95). I am not sure how many eggs when into this one, but the omelet itself was huge. Taking up nearly half the plate, this fluffy egg dish was filled with sauteed mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes and cheddar cheese. Neha said she really enjoyed the omelet, but could not finish it all. It was just too much. Served with a side of toast and hash browns, I can see why she would have some difficulty eating the entire entree.

Sara ordered the Portobello Benedict ($9.95). Unsure if she was going to like the Hollandaise, she asked for it on the side. What I thought was nice about this dish was not only was the English muffin home-made, but the roasted portobello mushrooms were joined with grilled tomato slices and sauteed spinach. Taking one taste of this scrumptious dish, Sara instantly loved the Hollandaise, and used every last drop as she could. As the other dishes, this brunch entree was served with a side of the hash browns.

Andrew ordered the Biscuits and Gravy ($9.95). When the plate came out the table, I was surprised by the color of the gravy. I knew that it was made with chorizo, but the red-orange color threw me off. He let me try one bite, and I have to say, it was amazing. I really enjoyed how the gravy, poached egg and black pepper basil biscuits tasted all together. I was thinking that I could have ordered that and would have been happy with my decision. Andrew said that he really liked the spice and heat in the dish. He didn't even need to add hot sauce, which he likes to do from time to time.

Amy, our fearless friend who got their early, went a different route with her brunch entree. She ordered an "appetizer" of Breakfast Poutine ($8.95) and a side of fruit ($2.95). Now was is poutine you might ask? I had heard of it once before, but it originated in Quebec, Canada and is making it way across the US. The dish consists of French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with brown gravy. The Cafe Benelux version adds two poached eggs to the mix. If there was ever a brunch item that was so "bad" for you, but tasted so good—this is that item. (I now know why Amy ordered the side of fruit as well). The crunchiness of the fries is covered by the smooth gravy with the warm, gooey curds adding a zing of saltiness to each bite. I called this an "appetizer" because the portion is large enough for two people's brunch entrees. Amy ended up taking a good portion home with her.

I wanted to try a little of everything. I ordered the Hodge Podge ($11.95). Staring off with a large portion of hash browns, this dish took something of every dish and put it into one: melted cheddar cheese, bacon, sausage, poached eggs and topped with the chorizo cream gravy and pico de gallo. The photo to the right doesn't do this plate justice. It is a massive amount of food. And what it brings to the table with size, it delivers even more on flavor. Obviously, the chorizo cream gravy is amazing, and the hash browns were a good base. The other flavors (egg, sausage, bacon and cheese) could make this one of my favorite brunch items. I just wish it would have made it out to the table sooner.

All-in-all, Cafe Benelux brings the traditional items and flair a Lowlands Group restaurant is known for to the Third Ward. There is something for everyone on the menu, and the view from the roof top patio is something no one else offers in that section of the city. While we all decided to split the check (because of all the drinks), we ended up paying about $23 per person. While that is a little on the high side, a normal outing of one drink and one entree should run you around $17 per person. One thing to note is that Cafe Benelux has partnered with the Milwaukee Public Market for parking. So, park there, and you can get your ticket validated at the host stand for free parking downtown. Now that is a huge plus. With any new restaurant, I am sure this brunch spot will go through it's growing pains. I just hope they correct the service problems soon—this is brunch is a must for any one wanting to experience a view like no other downtown.

Until next time, hope you have a great week and look forward to seeing you next weekend morning!

What have been your experiences at Cafe Benelux? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments or suggest other places for me to try around Milwaukee!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Cafe Benelux (****)
346 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
A truly unique space and offering stunning views of the neighborhood

Food: ***** (awesome)
Great new entrees and I love that chorizo cream gravy

Service: ** (ok)
New restaurant. Multiple servers forgot one item or another, plus food took over 50 minutes to get to the table.

Drinks: ****
Mimosa - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Marys - *** (pretty good) inconsistently made between rounds and between people

Price: *** (pretty good)
Normally less than $20 a person with a minimal leftovers.

Friday Fun - Sunday Morning - Breakfast vs. Brunch

2011-06-03T08:45:00.008-05:00

Welcome to the summer! It's finally here, after the long, dull spring we all had to endure. Now, Sunday mornings are pretty near the top of my "Favorite Times of the Week" list (Friday happy hour takes the number one spot). My Sunday mornings have become a ritual in my house.

Step one: Wake up.

Step two: Get coffee.

Step three: Watch CBS Sunday Morning.

Step four: Go out for brunch.

One Sunday a couple of months ago, these was a story done by Mo Rocca about the competition for morning meals: Breakfast vs. Brunch. Now, obviously I am a bit biased, and you are probably too, but I thought this would be a great Friday Fun video to show. Enjoy!

(Oh yeah, CBS doesn't allow embedding of their YouTube content on other sites, so click on the video screen below to go visit it on YouTube.)

or view this video on YouTube.

Friday Fun - My Drunk Kitchen - Brunch

2011-05-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

It's Friday! Just a couple more hours left until the work day ends, and we all get to just enjoy ourselves to for two (or three) whole days! And what better way to kick back and relax than with a great YouTube video from My Drunk Kitchen. (And thanks to those on Twitter that sent me this video).

I think this video just cracks me up, reminds me why I sometimes don't like cooking, and enforces my love for mimosas. Enjoy!

Warning: Some language is not safe for work, nor for the little ones. Headphones may be required.

Thirst & Vine - Comfortable Cafe and Wine Shop

2011-05-15T08:45:00.100-05:00

If you are tired with the same, old brunch every Sunday morning, then you need to travel to Shorewood and check out Thirst & Vine. This wine shop, wine bar and restaurant is the perfect fit for those looking for an upscale brunch spot without prices that will break the bank.

Heading north on Oakland, Thirst & Vine is four blocks north of Capitol. It is located in a little strip of shops on the east side, and if you get there in the warmer months, just look for wire cafe tables and umbrellas out on the side walk. This morning, my parents joined me for brunch. We quickly found street parking right out in front of the shop.

Upon entering Thirst & Vine, you immediately get a warm, intimate feeling. The warm colors of the walls, the shelves of wine and the richly colored wood welcome you into the shop. We walked up to the wine bar to see if we could be seated. We had reservations, but we ended up showing up a couple minutes early. "No problem," the owner told us, and quickly she sat us at our table.

Carleigh our server came out and took our drink order. My mom and I both ordered mimosas ($6.50) and we all had a cup of coffee ($2). The mimosas were delivered in tall flutes with an orange slice on the side. The drink was very good. Not too pulpy and it had a nice sweetness to it. My mom and I were both very happy. And if you want to try something different, Thirst & Vine offers other brunch beverages: bellinis, screwdrivers, greyhounds, Irish coffee and even dark and stormys.

Looking over the menu, my dad immediately noticed something: none of the brunch entrées were priced over $10. This made the decision on what to order even harder.

My mom ordered the crispy prosciutto eggs benedict ($9.95). The plate came with two benedicts, and she chose to have one with the crispy prosciutto and the other with spinach and tomato. The dish looked amazing when it was brought out the table. The eggs were poached to the point of perfection—the yolks broke open and spread over the entire plate. Their homemade hollandaise sauce had a mouth-watering tang to it from the lemon juice. Not to be beat out, the English muffin was a homemade sourdough recipe and added an extra dimension of flavor to the dish. Wether it was the crispy prosciutto or the spinach and tomato, these benedicts easily can contend with the other great benedicts in the city. Served with a side of breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit, my mom was very pleased with her brunch.

My dad ordered the special of the day, huevos rancheros ($9.95). He took one bite, looked up at me and said, "you have to try this. It is simply amazing." He was right. I could take the corn in the tortilla at the base of the dish, but the melted cheese added another dimension of flavor. But what took the cake for this dish was the ranchero sauce, egg and black beans. Over all this plate was spectacular, and it was also served with the breakfast potatoes.

My dad also wanted to try something a little more traditional and offered on the regular menu as well. He chose a side of lox ($5.95). This plate brought the whole table to life with the pop of color—the pink of the smoked salmon and other colors of the fresh fruit. Coming from the Northwoods, my parents cannot get good smoked salmon all the time, so this side was a treat for him. He let my mom and I try a little of the dish, and we were all very pleased with the dish. The creaminess of the cream cheese was matched, if not surpassed, by the smoked salmon. It practically melted in your mouth. The English muffin and capers just made the dish that much more spectacular.

I looked over the menu and chose the corned beef hash ($9.95). The portion was just right for me, even if it does look like food is falling off the plate. The corned beef was obviously made in the kitchen, because there were large corned beef chunks throughout the entrée. And the breakfast potatoes were amazing. These were the same on each of the other dishes, but I wanted to describe them here. They were simply exquisite. Rosemary and puréed onions give these potatoes their signature flavor. Each bite brought a larger smile to my face. I had to stop half-way through the dish so that I could actually savor the flavors, it was that good. Served with a side of homemade (and buttered) toast, this dish was spectacular.

Think about venturing outside of your normal brunch spot and visit Thirst & Vine one Sunday. With a traditional menu made to perfection, you will not be disappointed. As an added benefit, if you need to pick up a bottle of wine for a Sunday dinner that night, the staff can help you with that as well. This restaurant is very family-friendly—I even saw some high chairs there for the little ones. For a total of about $16 per person, this restaurant is worth the trip. Be prepared for street parking, but since it's Shorewood, you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot.

Until next time, hope you have had a great start to your weekend!

What have been your experiences at Honey Pie? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments or suggest other places for me to try around Milwaukee!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Thirst & Vine (*****)
4330 N. Oakland Ave.
Shorewood, WI 53211
(414) 763-7340
thirstandvine.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Comfortable, warm and inviting bistro

Food: ***** (awesome)
Made from scratch and great authentic flavors

Serivce: ***** (awesome)
Quick and friendly

Drinks: ***** (awesome)
Mimosa - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Mary - n/a (didn't try!)

Price: ***** (awesome)
Entrées for less than $10 and overall less that $20 per person!

Milwaukee Mother's Day Brunch List 2011

2011-04-18T08:45:00.016-05:00

May is right around the corner, and with that comes warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and Mother's Day brunch. This is one of my favorite brunches, because it is the time of the year when my immediate family comes into town to celebrate this holiday. Since I usually travel to where they live around the country, I have laid claim to Mother's Day in Milwaukee.

In preparation for this year's brunch on May 8, I have selected some of my favorite places around the city to take my mom for brunch. I hope you can find a place on this list to take your family out and celebrate all that your mother has done for you.

Remember that this is a very busy brunch day in the city, so reservations anywhere are probably a good idea. When you do call to reserve your table, tell them you saw their listing here on MilwaukeeBrunchReviews.com!

Have a Happy Mother's Day and enjoy your brunch!

Andrew’s—Hotel Delafield
Think about making the trip out to Delafield and visiting Andrew’s inside The Delafield Hotel this Mother’s Day. The buffet-style brunch will feature an omlette station, steak and ham carving station along with a wide array of traditional brunch favorites. Coffee, milk and juice included in price.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$27.95 per adult
$11.95 per child 6 – 13
5 and under are free
Call for reservations.

Andrew’s—Hotel Delafield
415 Genesee St
Delafield, WI 53018
262-646-1600
thedelafieldhotel.com

Blue's Egg (Read my review)
Situated on the edge of Milwaukee on Wauwatosa, this brunch hot spot will be open for Mother's Day. Get ready to experience their spectacular brunch entrees as well as a couple of special treats.
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Prices vary. Seating on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Blue's Egg
317 N 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-299-3180
bluesegg.com
The Buffet at Potawatomi Bingo Casino
What's the best way to celebrate mom? Treat her to a fabulous meal for brunch at The Buffet. Menus will feature carving stations with herb-crusted round of beef, hickory-smoked ham, made-to-order omelets, smoked salmon eggs benedict, stuffed French toast, malted waffles and a complimentary glass of champagne.
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$24 per person (21 and older)
Call for reservations.

The Buffet at Potawatomi Bingo Casino
1721 West Canal Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-847-7780
paysbig.com/dining
Café Centraal (Read my review)
Celebrate Mother's Day for brunch at Cafe Centraal! One rose and a complimentary "Mom-osa" or a glass of champagne for all moms!
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for reservations.

Café Centraal
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Bay View, WI 53207
414-755-0378
cafecentraal.com

Café Hollander—Tosa Village (Read my review)
Celebrate Mother's Day! One rose and a complimentary "Mom-osa" or a glass of champagne for all moms!
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Call for prices and reservations.

Café Hollander
7677 W. State St.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414-475-6771
cafehollander.com/tosavillage

Envoy—Ambassador Hotel (Read my review)
While their traditional small plate brunch menu will be served, Mother’s Day brunch will have additions of a waffle station, meat carving station and omelette station. Envoy's Mother's Day brunch will surely live up to their growing reputation. Read my review.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$25.95 per adult
$14.95 per child 12 and younger.
Reservations are a must.

Envoy
2308 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-345-5015
enovymilwaukee.com

Hubbard Park Lodge
Another peaceful locale, this time located along the Milwaukee River, Hubbard Park Lodge is known for its excellent brunch and idyllic setting.
Call for reservations and prices.

Hubbard Park Lodge
3565 N. Morris Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414-332-4207
hubbardlodge.com

Il Mito (Read my Review)
Severing the normal Sunday Brunch menu, Il Mito prepares the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, plating up heaping helpings of eggs and waffles, breakfast pizzas, and more.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for reservations.

Il Mito
6917 W. North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-443-1414
ilmito.com

Kil@wat—Intercontinental Hotel (Read my Review)
A three-course brunch of delicious entrees. Each mother receives a rose and complimentary bottomless glass of sparkling wine, mimosa or special house bloody mary.
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$32 per person
Call for reservations.

Kil@wat—Intercontinental Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
414-291-4793
kilawatcuisine.com

Lake Park Bistro
Set in the midst of one of Milwaukee's finest parks on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Lake Park Bistro offers a three-course seated brunch instead of a traditional buffet. With items such as oysters and black truffle liver mousse, this one is a little pricier, but you know your mother is worth it.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Call for reservations and prices.

Lake Park Bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-962-6300
lakeparkbistro.com
Mason Street Grill
Enjoy our special a la carte menu this Easter and Mother’s Day featuring Chef Weber’s Prime Rib (English Cut 8oz or King Cut 16oz), Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Oscar and other delicious classics.
12 – 8 p.m.
Call for reservations

Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern (Read my review)
Join us Mother's Day brunch for only $19.95 for adults. This impressive buffet has a variety that is sure to please the entire family. Plus mom gets a free Mimosa!
Call for hours and prices.

Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern
1110 N. Old World Third Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414-831-8862
mollycools.com/milwaukee
Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum
We are rolling out the orange carpet for moms on Mother's Day with our all-you-can-eat brunch with kids' brunch tables. Enjoy great food, live Rock'n Roll music!
$24.95 per adult
$9.95 per child

Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum
400 Canal St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-287-2778
harley-davidson.com

Roots (Read my review)
Set up high on Hubbard Street over looking the city, treat mom to a fresh from the farm brunch this Mother's Day. The meal and the atmosphere will make any mom feel special.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Prices vary. Call for reservations

Roots
1818 N. Hubbard St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com
Thirst & Vine
Treat mom to something special like a free mimosa and a rose this Mother's Day at Thirst and Vine. Offering their regular Sunday Brunch, this Shorewood bistro and bar will make your mom feel like she is really special
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Prices vary. Call for reservations

Thirst & Vine
4330 N. Oakland Ave.
Shorewood, WI
414-763-7340
thirstandvine.com
Trocadero
Celebrate Mother's Day for brunch at Trocadero! One rose and a complimentary "Mom-osa" or a glass of champagne for all moms!
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for reservations.

Trocadero
1758 N. Water Street
MIlwaukee, WI 53202
414-272-0205
ztrocadero.com
Tulip
This Mother's Day Brunch will not disappoint. This buffet features an elegant blend of authentic Turkish breakfast dishes and American brunch favorites
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$22 per adult
Kids 7 and younger are free.

Tulip
360 E. Erie St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-273-5252
tulipmilwaukee.com

The Eatery on Farwell - Small Brunch Menu

2011-04-14T08:45:00.001-05:00

Back in March my parents came into town, and the first thing my mom wanted to know was "where are we going for brunch this time?" coming from the Northwoods, she and my dad enjoy coming to Milwaukee to brunch with me and try out new places. I did not want to disappoint them, so we ventured out on a cold, rainy Sunday morning to The Eatery on Farwell. Advertising brunch served everyday, I thought this would be great place to visit. (The photo featured is from EatingMilwaukee.com. Another great food blog that suggested I go to this restaurant to check out their brunch. I highly recommend checking out their blog and reviews. Their photography is amazing, and their posts are very in depth!)

I had been to the building which currently houses The Eatery when it was two different restaurants by other names. I always remembered the odd parking situation on the north side of the building. However when I drove past trying to find a paring spot, I noticed that the once severly angled parking lot was now a gorgeous patio! Unfortunately, that meant we had to circle the blocks in the neighborhood to find a parking spot. I should have known "on Farwell" is synonymous with "street parking." Heading south on Farwell, The Eatery sits on the left hand side of the street. Upon entering the space, you are treated by a kind hostess, large wooden bench and many historical photos of the City of Milwaukee. Off to the right hand side of the restaurant is a large, old-time looking bar. To the left was the dining room with tile floors, wooden tables and large windows looking out over the street.

We took our seats and our server, Marie, came over and explained to us the specials of the day. However, because of the space, it was very hard to hear her, and I was sitting right next to her. My mom ordered a great toddy ($7). This hot tea drink has brandy for that brunch beverage kick and a little honey as well for sweetness. The drink was a great way to warm up on such a dreary day. Andrew ordered a bloody mary ($7.50), and thought the add-ins were overflowing, the drink wasn't that spicy. In ordered my usual: coffee ($2.25), water and mimosa ($7). The mimosa was good— to no pulp and sweet. My dad just ordered a coffee. We ordered our food soon thereafter.

My dad ordered the Mac and Cheese ($8) and a cup of Andouille Chicken Chili ($3) to be delivered to the table first (not pictured). The chicken chili was very good. The spiciness of the andouille was cut by the creaminess of the chili. The flavors gave me a nice warm feeling—exactly what I needed for such a dreary day. The mac and cheese was served on a large place. The cheese was rich and flavorful, and we really don't remember the three different types of cheeses used, but they were very good. I took one quick bite before my dad took the plate back to enjoy this all for himself.

My mom and Andrew ordered the special of the day, Short Rib Benedict ($10.50). This plate looked amazing when it was brought out to the table. Sitting on home-made English muffins, the short ribs were like butter. They melted in my mouth when I was able to grab a bite . The poached eggs were covered on hollandaise and barbecue sauces. This flavor combination was very unique. However, I was not a fan of the plate, because I really do not care for barbecue all that much. Andrew and my mom did like the flavors though. They did also say that they would have liked a little more potatoes on the side.

I looked over the menu and decided upon The Eatery Classic ($8.50). I mean if the dish has the name of the restaurant, how can one go wrong. It is two grill-fried pork chops covered in presto and served with two basted eggs, potatoes and two pieces of toast. The plate looked very appetizing when it was presented. But, once I picked up my fork and tried to figure out how to eat the dish, things became a little more complicated. I didn't really know where to start. Each item was separate from each other. Do I start with the pesto pork chops and the eggs? Wait for the eggs after the pork chops? It was just a little overwhelming. I decided to take it one at a time, starting with the pork chops. The flavor of the pork and pesto were truthfully stupendous. I could not get enough of them, but once they were gone, I was stuck eating the eggs with toast and potatoes with ketchup.

Overall it was a great to spend time with my parents and Andrew. However, the restaurant itself was rather noisy and with our server being so quiet, it was hard to truly enjoy our surroundings. Also, we all noticed the menu lacking a large brunch entree variety. Other than the special, there are no benedicts! Although The Eatery markets itself as serving brunch daily, their selection is only from small portion of their large menu. The somewhat lack of parking is understandable given the location, however for almost $20 a person, I would like to come back for a lunch or dinner to check out the full menu and atmosphere.

UPDATE: The Eatery on Farwell has launched a brand new menu with an expanded breakfast/brunch section. There are several benedicts on there. Also, they have secured a small parking lot just North of the building. I recently went back for another event, and these improvements really help! I would highly recommend going in and checking them out!

What have been your experiences at The Eatery on Farwell? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments or suggest other places for me to try around Milwaukee!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

The Eatery on Farwell (***)
2014 N. Farwell
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 220-1110
theeateryonfarwell.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: Starting at 9 a.m.
Monday - Friday: Starting at 7 a.m.

Atmosphere: ** (ok)
Inviting and large, but noisy

Food: *** (pretty good)
Entrees are authentic and not like any other brunch in the city!

Service: ** (ok)
Our server was so shy, timid and quiet

Drinks: **** - (pretty good)
Mimosa - **** (very good, a little too much pulp for me)
Bloody Mary - *** (great with the add-ins but needed more spice.)
Great Toddy - **** (a nice addition for a brunch beverage)

Price: ** (ok)
Nearly $20 per person is near the top of price points in the city, and we weren't sure the price was truly worth our experience.

Milwaukee Easter Brunch List 2011

2011-04-11T08:45:00.018-05:00

Easter Sunday is April 24, 2011 and several Milwaukee restaurants will be ready to serve you and your family! And perhaps there may even be another furry visitor at some brunches. Search below to find the perfect restaurant for your Easter brunch. Whether a cozy morning brunch for two or the whole family, an effortless Easter meal is just a few clicks away, so hop to it!

Also, be sure to mention that you saw the listing here on MilwaukeeBrunchReviews.com when you make your reservation!

Andrew’s—Hotel Delafield
Think about making the trip out to Delafield and visiting Andrew’s inside The Delafield Hotel. The buffet-style brunch will feature an omlette station, steak and ham carving station along with a wide array of traditional brunch favorites. Coffee, milk and juice included in price.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$29.95 per adult
$19.95 per child 6 – 13
5 and under are free
Call for reservations.

Andrew’s—Hotel Delafield
415 Genesee St
Delafield, WI 53018
262-646-1600
thedelafieldhotel.com
Blue's Egg (Read my review)
Situated on the edge of Milwaukee on Wauwatosa, this brunch hot spot will be open on Easter Sunday. Get ready to experience their spectacular brunch entrees as well as a couple of special treats.
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Prices vary. Seating on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Blue's Egg
317 N 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-299-3180
bluesegg.com

Boerner Botanical Gardens
Experience brunch by Bartolotta's at the Boerner Botanical Garden. Enjoy a delectable spread of gourmet fare in the midst of nature's finest. There might just be a Peter Rabbit sighting here as well!
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Call for reservations and prices.

Boerner Botanical Gardens
9400 Boerner Dr.
Hales Corners, WI 53130
414-525-5635
boernerbotanicalgardens.org
Brookfield Suites Hotel and Convention Center
Bring the family out for a buffet-style brunch, featuring a wide assortment of gourmet and traditional breakfast and lunch fare prepared in-house.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$24.95 per adult
$9.95 per child under 12
Kids 5 and under eat free.
Call to make reservations.

Brookfield Suites Hotel
1200 S. Moorland Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-782-2900
brookfieldsuiteshotel.com
The Buffet at Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Gather your family and head to The Buffet this Easter for a feast like no other! This outstanding all-you-can-eat buffet will feature lamb, chicken, carved ham and round of beef. In addition to these traditional favorites, brunch will have waffles, French toast and made-to-order omelets, and dinner will offer a pasta bar. Plus, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. Save room for dessert because the Easter bunny is sure to leave a treat for you.
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$24 per person (21 and over only)

The Buffet at Potawatomi Bingo Casino
1721 West Canal Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-847-7780
paysbig.com/dining
Cafe Hollander—Tosa Village (Read my review)
The entire family will enjoy this Easter Bunny Brunch set in the heart of Tosa Village.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Call for prices and reservations.

Cafe Hollander
7677 W. State St.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414-475-6771
cafehollander.com/tosavillage
Coast
From salmon filets and lobster ravioli to eggs benedicts and made to order omelets, you'll love the delicious offerings including a Create Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$38 per adult
$16 per child

Coast
931 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-727-5555
coastrestaurant.com
Devon Seafood Grill
With an indulgent menu focused on superior quality seafood, Devon Seafood Grill crafts its dishes with exacting standards & pampers its guests in a comfortable atmosphere. Reservations are recommended

Devon Seafood and Grill
5715 N. Bayshore Drive
Glendale, WI 53217
414-967-9790
devonseafood.com
Envoy—Ambassador Hotel (Read my review)
While their traditional small plate brunch menu will be served, Easter Brunch will have additions of an omelette station and ham, lamb or roast beef carving stations. Read my review.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$25.95 per adult
$14.95 per child 12 and younger.
Reservations are a must.

Envoy
2308 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-345-5015
ambassadormilwaukee.com
Hubbard Park Lodge
Another peaceful locale, this time located along the Milwaukee River, Hubbard Park Lodge is known for its excellent brunch and idyllic setting.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
$24.95 per adult
$11.95 per child 12 and younger.
Children under 2 eat free.
Reservations are a must.

Hubbard Park Lodge
3565 N. Morris Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414-332-4207
hubbardlodge.com
Il Mito (Read my review)
Severing the normal Sunday Brunch menu, Il Mito prepares the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, plating up heaping helpings of eggs and waffles, breakfast pizzas, and more.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for reservations.

Il Mito
6917 W. North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-443-1414
ilmito.com
Kil@wat—Intercontinental Hotel (Read my Review)
In addition to our regular breakfast menu, enjoy Chef Z’s delicious Easter specials including Steak and Eggs, Roast Leg of Lamb, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Honey Glazed Ham Steak.
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Prices vary. Call for reservations.

Kil@wat—Intercontinental Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
414-291-4793
kilawatcuisine.com
Lake Park Bistro
Set in the midst of one of Milwaukee's finest parks on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Lake Park Bistro offers a three-course seated brunch instead of a traditional buffet.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$37.95 per adult
$15.95 per child 12 and under.
Call for reservations and prices.

Lake Park Bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-962-6300
lakeparkbistro.com
Mason Street Grill
Enjoy our special a la carte menu this Easter featuring Chef Weber’s Prime Rib (English Cut 8oz or King Cut 16oz), eggs benedict, crab cake oscar and other delicious classics.
12 – 8 p.m.
Prices vary. Call for reservations

Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
Polaris (Bistro 333)—Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Offering amazing skyline views, the revolving Polaris Restaurant & Lounge reopens Easter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main highlights of the buffet-style feast include Honey Glazed Pit Ham, Slow Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Prime Rib, Cajun Red Snapper, Herb Crusted Chicken Breast, Belgian waffle and designer omelet stations, plus dozens of creative sides, salads and housemade desserts. Colorfully dyed Easter eggs and candy will also be staged for young guests.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$39 per adult
$19 per child 12 and under
Call for reservations.

Bistro 333—Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
333 W. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414-270-6130
bistro333milwaukee.com
The Rouge—Pfister Hotel
A Milwaukee classic, The Rouge offers one of the finest Sunday brunches set in a historic dining room. Over 40 unforgettable items including carving stations, made to order pasta and omelette stations, fresh fruit and cheese and a decadent dessert display. Mimosas and bloody mary bar included in the price
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for prices and reservations.

The Rouge—Pfister Hotel
424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-390-3830
thepfisterhotel.com
Tulip
This Easter Brunch will not disappoint. This buffet features an elegant blend of authentic Turkish breakfast dishes and American brunch favorites.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$22 per adult
Kids 7 and younger are free.

Tulip
360 E. Erie St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-273-5252
tulipmilwaukee.com

Brunch Photo Contest - Congratulations!

2011-04-08T09:45:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Adam Arcus who with 18 likes of his photo of the Trocadero Omelette and rosemary potatoes has won the Lookin' Good—You Be the Judge Brunch Photo Contest! He will receive a $25 gift certificate to Trocadero!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and especially to those who voted on the Milwaukee Brunch Reviews Facebook page.

If you enjoyed this contest or have any other suggestions on the next contest I should offer, let me know in the comments below!

Have a great Friday, and happy brunching this weekend, Milwaukee!

Antigua - An International Brunch

2011-03-24T09:45:00.005-05:00

Wisconsin in early Spring. It's never my favorite time of the year. If I had a some extra cash laying around, I would hop on the next flight south and enjoy the sunshine and food of Latin or South America. Luckily for those of us on a budget, we can still get that amazing food. Antigua is new to the brunch scene, but what it offers cannot be beat.

Heading south on 60th Street into West Allis, Antigua is on the corners of 58th and Burnham Streets and Beloit Road. The cold, dreary day meant nothing to my friends and I as we walked into the restaurant. Painted in vivid, bright, warm colors, the restaurant is cozy and inviting. The windows bring in a lot of natural light and with the dismal weather outside, I was pleased to sit with my back to them.

We were seated immediately, and our server, Rosy greeted our table and took our drink order. Andrew ordered a bloody mary, but our server kindly explained that the restaurant did not offer them for their Sunday brunch. I think this should be re-evaluated for future brunches. He asked what would be a good brunch-type drink, and Rosy told him about the sangria ($6.50). Our friends, David and Jason were a long as well, and they both ordered orange juice ($2.49 each), while I ordered my usual, coffee ($2.29), water and mimosa. However, Rosy told me that they did not offer a "traditional" mimosa. Instead, they offer Agua de Valencia ($7.50) which is a cocktail
made with base of Spanish cava or champagne, orange juice, and vodka. It was delicious, and Andrew really enjoyed his sangria as well. While not "traditional" brunch drinks, we weren't in a traditional American restaurant. We all decided to go with the flow and look over the menu.

We ordered and while we waited for our food to come to the table, Rosy brought out a complementary appetizer. Rather than a typical chips and salsa served at the table, we were amazed to see the plate: a potato croquette, mango quesadilla, and a cheese and pork empanada, served with an amazing red salsa. There were exactly one of each for each of us at the table, and they were all exquisite. This was a great appetizer to help wake up our table to prepare for our entrees. We watched as other tables were sat and greeted with this same plate—each time prepared for how many people were at the table. What a great, welcoming plate.

Andrew ordered the Chilaquiles ($10.25). This plate is shown as one of Mexico’s cure for a hang over, Chilaquiles are made with crispy tortilla chips, smothered in a red salsa. This makes the tortilla soft and moist. They are garnished with fresh crumbling cheese, and sour cream to cool off the heat. Served with grilled beef strips, and a side of refried beans, this plate is definitely worth the trip. The flavors remind me of eating from a food stand in Mexico City, very down-to-earth comfort food. I think I was able to steal a couple bites from Andrew's plate before he stopped me.

David decided to check out the Anitgua Burger ($8.59). This hearty burger is topped with melted Manchego cheese, sliced avocado and chipotle mayo. The patty was obviously hand-made and had the aroma of backyard barbeque. The small sliver I was able to try was really good. I would recommend checking out this burger even for a mid-week lunch. And to add to the Latin American flare, rather than traditional fries from potatoes, they were yucca fries.

Jason took one look at the menu and called out, "I want those!" He ordered the Latin Cakes ($7.25), and when the plate arrived at the table, it looked as if he ordered dessert. These small moresels of moist pound cake are coated with coconut flakes and topped with powdered sugar. A very sweet and tropical take on a traditional French toast. And if that wasn't enough, they are served with a side of strawberry sauce. If you are looking for a sugar rush or have children, this plate is a must-try!

I decided to check out the Perico Venezolano ($7.25). This dish from Venezuela, literally means parrot, Rosy informed us. The dish is scrambled eggs with tomatoes, bell peppers and onions in a small bowl and served with arepas. The arepas are similar to empanadas but have a more cornmeal-like exterior. These were filled with pulled pork, I believe, and I used the egg dish as a topping and ate with my hands. I think it was the correct way, because the flavors were so good—nothing like anything else I have ever tasted for a brunch item. I was really impressed.

At the end of the meal, we noticed that Rosy and the other server were the only two in the front of the restaurant. They were the only ones seating guests, taking orders, bussing tables and making drinks. She stopped and talked to us and answered our questions about the restaurant. She was very friendly and told us about the Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare specials the restaurant offers throughout the week.

So, if you wake up one Sunday morning and want to break out the norm, think about heading to Antigua in West Allis for brunch. While the names might be confusing for some, the flavors will not disappoint. At roughly $15 per person, Antigua is not going to break the bank by any means, and with parking on the street or in the small lot in front of the restaurant, you won't have to worry about metered parking like in downtown. So, don't worry about your passport, just come with an open-mind and an empty stomach and enjoy a brunch at Antigua!

Until next time, hope you have a great week and look forward to seeing you next weekend morning!

What have been your experiences at Antigua? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments or suggest other places for me to try around Milwaukee!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Antigua (****½)
5823 W. Burnham St.
West Allis, WI 53219
(414) 321-5775
antiguamilwaukee.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Bright, warm, inviting

Food: **** (very good)
Entrees are authentic and not like any other brunch in the city!

Service: ***** (awesome)
Friendly, honest and knowledgeable of menu items

Drinks: ***½ - (pretty good)
Mimosa - **** (very good, a little too much pulp for me)
Bloody Mary - n/a (but they should offer one... just because it is Milwaukee)
Sangria - ****

Price: **** (very good)
Around $15 a person that will leave you full and wanting to come back again.

Lookin' Good—You Be the Judge

2011-02-24T09:15:00.003-06:00

To celebrate the one year anniversary of blogging about brunch in Milwaukee, I am giving away a $25 restaurant gift certificate through the Lookin' Good—You be the Judge Brunch Photo Contest.

Lookin' Good!
Go out and brunch at any Milwaukee restaurant between February 26 and March 27, order your favorite brunch item and take a photo of it. Upload that photo to the Milwaukee Brunch Review's Facebook page. Be sure to include the name of the dish and how much it costs along with the name of the restaurant.

You be the Judge!

Between March 28 and April 7, check out the photo album on the Facebook page and "like" your favorite photo! The photo with the most likes at 8 p.m. on April 7 will win a $25 gift certificate to that restaurant where the dish is from! It's that simple!

Start gathering your friends, pick out your favorite restaurant and go out for brunch! And who knows, you could win $25 for it. So, have a great weekend, and happy brunching!

Please note that this contest is being run solely by myself and is not affiliated with any restaurant. You must have a Facebook account to participate in this contest (but if you don't have one, you must be living under a rock.) All photos must be uploaded to the Milwaukee Brunch Reviews Facebook page by midnight on March 27. Voting begins at noon on March 28. It would be really cool if you became a fan of Milwaukee Brunch Reviews on Facebook as well, however that is not a requirement of this content. Winner will be notified by email or Facebook message. If you have any questions regarding the contest, please list them in the comments of this post or post them on the Facebook Fan page.

Chili Lilis - Southwestern Menu, Midwest Service

2011-02-03T10:23:00.000-06:00

Today's post is from Nicole Adrian, a writer by day and a local food blogger for On My Table Blog on the side. She enjoys to cook, eat, drink and write about those experiences! Check out her blog or follow her on Twitter, @OnMyTableBlog.

Search around the Third Ward and find Chili Lili's. This restaurant, named after the owner's mom, Lillian, shops locally when they can and are very fussy about what they put in their guest's food. According to their website, "our Chili is low in fat and high in protein, which means it’s good for you. Offering seven to twelve different types of meaty and vegetarian chilies, we are sure we will have a chili to please all palettes."

She was out with her husband and two friends. Here's how she described her experience.

Paul got the Menomonee Street Magma Chili with habanero cheese omlette ($9), which is pretty much what it sounds like—a plain egg omlette with chili inside. The omlettes came with hash browns, too.

Lori opted for the Texas steak chili and grits ($9), which I thought Nate would order (he's a sucker for grits!). It looked really good, and seemed like something different than you would find on a lot of brunch menus.

Nate ordered the breakfast burrito ($8.50). He originally wanted the southwest roasted corn chicken chili, but they didn't have it. So he got the buffalo chicken chili instead (think classic chicken wing flavor). The chili was wrapped in a huge tortilla with eggs, habanero cheese, onions and a trio of peppers, and came with hash browns. The burrito was really good (I think I liked this a bit better than what I ordered). I think the type of chili he ended up with really made it.

I ordered the omlette with vegetarian chili ($9), goat cheese (like Nate is a sucker for grits, I'm a sucker for goat cheese) and tomatoes. It was good, but it definitely needed some hot sauce to kick it up a bit (luckily, each table has a few bottles of different hot sauces). I wish it had had some more goat cheese, but there was just a bit crumbled at the top. I, too, had hash browns, which were nice and brown but a bit greasy.

Check out the full review on Nicole's blog. I know that I will be stopping in there soon to check it out myself!

What have been your experiences at Chili Lili's? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Chili Lili's (***½)

525 East Menomonee Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 897-0555

chilililis.com

Brunch hours:

Saturday and Sunday: beginning at 11 a.m.

Atmosphere: **½ (pretty good)

It's a cool place, love the windows and plenty of natural light.

Food: **½ (pretty good)

Service: **** (very good)

Drinks: **½ (pretty good)

Bloody Mary - **½ (pretty good)

Mimosa - n/a (didn't try)

Price: **** (very good)

Stonefly Brewery - Come One, Come All

2011-01-27T09:45:00.000-06:00

It's not very often that you will see me in the Riverwest neighborhood. No ill feelings—I just never make it there to check out that side of town. However, after several conversations with friends from the neighborhood and some followers on Twitter, I ventured to check out Stonefly Brewing Co. and their brunch. I had heard some good things about their food, especially since the Best Vegan/Vegetarian Brunch question a couple weeks a go. So, I called up my resident expert/vegetarian friend, Sara, planned an outing and got ready to experience this neighborhood brunch spot.

Driving through the Riverwest neighborhood is like driving through a time-capsule. There is so much history from every era of the city crammed within these blocks. It's obviously a great neighborhood for UWM students to live in, and there are some great stores, coffee shops and bars to check out. However, this outing was dedicated to Stonefly Brewing Company. Andrew came along with me on this brunch outing as well, and I have to say, it was very easy to find parking. Located on the southwest corner of Center and Fratney, Stonefly Brewing Company has a large, welcoming front door area. The entryway looks like it has it's arms open, about to embrace you as you walk into the space. And once you do step inside, it stepping from a small, intimate space to a large bar and dining area. Walking over to the bar, we met up with Sara and quickly grabbed a table by the window.

We caught up with each other, since we haven't seen each other for brunch in our outing at Transfer Pizzeria. We got some menus from our server, Jessica, and we ordered our drinks. Andrew and Sara each ordered a Stonefly Bloody ($7.50). The drinks were great. They had a nice mixture of flavor, heat and vodka. To make the bloody extra special, each drink was topped with pickled a carrot coin, green bean, mushroom, cauliflower, pickle and wedges of lemon and lime. Stonefly also provided their own lager beer as a chaser, and although the presentation in a pilsner glass was unique, the beer itself was a little watery. I decided to get my usual mimosa ($6), however I was tempted to get the Rise-N-Shine (which is the same from Ginger). My mimosa was good, however, the orange juice had a little too much pulp in to for me, and the champagne was too bitter. I think the drink just needed some more Triple Sec. To go along with all of our alcoholic drinks we each had a cup of Alterra coffee ($2).

Browsing over the menu, we made our orders. Sara decided on a Veggie Burger Bene ($9). These little burgers came out on nicely toasted English muffins. Sara and I agreed that the patties were hand made and cooked to perfection. Even better?! Sara asked that the Hollandaise sauce come in a separate cup, and it did with more than enough to drizzle, dunk or douse the entire plate with this rich, creamy, tangy sauce. Not being a huge fan of eggs, I love Hollandaise sauce, and this stuff was incredible. Served with a small side of hash browns, this dish was a great vegetarian option. On a side, looking over the menu, there are several items on there that either are or can be offered as vegetarian items. Anyone looking for a great spot for vegetarian brunch options, this is a place to check out.

Andrew ordered the Red Eye Burrito ($8). When this dish was delivered to the table, his jaw dropped. This monster of a burrito is served with a choice of bacon or smoked tofu and is stuffed with scrambled eggs, hash browns and sauteed onions. Using some of the house brew, a home-made beer cheese sauce is then drizzled over this massive flour-tortilla-wrapped brunch behemoth. And to top it all off, in case you think you couldn't possibly cram any more carbs on this plate, two pieces of toast are perilously perched on the edge of the plate. Andrew chowed down on this like a champ. I was able to get one taste in, and I have to say, it was really good. One of the top three burritos I have had for brunch in Milwaukee. I really want to get back here to have one of these for myself.

I decided upon a different type of brunch item. Something I have never seen on a menu before: Pulled Pork and Biscuits ($8.50). The menu described the biscuits to be home-made, however I think they may have come out of a package with a little white doughboy on the wrapper. They were flaky, pulled apart in nice little sheets and were delicious. The pork itself was coated in BBQ sauce and the additions of tomato slices helped balance the smokiness of the sauce. Served with two fried eggs on the side, this dish is not your typical brunch item, and while I am glad I tried it, I would love to try another interesting dish the next time I visit. Perhaps the Carrot Bread French Toast? Only if I have a huge sweet tooth, Jessica, our server, warned.

Stonefly Brewing Company is nestled into the neighborhood that clearly supports it. While sitting at the table, Andrew, Sara and I saw people walking their dogs, getting on the bus and even stepping out of the Audis with a fur coat on and stopping in for brunch. This place is that open and welcoming for all. No matter who you bring in, even your vegetarian friends will find plenty on this menu to sample. For around $17 per person, Stonefly Brewing Company is a great brunch option, wether it's Saturday or Sunday morning—they open at 10 a.m. each day. So, don't get stuck going to your same brunch spot this weekend. Instead check out some original items and welcoming atmosphere of Stonefly!

What have been your experiences at Stonefly Brewing Company? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Stonefly Brewing Company (****½)
735 East Center Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 264-3630
stoneflybrewery.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: **** (very good)
Large, open and inviting with huge windows and plenty of natural light.

Food: ***** (awesome)
Tons of options

Service: **** (very good)
Attentive, friendly and knowledgable

Drinks: *** (pretty good)
Bloody Mary - **** (very good)
Mimosa - ** (ok)

Price: **** (very good)
A little more than $15 a person and with some different food items, it's worth the price.

Horny Goat Hideaway - Left wanting more

2010-11-22T09:45:00.001-06:00

Recently, I had the chance to go to the Horny Goat Hideaway for the Fox6 Days of Dining presented by Milwaukeefood.com. The week day lunch was good, and the best part was I was given a "buy one, get one" brunch coupon! I gathered up some friends a couple weeks later and we headed down to the Hideaway to check out their brunch.

Traveling south on First Street, the Hideaway really is just that—hidden away. Surrounded by light industrial plants, this old pump house sits on the Kinnickinnic River. Before open in the spring of 2010, the owners build a large outside bar house, seating area and volley ball courts. In the summer, this was a great hangout by many people. The main building has a small kitchen and first floor seating area, with a larger second floor that looks down to the first floor dining area.

Joining me on this brunch outing were Andrew, Tony and Chris. We met at the Hideaway and were quickly sat next to the window looking into the brewing area. Our server, Angel, came over to our table and explained the menu and took our drink order. He also told us that for $10, we could a get all-you-can-drink bloody mary or mimosa. Chris and Andrew ordered bloody marys and coffees, while Tony and I ordered mimosas and coffee. Angel did tell Chris and Andrew that the bloody marys would not come with the traditional add-ons, only a lemon and lime wedge. They said it was ok, and we waited for our drinks. Our coffees came very quickly, but were all served in paper cups, which we all found to be an interesting choice. Our other beverages took some more time to come to the table. We were unable to see what the hold up was—the bar or our server, but the wait was a little longer than normal. Then again, when we finally did get our drinks, the refills took less time. Andrew and Chris said their bloodys were just ok. There was no real spice, heat or texture to them. The lemon and lime wedges didn't add anything more to the drink, and Andrew even commented that they weren't necessary. Tony and my mimosa couldn't have been more different. Served in traditional champagne flutes, these mimosa were amazing—sweet and a little tart with no pulp.

We ordered our food and waited for it to arrive, we looked around the space some more and ordered a second round of drinks. Angel did talk to us about the space and what it offered in the summer. He even said that the volleyball courts might be flooded in the winter, so that the brew house could offer ice skating as well. "Hey, if you have the space back there, you may as well use it, right?"

Once our food came out, we all dove in. Chris and Andrew both ordered the eggs benedict ($9). Quickly glancing at the plate, it seemed like the dish would be very good. However, they both agreed, the plate was missing some important items. The poached eggs were overdone and not runny. Also, the key to the dish, the Hollandaise sauce, was missing the acidity. It was more of a creamy butter sauce and left the rest of the plate rather dull. The one redeeming item on the plate was the shaved ham and prosciutto. But, in order to offer a better entree, I would suggest skipping the prosciutto and working on the Hollandaise sauce. Chris and Andrew agreed that although the plate looked good at first, it left them wanting more flavor in the end.

Tony ordered the biscuits and gravy ($8). When the plate hit the table, all of us were in shock. It looked like the cooks completely forgot his order until right at the end, and threw some food on a plate before the server left the kitchen. Getting over the lack of plating, the food had much more flavor than the benedict. The gravy was thick and rich with chunks of sausage spread throughout. The scalloped potatoes were very good as well. Rich and creamy, the small portion worked well for Tony, but anyone else would have been left hungry want wanting more.

Since the rest of the table ordered what I had wanted originally, I scanned the menu in hopes of finding something different. I chose the huevos rancheros ($9). As the plate was being set down on the table, I was pleasantly surprised with my choice. The three eggs done over easy looked as if they were in the center of a sun with the wedges of tortilla fanning out as the rays. With my first bite, the mixture of black beans and chorizo was accented by cinnamon! It was something quite unexpected. I asked around the table to see if anyone would like to try my dish, and they all said, no. Secretly smiling on the inside, I enjoyed this dish right to the end.

Overall the experience left my table wanting something more. The drink specials was great and if you want to sit back and enjoy the game on several big screens, then the Horny Goat Hideaway has to be on your list to check out. For around $20 per person (with the drink special), this brew house had some inconsistencies in food and service. With a large parking lot and boat slips for the nautical reader, this place would be great in the summer for their patio. However, for a brunch spot, this hideaway needs to iron out a few wrinkles in food and service.

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at the Horny Goat Hideaway? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Horny Goat Hideaway (**½)
2011 South First Street
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 482-GOAT
hghideaway.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good)
Mixing the old pump house with the new construction outside gives the Hideaway a modern outdoor dining or social setting

Food: ** (ok)
Some items were better than others. Needs to work on consistency between items.

Service: ** (ok)
Friendly, but had not tried anything on the menu. Drinks and food took some time to come to the table.

Drinks: ***
Mimosa - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Mary - ** (ok) Missing flavor, spice or heat, plus no mix-ins

Price: *** (pretty good)
With the drink special and brunch coupon, this spot is best fit for those that want to get away and watch the game.

Comet Cafe - Slow, Local Food

2010-11-15T09:45:00.004-06:00

One Sunday morning, I made plans to get out to brunch with some other foodies of Milwaukee. Lori and Paul of Burp! blog and I decided we wanted to check out a staple of Milwaukee's brunch culture, Comet Cafe.

Located on Farwell Avenue on Milwaukee's Eastside, Comet is a great neighborhood diner. When walking up to the door on the corner, you can see the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. People are out walking, biking and driving around. When walking into the restaurant, the wrap-around counter and booths give the interior a warm and comfortable feeling—almost like you know the comfort food coming your way is going to be spectacular.

Andrew and I met Paul and Lori at Comet Cafe. We walked in and wrote our name on the waiting list (similar to Honeypie, since they are sister restaurants). Since waiting space is limited inside, we walked out and caught up while standing on the sidewalk. This seems to the be trend on nice weather days. We got to see other people coming and meeting friends there before walking in. It shows that Comet really is the hub of the neighborhood on Sunday mornings. After about 10 minutes, we were walked in and sat at a booth.

Looking over the menu, our server, Adam, came up and took our drink order. Paul, Lori and Andrew each ordered a bloody mary ($7), coffee ($2.25) and water. I also ordered water and coffee, but chose a Sconnie-mimosa ($7) instead. The bloody marys are made with vodka and a touch of Guiness. Served with a garnish of olive, mushroom and strip of bacon, this bloody was a hit at our table. The tiny Miller High Life as a chaser was good as well. My Sconnie-mosa is a take off of the traditional mimosa that I normally get. As a part of the orange juice and champagne, this drink also includes Door County cranberry wine. Served over ice in a pint glass, this drink is simply amazing. I made sure it lasted throughout the entire meal.

We ordered our food and waited some time for it to reach the table. As a disclaimer on the menu, the management reminds customers that the restaurant's mission "is to make good, basic food from scratch... Today we live our lives fast: we eat fast, and we're surronded by the same fast food—in every place, on ever highway, in every city. So [Comet] makes [it's] 'slow' good from the ground up!" They take a lot of care in making food for each customer by using fresh, seasonal ingredients characteristic of the Midwest. Even on their website, Comet Cafe wears the badge of "slow food" with pride. We all at the table agreed that the company and conversation kept the brunch moving along, but it does take some time for the food to come to the table.

Once we were served, our eyes were dazzled by all the food on the table. Lori ordered off the specials menu, the Vincent Price ($9). Seeing how the specials usually include the freshest, local ingredients, her plate looked delicious. It was an omelette filled with arugula, ham and gruyere cheese and topped off with a creamy beet sauce. Accompanying this masterpiece on the plate were a serving of hashbrowns and wheat toast. I was able to sneak one taste from Lori's plate, and it was so good. The earthiness of the beet sauce and arugula was complimented so nicely with the smokiness of the ham and creaminess of the cheese. I can see why it is a good thing to check out the specials menu before looking over the menu. This dish really took the restaurant's mission to heart!

Paul ordered the Comet benedict ($7.50) with a side of bacon ($2). This unique benedict takes a huge, fluffy biscuit and adds sausage and a poached egg, then smothers on gravy and sprinkles cheese. Although it was a unique combination of flavors, I am not sure why the dish is called a benedict. Since there is no Hollandaise sauce, what I would consider to the be signature ingredient of a benedict plate, this dish reminded more of a biscuits and gravy entree with a poached egg. Sadly, when the plate was delivered, Paul did not receive his side of bacon. Our server promptly went to the kitchen and came back to the table with a hot, fresh side of bacon. Once Paul did start eating his entree, he noticed that the plate was cold, like his plate was the first to be made for our table and had been sitting for some time. Other than that, it was a good option for him, he said. Next time he would go back to ordering off the specials menu.

Andrew did order the biscuits and gravy ($7.50). Warm and steaming, his plate looked delicious from where I was sitting. The giant chunks of sausage were noticeable in the gravy, which I like. The gravy was well-seasoned with a taste of pepper. The homemade biscuit sat on one side the plate, while the two over easy eggs were nestled up next to it. Adding hashbrowns (for an extra $1.50), this plate was a comfort food overload for Andrew. He devoured the entire plate quickly, which told me how much he enjoyed the entree.

I decided to try the breakfast burrito ($8). This large burrito was stuffed full of goodness: scrambled eggs, cheese and salsa. Topped off with a ranchero sauce and sour cream this entree was filling. One thing to note about the ranchero sauce: it is not the same as salsa. Both are cooked sauces and both use similar ingredients, but they are not similar in taste. Salsa's feature a strong tomato taste, ranchero sauce has more onion flavor. Having this sauce on the plate stepped up the flavors offered and helped made the entree good. And even if you were still hungry after the mammoth burrito, it is served with a side of hashbrowns.

If you hunger for a brunch filled with comfort food, plan to spend a Sunday morning at Comet Cafe. For around $18.75 per person, this restaurant delivers slow, local food that will have you in a food coma at the end. And if you do check it out, you will be in good company: OnMilwaukee.com readers voted this place as having the "Best Brunch in Milwaukee 2010." So, if you wake up on a Sunday morning and want some comfort food to fill you up for the reset of the day, get over to Comet Cafe!

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Comet Cafe? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Comet Cafe (***½)
1947 North Farwell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-7677
thecometcafe.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good)
Neighborhood diner where everyone comes to have brunch

Food: **** (very good)
The flavors were spot on. Big plus for having fresh, local ingrediens

Service: *** (pretty good)
Attentive, friendly and knowledgable, but of course, slow

Drinks: **** (very good)
Sconnie-mosa - **** (very good) Nice addition of the cranberry wine
Bloody Mary - **** (very good) Flavorful and nice amount of heat

Price: **** (very good)
For the amount of food, and almost slipping into a food coma, the price is worth it!

Help add to "The List"

2010-11-12T09:45:00.013-06:00

When I started this blog about ten months ago, I never would have imagined it would have turned into what it is today—a small vibrant community that is willing to explore our city and it's brunch offerings. This journey has been so exciting for me, and I just wanted to thank you for your help—for reading, for commenting, for posting on Facebook or responding on Twitter. Just think, you have helped make Milwaukee Brunch Reviews what it is today.

And today is going to be no different! Today, I am going to reveal "The List." My little note pad of frantically scribbled restaurant names and sticky notes is no longer working to keep track of all the places in and around the city of Milwaukee that offer brunch!

On to this Friday's question: Where should I go next for brunch?

Help me add to the list I have listed below by suggesting places in the comments. Be sure to check out the list of reviews I have already done. I am really looking forward to some other places outside of the city that I know I have to check out!

Have a great day and have an even better brunch this weekend!

"The List"
(With updates)

AJ Bombers
Andrew's (Delafield Hotel)
~~Antigua~~
Beans and Barely
Cafe Centro
Cafe Corazon
Casablanca
COA
~~Comet Cafe~~
~~The Eatery on Farwell~~
Harry's Bar and Grill
Hi Hat
~~Hilton Cafe~~
Hotel Metro
~~Horny Goat Hideaway~~
Hubbard Park Lodge
Juniper 61
La Estacion
Lake Park Bistro
~~McBob's~~
Nora B's
Original Pancake House
The Palomino
Polonez
Red Dot
Riverwest Co-Op
Rock Bottom Brewery
The Rouge (Pfister Hotel)
Shaker's Cigar Bar
~~Sheridans~~
~~Stack'd~~
~~Stonefly Brewery~~
Taylor's People's Park
~~Thirst and Vine~~
Trocadero

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Brunch

2010-11-05T09:45:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday morning. Congratulations. You have made it through another work week. And this is a weekend to look forward to! Remember to turn your clocks back and enjoy one extra hour of sleep on Saturday night.

Or rather than sleep, enjoy an extra hour out at your favorite watering hole this Saturday night. (Just remember to set your clocks back before you leave the house.)

Over the past couple of months, I have been asked by some to suggest a brunch that offers Vegan or Vegetarian dishes. This has been a hard recommendation to make because I have not made the decision to not eat meat or animal products. Sorry, but I like my benedicts too much.

On to this Friday's question: Where in Milwaukee can someone order a vegan or vegetarian brunch?

Let's try to create a great list of places and what some of the best entrees there are in our city. Post your your suggestions in the comments below!

Have a great day and have an even better brunch this weekend!

UPDATE: So far we have:

The Palomino
2491 South Superior Street
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 747-1007
facebook.com/palominobar

The Riverwest Co-op
733 East Clarke Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 264-7933
riverwestcoop.org

Comet Cafe
1947 Farwell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-7677
thecometcafe.com

Beans and Barley
1901 East North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 278-7878
beansandbarley.com

The National [my rating (***½)]
839 West National Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 431-655
nationaleats.com

Cafe Centro
808 East Center Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 455-3751
centrocaferiverwest.com

Café LuLu  [my rating (****)]
2261 and 2265 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 294-LULU 
lulubayview.com

Hotch-A-Do [my rating (****½)]
1813 E. Kenilworth Place
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 727-2122
hotch-a-do.com

Roots Restaurant and Cellar [my rating (****)]
1818 North Hubbard St
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com

Honey Pie Cafe [my rating (***½)]
2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Milwaukee WI 53207
(414) 489-PIES
www.honeypiecafe.com

Stonefly Brewery
735 East Center Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 264-3630
stoneflybrewery.com

Continue to add to the list in the comments below!

Trinity - Simple Weekend Brunch

2010-11-01T09:51:00.000-05:00

If you want a simple Irish-inspired brunch, think about heading to Trinity Three Irish Pubs one weekend morning. This conglomeration of three Irish pubs offers up a simple menu. Whether you are Irish or just looking for a quick and easy brunch option, Trinity is the place for you.

Located on the corners of Juneau and Edison just off of Water Street, Trinity is a massive building with a large patio garden in front. The bright, bold colors of the three different pubs, Foy's, Gallagher's and Duffy's, cannot be missed while driving down there street. Entering in through, Foy's, the large, dark wood contrasts with the Cream City Brick very nicely, the stained-glass windows and titled floors give the impression of a small Irish pub. However, the size of this pub definitely is built for the Water Street weekend crowds.

Out with me this Sunday morning was my friend, Tony. We walked into to the pub, and the bartender came out from around the bar to seat us at a booth. We were given menus and our server, Andrea came to take our drink order. Tony and I both ordered coffees, mimosas and waters. After a few moments, Andrea returned to our table to let us know the bar was out of champagne. A little saddened by this, Tony and I looked over the menu again for something else to drink. Tony ordered a 007 ($5). This take on a screwdrivers was Stoli-O, Orange Juice and 7-up. Clever name! I decided to skip the regular coffee, and asked for an Irish Coffee ($6). I think the bartender felt bad for not having champagne, because he loaded on the whiskey in my drink. Thank goodness I like whiskey, because it overpowered the drink.

After our drink order came out to the table, we ordered our brunch. Tony chose the Corned Beef Hash ($8.95). The dish is served with two poached eggs atop. The hash had a nice blend of flavors. The corned beef was cooked to the consistency of butter—it melted in your mouth. The potatoes were also cooked very good—to too browned, but not raw either. The eggs were poached to perfection. The runny yokes added a nice rich texture to the hash. Served on the side was wheat toast, and Tony said it came in handy to slop up the extra yolk that was left on the plate. Overall the portion was large, but for the price it seemed to be a great deal.

I ordered the Eggs Benedict ($7.95). This dish reminded me of the plate my dad ordered when we were at Water Street Brewery, and rightfully so, since these two restaurants have the same owner. It was to no surprise then why I loved this dish so much. The potatoes took me right back to the review I did with my parents at the brewery. The creamy dressing mixed with the fluffy potatoes were contrasted by the crunch and spice of green onions. While the English muffins and ham were standard for a benedict, the eggs were cooked just ok. The yolks were a little too done for me, but the rich, creamy Hollandaise sauce made up for the lack of runny yolks. For the price, I think the dish was a generous portion of food.

So, if you are looking for a brunch spot with great food, quick service and a large drink selection, grab some friends and head to Trinity one weekend morning. Serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings, be prepared for street parking. The generous portions of food make the price of $15 per person a steal. And since I brunched there on a fall morning, I cannot wait for spring or summer outting to check out their large nicely decorated patio!

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Trinity? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Trinity Three Irish Pubs (****)
125 East Juneau
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 278-7033
trinitythreeirishpubs.com

Brunch hours:

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
The essential elements for an Irish pub but on a larger scale.

Food: **** (very good)
Large portions and amazing potatoes

Service: *** (pretty good)
Knowledgeable about the menu and friendly

Drinks: ***½
Screwdriver - ****
Irish Coffee - *** only wish there was champagne for a mimosa

Price: **** (very good)
Around $15 and nicely-sized portions.

Moct - Why Wait for a Plate?

2010-10-18T09:50:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately since May 29, The Moct is no longer serving brunch. This saddens me, because I really think that had one of the best locations and atmospheres in the city. Not to mention the price for an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. I will keep my eyes peeled if they resume this Sunday morning meal.

On a crisp, Sunday morning, I was looking over the Facebook Fan page for Milwaukee Brunch Reviews, and a video had been posted to the wall. I watched it, and it was the chef at Moct talking a little about the brunch that was being offered with the catchy tagline, "Why wait for a plate?" I had not known that this popular Walkers Point club offered food, so I was on a mission to check out this new brunch.

Located on East Pittsburgh street on the opposite side of the Milwaukee River from MIAD, Moct (pronounced Most) is Serbian for bridge. And this club takes the trendiness of the Third Ward and brings it to this old warehouse. The bar that separates the space between public and private dining is a huge wall of light. The steel bars that accent the wall are reminiscent of the Hoan bridge just down the river. The four large garage doors open up and let in an amazing amount of light and fresh air into the space. Nicely decorated, this bar/club/restaurant has a nice rotation of area DJs for Friday and Saturday night excitement, but I wanted to know how they would wrap up the weekend with their Sunday brunch.

Out with me this morning were Andrew and our friend, Tony. Before we left, I showed them the video on YouTube I had seen earlier in the day. We then headed down to check it out for ourselves.

We walked into Moct through on the open garage doors and found out way to the host area where we waited for a table. Katie, our server, walked us over to a table under a huge skylight in the front of the space. She handed us menus and let us know about the brunch buffet that was set up. For all-you-can-eat, this $12 buffet had a nice spread along with a made-to-order omlette and waffle station.

We ordered our drinks and left the table to check out the buffet. We all ordered coffee ($2) and water to start off with. Andrew ordered a bloody mary ($5). The drink came with a small chaser of tap beer and was garnished with two olives and two cheese curds. I said it looked like the bloody was looking back at me like the stack of cash from a Gieco commercial. Andrew said the drink was good, but had a strong taste of pickle to it. Overall though, it was good for the price. Tony and I ordered a mimosa ($7). The drink was ok. I thought it was a little sour and could have used some triple sec or something else to make it a bit sweeter. Tony thought the same, and we agreed it was just ok.

Heading over to the buffet, we began to survey what was in store. My first plate I decided to try a variety of items. First up were some mini crab cakes and a deviled egg. These bite-sized items were great to start with. They crab cakes were done nicely where they were still warm and cripsy. They even had a couple of stripes of the sauce on top of them, so I was guaranteed to have a nice combination of flavors with each bite. The deviled egg was also a little different for brunch, but was very good. For the entree, I had a serving of Santa Fe eggs, cheesy hash browns and bacon. The Santa Fe eggs were awesome. The scrambled eggs had so much flavor by themselves, but adding in the cheese, salsa and ground beef, the flavors were impeccable. Also, since they were served in a large quantity, the seasoning and texture of the food stayed in tact. Always a hard thing to do for a buffet. The cheesy hash browns were something out of my childhood. These thin strips of potatoes were coated in cheese and then topped with crumpled potato chips. The richness of the cheese and the crunchiness of the chips made these hash browns outstanding. Also to note was the bacon. Rather than sitting in a pool of grease in the tray, it sat on a small rack, elevated to stay cripsy longer. Nice work.

Andrew and Tony both had similar dishes the first time around. Also, when I had Andrew try the cheesy hash browns from me, he helped himself to a generous helping of them with his next trip.

For my second plate, I wanted to check out their made-to-order omelette station. Walking up to this area, I was greeted by the chef from the video, Chef Jeremy Hoch. He greeted me and asked me what I wanted in my omelette. Seeing the spread in front of me, I asked for ham, mushrooms and cheddar cheese. I then stood back and waited. Chef Jeremy told me that I did not need to wait. I could sit down back at my table and someone would bring my omelette to me. How awesome is that?! In walking back to the table, I grabbed a small plate of watermelon, melon and pineapple to snack upon. Soon thereafer, Chef Jeremy delivered my omelette to the table. The fluffy eggs were just as good as those in the Santa Fe eggs. The omelette was good. The ingredients were nicely chopped so that every bite, I had just enough of each flavor.

While I got an omelette, Tony decided to get a waffle. While I enjoyed my egg entree, I was secretly watching Tony enjoy his waffle. So for my third round up at the buffet, I had to get one. The chef once again took my order and delivered my creation to me at the table. My chocolate chip, strawberry waffle with chocolate sauce was a great way to end my brunch experience at Moct. I do not think it lasted more than two minutes on the plate. The fluffy, sweet waffle was nicely cooked and loaded with strawberries and sauce. With some help from Andrew, the waffle was history.

If you are looking for a brunch buffet done right, you need to check out Moct in Walker's Point. The atmosphere is modern and urban that fits nicely with the historic building. The food is great for a buffet: easy to serve and kept fresh. My only thought is for their to be name plates on each of the trays, so people know what is under the lid. I highly recommend getting over to Moct to check out their amazing Sunday brunch buffet, just note that street parking is the only option. Plus, for $12 per person, "why wait for a plate?"

What have been your experiences at Moct? Have you been there for any of their other meals? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Moct (****½)
240 East Pittsburgh Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 273-MOCT
themoct.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Amazing mix of modern and historic. The open space and garage doors let in so much light and fresh air.

Food: ***** (awesome)
Awesome flavors and entrees for a buffet. Loved the made-to-order station and having it delivered out to the table. A very nice touch. Only wish there were name tags on what was at the buffet.

Service: ***** (awesome)
Attentive, friendly and knowledgable

Drinks: ***½ (pretty good)
Mimosa - *** (pretty good) I only wish it was sweeter.
Bloody Mary - **** (very good) The pickle taste was a bit different.

Price: ***** (awesome)
I mean for $12 a plate, how could you go wrong?

How Much to Tip on a Buffet?

2010-10-15T09:50:00.001-05:00

Good Friday Morning, and Congratulations! We have all made it through another work week, and the weekend is upon us. Autumn is definitely in the air now in Southern Wisconsin, and the leaves are starting to fall. These are the weekends that I love to get outside, pick some apples, rake the leaves and decorate for the upcoming Holidays.

Speaking of holidays, my holiday budget is going to be full swing too! Travel, gifts, parties and regular expenses all seem to hit me at once around this time of year. And Stephen from Your Milwaukee Dining had a good suggestion for a Friday Question this week.

On to this Friday's Question: How much do you tip on a buffet brunch? Still 15-20% even though there is no dedicated server for your table?

This has always been a struggle of mine, and I usually just default to my typical 20%. While a server doesn't bring the dishes out to the table, they usually have more tables to serve, refresh drinks and clear away plates.

So let us know how much you would normally tip in the comments below. Until Monday, enjoying the weekend and happy brunching!

Blackthorn Pub - A Sunday Funday

2010-10-04T09:58:00.003-05:00

I look forward to Sunday mornings each week. In my opinion it's the best day of the week, because I am able to go out, enjoy myself, and then come back home to relax for the rest of the day. Brunch is constantly on my mind from Friday afternoon until I wake up on Sunday morning. Lately, since I have been to so many different places around the city, I find myself looking for new places to visit to do reviews. This is what happened one recent Sunday morning.

Having so many new places to check out around the city, I made up a short list of restaurants that I thought would be a good spot for me and some friends to check out for brunch. Blackthorn Pub was top of the list, since I really love Irish Pubs. Since opening in May of this year, I have not heard much about the pub, but they approached me on Twitter and asked me to come and visit them one Sunday morning. I thought this would be fun to check out another completely new place.

Arriving downtown, I pulled up to the corners of Mason and Jefferson and found an open parking spot. Blackthorn Pub sits on the corner opposite of George Watt's Tea Shop and the Pfister Hotel. The entire corner of the building is windows that look into the dark, rich wood interior. There are TVs on almost every wall surrounding the large bar, and on my visit, the Packers game was on them. Looking around, there weren't that many people in the restaurant, but then again, they did just start offering brunch.

Out with me for brunch on this occasion was Andrew and my friends Tony and Nicole. We were quickly seated once we arrived and took a moment to look around. There was something that just didn't seem right. Showing on the TV was the Packers game, but the sound coming out of the speakers was a shark show on a different channel. This apparently took some time to fix, although it was funny to hear seagulls and waves crashing while we were watching the teams go head-to-head at Lambeau.

Our server came to our table and took our drink order. Andrew and Nicole ordered the bloody mary ($5), while Tony and I chose the mimosas. We ordered coffees and water for the whole table as well. Our server came back after a couple of minutes to tell Tony and I the bar did not have champagne to make the mimosas. We decided to order screwdrivers (orange juice and vodka) with a splash of Sprite ($6) instead. Within a couple minutes, our server came back to the table and served Andrew and Nicole their bloody marys. Andrew thought they were good, but a little spicy for his tastes. Nicole thought they were good and spicy enough for her. The drinks were served with a nugget of cheese, beef stick, olive, pickle and lemon wedge. The drinks did look good and were served in branded "Blackthorn" glasses. Tony and my screwdrivers came to the table a couple of minutes later with our waters as well. No waters for Andrew and Nicole. They had to ask for them again.

Normally, I try to take the photos with all the drinks in them. However, this time, the coffee was not coming out to the table in enough time. So I took the photo above without the coffee. Actually there was coffee that was served (two at a time), but the glasses were covered in drips and were obviously not washed before being filled and brought to the table. We kindly asked for new coffee cups. Once coffee did come back out to the table, we had been at the table for almost 30 minutes and had already ordered our food. Once coffee was brought to the table, Tony asked for some cream and sugar, Splenda preferably. Our server brought out what appeared to be a soup cup filled with milk and some sugar and Equal. Tony wondered, was he supposed to pour the milk into his cup? Instead, we all just spooned milk into our coffee. At this point, our brunch became comical: wrong sound for the football game, drinks being delivered two at a time with long pauses in the middle, dirty coffee cups and now milk in a soup cup.

But that was only the beginning. Our food started to come to the table after about a 45 minute wait. I had ordered the Blackthorn Plate ($9). The dish is described to be an egg, hash browns, corned beef hash, toast with a choice of sausage or bacon. I decided to try the sausage. What was presented to me was a mish-mash of different items thrown on the plate. The corned beef was burnt and over cooked, and it was sitting next to cold hash browns. The egg was cooked over hard, as I had asked, but it was broken up in pieces and falling off the plate. There was no sausage on the plate. That item must had been completely forgotten. I had a couple of bites of it, however at this point of the dining experience, I was not pleased.

Andrew had ordered the Classic Benny ($7). He had the choice of the corned beef hash, bacon or sausage for a side and chose the hash. His plating was even more ridiculous. Rather than cramming all the items on one plate as the kitchen had done with my food, Andrew's food was divided onto two separate dishes. Once he tried the Benedict it was cold, and the has was over cooked and burnt for him as well.

Since Andrew and I had been served first, we waited for Tony and Nicole's food to come to the table. This wait took almost five minutes. We could also see our server standing at the other side of the bar standing with the other staff chatting while we waited.

By the time Tony and Nicole's food came to the table, I did not have a chance to take a photo. They dove into their food—which was served 50 minutes after we had walked in the door.

Nicole had ordered the "Omlette Built by You" ($8). She chose to have sausage, mushroom and cheddar omlette with a side of hash browns and toast. However, once she started to eat, she noticed that there was no sausage in her omlette and the mushrooms were not cooked. Rather than wait longer for a new one, she said something to our server and just ate what was in front of her. She also had to ask for her toast to be delivered to the table.

Tony chose the Thorn Cakes ($6) with a side of bacon. Once his food arrived, there was no maple syrup, butter—just a plate with three plain pancakes on it (the menu said four) and a side of cold bacon. Tony asked for the bacon to go back, heated up and asked for syrup and butter. What finally showed up to the table was a small plastic cup of maple syrup and chunks of cold butter. That bacon never did make it back to the table.

In the meantime, none of our drinks had been refilled or refreshed. We were all low on one drink or another, and so we flagged down the hostess as she was walking around. We explained about our dining experience and asked for more drinks. Our server came back to the table and re-took our drink order. Andrew asked for another bloody mary along as did Nicole, however Andrew wanted his not so spicy. We all wanted warm-ups on our coffee.

Our server came back to the table with two bloody marys—both of which had no spice. Nicole was not happy at this point, since her bloody was one of the redeeming point of the morning for her.

The owner came over to our table as we neared the end of our meal and told us that the food and coffee was on him. We only were asked to pay for our drinks. He did present us with a gift certificate and asked us to come back. The gift certificate was for $15—half the dollar amount of what we ordered. We kindly asked for the check and waited for our server.

She handed us our bill and we were shocked. The ticket had Tony's pancakes on it and $8 bloody marys, not $5. The total was $56. We flagged down our server to come and check on the prices and items on the bill. Once she returned, our total bill was $35. We settled up the bill and headed home.

I understand that every restaurant has off days, and sometimes minor errors can be overlooked. However, this dining experience was a "perfect storm" of problems. From cold food to dirty cups—inconsistent service to missing food items, this was probably one of the worst brunches I have ever had. The one glimmer of hope: we only had to pay for what we enjoyed, the bloodys and screwdrivers. Without them, the whole experience would have been lost.

What have been your experiences at Blackthorn Pub? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Blackthorn Pub (*)
750 North Jefferson Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 837-5511
blackthorn-pub.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Atmosphere: * (poor)
So bright with all the windows to have such a dark wooded interior. Also, the TVs were too loud with the wrong audio from what was on the screen.

Food: * (poor)
Cold, missing items, burnt, inconsistent

Service: * (poor)
Slow to serve food and drinks, did not pay attention to drinks or presentation of food

Drinks: * (poor)
Mimosa - no champagne (*)
Bloody Mary - good, but not made consistently (*)

Price: n/a
Did not pay for a brunch, just a Sunday Funday of booze and with some sort of food.

Coffee - How much is too much to pay?

2010-10-01T09:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday morning! We have all made it through another work week, and the weekend will be here before we know it. Personally, I am really looking forward to weekends in October. They are always filled with fun times like apple picking at the Elegant Farmer, picking pumpkins from a roadside stand, Halloween parties and haunted houses. The best part is that you can really start to smell fall in the air. This month goes by quick (for me at least) so make sure you get out there and enjoy it before the snow falls.

On to the topic at hand: coffee. If God did not make coffee for us to enjoy, I would never be able to wake up. On Twitter this week, I saw one person put it best calling coffee, "day booze." It got me thinking about how much we pay for coffee.

Now I am not talking about specialty coffee drinks from Starbucks, Caribou, Stone Creek or Alterra (although the last one is my favorite). I am talking about the normal cup of joe that I usually have next to my mimosa and water on Sunday morning. Looking back over these past eight months, coffee prices vary from restaurant to restaurant.

On to this Friday's question: How much is too much to pay for a cup of coffee?

You can go to George Webb and get it for 99¢ or you can pay upwards of $2.99 for the same size cup. So, how much do you spend on a cup? Or does price even matter?

Let us know what your price point is in the comments below.

Have a great day and have an even better brunch this weekend!

Blue's Egg - Modern Diner, Amazing Food

2010-09-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

My sister was in town from Cleveland, Ohio the past week, and she has been following my brunch outings for some time. She is always jealous that I get to go out and explore Milwaukee's brunch offerings every weekend and write about it to my audience. So first off, I wanted to thank you, the reader, for taking the time to read these reviews, commenting on the blog and giving me suggestions on where to go out to brunch in our great city. You all are the best.

When my sister came, Alicia, into town for a weekend visit, a brunch review was at the top of the list of things to do. So I searched to find a great Saturday morning brunch location, and I have heard a lot about Blue's Egg near Wauwatosa. I did a little investigating and found out they server breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Well, if you serve during those hours, it was safe to assume, there could be a good brunch outing here.

Located in a strip mall on 76th street, Blue's Egg is not just a little hole in the wall kind of place. This brightly colored diner looked like a remodeled restaurant from that show on Fox with Chef Ramsey. Once walking in it looks like a Norman Rockwell painting of a 1950s diner, complete with the desert display. The counter is lined with old-school stools and behind stood a vintage cooler with beer and wine. From the onset, it seemed that we were going to enjoy ourselves.

After a sort wait for a table, Alicia and I sat at a high top table near the window and looked over the menu. Our server, Sara, came over and asked us for our drink order. I ordered the usual, mimosa ($4.50), coffee ($2.25) and water. Alicia ordered a diet Coke ($2.25). For the price, I thought the mimosa was great. It wasn't too sweet, but it did contain pulp. Not my favorite, but still, really good. The price point was the lowest I have seen in my brunch endeavors, but one of the best I have had.

Another interesting point to the drinks was the tall bottle of water each table gets upon sitting down. The rubber top is held down by a wire clamp, like you would find on an old milk jug. Alicia and I agreed—it was really neat.

After looking over the menu, we made our selections. Alicia chose the Creamy Polenta ($9.95). This creamy entree was served with kale, mushrooms, two poached eggs and a cheese sauce. Overall the dish has the consistency of grits, but a little creamier. The kale and mushrooms is where most of the flavor came from. The eggs were nicely poached and the sauce was very rich. Alicia thought the dish was good, but she would have liked something with a little more flavor. Along side the polenta, she had the choice of one side. The Yukon Fries called out to her, and they were amazing. I tried a couple and the sweet potato flavor was there but not over powering. All-in-all, it was a good plate for an establishment whose sister restaurant fare is Southern comfort food.

I was told by a fan from the Facebook fan page, that I needed to try the Blue's Classic Benedict ($10.95). Once the plate arrived at the table, I was amazed at how much food was placed in front of me. The two benedicts were sitting in a pool of Hollandaise sauce. Looking a little closer at them, I noticed that the traditional circle of ham was instead pulled ham. I asked our server, Sara, a little more about it. She told me that it was from the roast that they make every day, and the ham is pulled and mounded on the homemade English muffin. I was floored at the amount of flavor and texture it brought to every bite. This has to be one of my favorite Benedicts thus far! And the square of hash browns to the side was amazing as well. I had my choice of several sides, but these "browns" (as their called) just seemed right for the plate. After scraping every last bit of the sauce up, I was only able to eat about a quarter of the grilled potato strips. What a great way to start off any day!

If you love brunch as much as I do, and crave it everyday, I would highly recommend Blue's Egg to anyone looking for an excellent experience. For a total of about $15 per person, this retro diner is well worth the price. From the pleasant atmosphere to the other great breakfast and lunch entrees, Blue's Egg has a lot to offer. I am so thankful that they don't limit it to only one or two days a week. With plenty of parking and near the highway, there's no reason not to check out this restaurant. Another note of this restaurant: one dollar of every meal is donated to a specific charity of the month. Check out their website for more details on the lucky nonprofit of the month.

Until next time, hope you had a great weekend and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Blue's Egg? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Blue's Egg (****½)
317 North 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53213
(414) 299-3180
bluesegg.com

Brunch hours:
Every day: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Modern diner with a vintage flair

Food: **** (very good)
Amazing benedict!

Service: ***** (awesome)
Impeccable, attentive, friendly and knowledgable

Drinks: **** (very good)
Mimosa - **** (very good)
Bloody Mary - n/a

Price: ***** (awesome)
Around $15 a person with large portions.

Brunch: Breakfast or Lunch?

2010-09-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! Did you think we were going to get here this week? With crazy temperature swings from 60° to near 90°, this week was a roller coaster. A couple of weeks a go I asked the fans of Milwaukee Brunch Reviews on Facebook what are some questions to ask out here on the blog. I had some great suggestions.

This week's question comes from Dan Polley from A Duo of Chefs food blog:

On to this Friday's question: When you eat at a brunch, do you prefer more breakfast items or more lunch items?

I loved this question, because when I brunch, sometimes I see people enjoying a nice eggs benedict next to someone having a large burger. At times, I am torn on what to order: a breakfast item or a lunch item.

Let us know which you prefer at your weekend morning meal in the comments below.

Have a great day and have an even better brunch this weekend!

Roots - A Foodie's Dream Brunch

2010-09-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

On one of the last sunny warm Sunday mornings of summer, I wanted to go to one of the best patios in the city. I have been saving Roots for a great Sunday morning weather-wise, and I finally got my day. I made plans to meet up with my friend Katie Felten of MKELive, and we were off.

I have always thought Roots has an amazing menu. Their mantra of using locally-grown, fresh organic ingredients makes their ever-changing entrees amazing. There are times when I think I am being served a Food Network dish when the server brings my food out to me. Perched up on Brewer's Hill, Roots looks over the stunning skyline of Milwaukee. The patio off the main restaurant shows off the city in all it's beauty. I have been asked to check out Roots be several people on Twitter as well as other friends of mine, so I have was looking forward to this day for some time.

I met Katie after she was done at Bikram Yoga (which by the way is a great way to work off the brunch calories). I was sitting out on the patio when she arrived. We sat and talked while we waiting for our server to come to take our drink order. John finally came, and I ordered a coffee ($3), mimosa ($6) and water. Katie just wanted to stick with water after her 90 minute yoga session. My mimosa was very good. It almost completely filled the wine glass that it came in and was made from excellent orange juice. Not so much pulp and a wedge on the side, this drink was worth the price.

We quickly looked over our menus to decide what we wanted to eat. As a starter though, we did opt to try some muffins ($5). This mini muffins were unique combinations of flavors. Each were warm and homemade that day. Looking back at them, I am not sure exactly which muffin was which, but I remember the bacon and walnut muffin was my favorite. The flavors were excellent together. And to make the plate a little more extravagant, we have the pleasure of trying out tomato jam. Yes. Tomato jam. At first we were both hesitant to try this spread. Was it going to be like savory like tomato soup? Spice- and herb-laden like Italian sauce? Neither, it was sweet with a hint of cinnamon. It had the consistency of apple butter and was delicious.

After these little muffins were devoured, Katie and I enjoyed our meal. Katie ordered the daily omlette ($9). Made with fresh, locally-grown ingredients, this omelette is always a great item to order. This particular omelette of the day featured items all beginning with the letter P: Pumpkin seeds, pesto, pomodoro (tomatoes) as well as other ingredients. Served with the choice of toast or an English muffin and sausage, ham or bacon, Katie really enjoyed this omelette of the day. The creativity of the flavors were amazing she said. The egg was light and fluffy and cooked perfectly. Although, she would have liked sausage patties rather than links, the sausage was good too. Overall, it is always a good entree to order, since you are guaranteed to get the freshest ingredients as well as the most unique flavors in this brunch item.

I opted to try the Crab and Eggs ($12). This entree had a small crab cake with remoulade and two eggs any way. I chose to have mine poached. They were served some breakfast potatoes and a sweet corn salsa and toast. It was a great combination of items on the plate; I only wish it looked nicer when present to to me. It looked sloppily thrown together to get it out of the kitchen. The flavors were great together however, so the plate redeemed itself soon in the meal. However, for the price, I would have liked another crab cake or a larger patty.

Roots has an ideal location for spectacular city views. One hindrance is parking—the residential streets are narrow and easily congested with parked cars. If you are up for a little hike, think about parking down on Commerce and walking up the stairs to the entrance. The food is worth it. The creative combination of locally-grown items make any meal at Roots feel special. And at roughly $18 per person, the meal is on the higher end of brunches in Milwaukee, but worth it. If you want to make a great impression or show off the skyline of Milwaukee, have an incredible meal at Roots.

Until next time, hope you had a great weekend and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Roots? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Roots Restaurant and Cellar (****)
1818 North Hubbard St
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Reservations are recommended)

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Great patio and great views of the city skyline

Food: **** (very good)
Locally-grown, organic ingredients always make amazing food

Service: *** (pretty good)

Not the most attentive, but knowledgeable of the menu and specials.

Drinks: **** (pretty good)
Mimosa - **** (very good)
Bloody Mary - n/a (didn't try)

Price: *** (pretty good)
Around $18 a person making this one of the higher end brunches in the city

Rustico - Brunch with an Italian Influence

2010-09-13T10:00:00.095-05:00

While I was in college, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester. It was one of the best experiences of my life: the culture, the history, the wine, and of course, the food. When it comes to Italian restaurants in this country, I have found some places that live up to the tradition of Italian cuisine. Other times, some places just miss the mark. I decided to see if Rustico in the Third Ward would satisfy my craving for a great rustic Italian influenced brunch.

I gathered group of friends to come with me for this brunch outing. Chris, David, Jason and Tony all met me at Rustico one Sunday morning. We all had to park in various locations around the Third Ward, but that is the norm for any restaurant in this tightly-packed neighborhood. Located on the west side of Water Street, Rustico's weathered wood sign gives the impression that this restaurant has been in place since the building was erected in the 1880's.

By the time I got to the restaurant, the guys had already ordered a drink at the bar and were waiting for me to be seated. We all walked through the restaurant to be seated on the back patio overlooking the Milwaukee River. Having the Riverwalk come right through the outdoor seating area gives one the chance to do some interesting people watching as well as boat watching. We sat at the table and our server, Jesse took our drink order. I ordered my usual with a twist: coffee ($2.50), water and a blood orange mimosa ($7). This twist of the normal brunch drink used juice from a blood orange, and it did provide a nice extra sweetness to the drink. However, I would have wanted a little more in the glass for the price. Chris and Jason ordered a bloody mary piccante ($7). Tony ordered a bloody mary verdue ($7). The piccante bloody used Van Gogh Vodka infused with garlic, pepper, and onion. Chris and Jason both enjoyed it, however they said it could be a little spicier for their tastes. Tony's bloody mary was made with Van Gogh Vodka infused with lemon and cucumber. He enjoyed his bloody, but said that it was definitely too spicy for his taste.

We took a moment to look over the menu and tried to figure out who would be ordering what. We were all very indecisive this morning, and we all wanted to try something different. Jesse was very knowledgeable of the menu and answered all our questions while we were trying to determine what we wanted to have brunch.

Tony ordered the Frittata Classica ($7.95). This three-egg frittata was packed with Italian sausage, green pepper and onions. Topped with some mozzarella cheese and sprinked with basil, the entree also came with a side of breakfast potatoes and wheat toast. Tony asked for a side of sour cream to use as a dipping sauce. Upon his first bite, he enjoyed the frittata. It was loaded with mix-ins and was more than enough for him to eat. Sadly though, he said his potatoes were undercooked and rather hard to eat.

Chris had decided to try the Frittata Rustica ($7.95) to see what the difference would be. Starting off the same with three eggs, this frittata had pancetta, onion and zucchini wrapped in it. Topped with asiago cheese, the entree was servered with the same undercooked potatoes. He felt that the dish was good to eat, but nothing really to "write home about." The pancetta came in little bits and he thought it would be more prominent like the Italian sausage. Also, the undercooked potatoes could have been a little fluffier and not so dense.

Breaking a little from the egg-based dishes, Jason ordered the Breakfast Pizza ($10.95). This 12 inch pizza was placed in front of him, and I think I heard an "oh my god" escape his lips before the server walked away. The large thin-crust pizza looked really good, even with the cracked egg in the middle. The pizza was ham, mozzarella and provolone with the egg. It was missing one thing though we all decided: a sauce. It was a nice pizza, but Jason was looking for that creamy, tang of a tomato-based sauce along with the standard Italian seasonings. The crust was nice and thin, but it was lacking in true Italian flavors. He did end up taking home two enormous slices.

David took a complete departure from a typical brunch offering and decided to order the Breakfast Burger ($9.95). Sitting in at a pizzeria, I was surprised to see this on the menu and was really excited to see what it was going to look like. This Angus burger was topped with a fried egg, pancetta and Hollandaise sauce. Served with the same side of potatoes as the frittatas, the plate looked a little empty. It could have used some more potatoes or something just to fill the plate. David said that the burger was good, but the pancetta flavor never really came through. The egg, Hollandaise and burger flavor overpowered it too much. He said that he would choose something else of the menu next time.

I wanted to get something that I knew would keep me full throughout the day. I ordered the Breakfast Calzone ($10.95). The massive half-moon entree was set in front of me, and I knew this was going to be a large meal. Probably taken from the same crust as Jason's pizza, my calzone was packed with Italian sausage, mozzarella, two eggs, basil and onion. Served with a side of tomato sauce, this calzone had just the perfect amount of flavor and portion. I really enjoyed my calzone. I think it was the perfect blend of a traditional Italian entree with a brunch influence.

If you are in the Third Ward area and are looking for a brunch with an Italian influence, think about checking out Rustico. For around $15 per person, this restaurant will satisfy your brunch craving. Other than a lack of parking, this restaurant has some great specials on the other nights of the week, so think about stopping by for their pizza.

Until next time, hope you had a great weekend and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Rustico? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Rustico (***½)
223 N Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 220-9933
rusticopizzeria.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: starting at 10 a.m.

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good)
Long, narrow wine cellar feel in an old Third Ward building

Food: ** (ok)
Hit or miss on the entrees

Service: ***** (awesome)
Attentive, friendly and knowledgable

Drinks: ***½ (pretty good)
Blood Orange Mimosa - **** (very good)
Bloody Mary - *** (pretty good)

Price: *** (pretty good)
Around $15 a person with a minimal leftovers.

Buffet or Menu?

2010-09-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday morning to you! Are you glad we made it through the week easily enough? I know that I am looking forward to a great weekend of cool, breezy days and some great Fall color on the way. This Friday Question comes from Stephen Carlson of Your Milwaukee Dining. He submitted this question on Milwaukee Brunch Review's Facebook page.

On to this Friday's question: What do people prefer more brunch buffet or order off the menu brunch? Why?

Now I have my personal preference, but I will wait to share that in after some other people chime in. So, let's help Steven answer this question. Make your comments below.

Have a great day and have an even better brunch this weekend!

Favorite regular brunch spot, why?

2010-09-03T10:00:00.004-05:00

I am bringing them back, the Friday Questions. There will probably be two a month now, since I feel that we have covered all the important questions last spring. But, you can always suggest a question to ask my readers in the comments of this post.

On to this Friday's question: What is your favorite brunch spot that you go to every weekend morning? What keeps drawing you back week after week? Is it the food? The server? The prices? The location?

I have to thank my mom for this question. Whenever I travel up to the Northwoods to visit my parents, I always love going to Champs diner. It just has some great memories, and the food is great! Plus, the prices can't be beat. She gave me the idea for this Friday Question on the Milwaukee Brunch Reviews Facebook Fan Page. Thanks, Mom!

I hope you enjoy the day and happy brunching this Labor Day weekend!

Ginger - Expect the Unexpected

2010-08-23T10:00:00.069-05:00

On a bright, sunny Sunday morning this summer, I was looking for a unique brunch location. In talking with some friends, we decided to check out Ginger. This restaurant is known for their tappas, but their brunch is another thing I hope they become known for.

Located on South Second Street, just to the west of the Third Ward, Ginger sits on the corner of a historic Cream City brick building. Once you walk through the door though, you can see how the space has been opened up to join the adjacent building to the dining space. The open kitchen lets you greet the chefs as they are preparing your food. The dark booths and interesting mosaic lights all give Ginger the spice it needs.

On this outing, Andrew and I were joined by our friends, David and Jason. The four of us walked in and were greeted by a pleasant bartender that told us to check out the place and find a table where ever in the restaurant. We walked around and looked throughout. While walking past the open kitchen, the chefs looked up and greeted us as we walked past. One waitress told us to check out the patio in the back, and sure enough, hidden behind all the historic buildings, this area of green emerges as a great "secret" patio. However, we chose to stay inside and found a table near the front corner with large windows.

Our server, Sarah, greeted us with a smile, and presented us with menus. I was stunned to see some of the drink offerings, and quickly ordered my drink, the Rise and Shine ($6.50) and coffee ($2). Andrew ordered a bloody mary ($6.50) and David and Jason both ordered just orange juice. My Rise and Shine is a combination of Emergen-C, vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice and seltzer. This twist on the mimosa was great. It had everything one would want in there to help get over the night before. Andrew's bloody mary was delicious he said. It was not overly spicy, but has a great blend of all the flavors. Garnished with a beef stick, shrimp, mini corn cob, olive and mushroom, he said this was one of the best bloodies he has had in a while. David and Jason also commented that their juice was excellent. Not too sour or sweet, but rather tasted like it was freshly squeezed.

After we has tried each other's drinks, it was time to get down to business and figure out our entrees. Andrew order the special of the day, the White Bean Fritter ($9). The white beans were mixed with pancetta and leeks to create two patties. Topped with two eggs, creme fraiche, and pico de gallo, this dish was brilliant. The earthiness of the beans, pancetta and leeks were contrasted by the creme fraiche. The pico was a great breath of freshness to the plate as well. This was an amazing special, and I hope they move it to their regular menu soon.

Jason ordered the Eggs Benedict ($10). Before you skip over this dish, it was no ordinary benedict plate. Substituting for the English muffin was rosemary ciabatta bread. Instead of the normal ham, there was pancetta and asparagus. The two perfectly poached eggs were topped with a tarragon Hollandaise sauce. Structurally it was a benedict, but the intense flavors were so unusually good, this breakfast entree could have been severed on a dinner menu. Served with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and some fresh fruit, this is definitely an dish you do not want to pass up when you visit.

David chose to try the Omlette ($7.50). This spinach, mushroom and goat cheese omlette was divine. Fluffy and light, the eggs hid the wealth of flavors on the plate, but not in your mouth. I am sucker for anything with goat cheese in it. I love the unique flavor, as well as the creaminess of the cheese. The spinach was nice and wilted where you were able to get flavor of the greens without the raw texture. On the side, David chose the hash browns. These potatoes were browned with onions and seasoned nicely. The proportion was excellent for the price, since we had to take some of it home.

I had looked over the menu before we left the house, and I knew what I wanted just from the title, Steak Awesomeness ($12). This tenderloin filet sat in the middle of the plate with the "awesomeness" all around it. Laying on a bed of the same type of hash browns of David's dish, the stake was topped with an egg that was poached in red wine. Red wine! The flavor alone in that made this entree to-die-for. Atop that, though is spooned some Hollandaise sauce. Finally finished off with a haystack of onion strings. Served with two slices of homemade white bread, this entree still makes my mouth water. The combination of flavors was very unique and quite unexpected. The only way you can see how awesome this plate is, you have make a trip to Ginger and try it.

Whether it's for the friendly service or unique food options, I would highly recommend Ginger to anyone looking for an excellent brunch experience. For a total of about $19 per person, this restaurant is well worth the price. If this service with a smile and unique flavors are how brunch is at Ginger, you can expect to see me back to try out their tappas at night. One note: parking can be a downside, since the city is completely rebuilding South 2nd, but don't let that stop you from getting there on a Sunday morning!

Until next time, hope you have a great weekend and happy brunching!

UPDATE: Ginger has officially closed for brunch. Instead they are focusing on brunch at Stonefly Brewery, their sister restaurant. Read my review of Stonefly Brewery.

What have been your experiences at Ginger? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Ginger (*****)
235 South 2nd Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 220-9420
gingermilwaukee.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Cream City brick, unique floor plan and open kitchen

Food: ***** (awesome)
Awesome flavors and entrees

Service: ***** (awesome)
Impeccable, attentive, friendly and knowledgable

Drinks: ***** (awesome)
Rise and Shine - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Mary - ***** (awesome)

Price: ***** (awesome)
Less than $20 a person with a minimal leftovers.

Carleton Grange Pub - A Bit of British Breakfast

2010-08-16T10:00:00.006-05:00

The summer guest reviews continue with this one sent in from Sarah Ogden. Born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin, she had the great fortune of growing up in a culinary adventurous family. She has a passion for food and trying new restaurants and recipes, and is thoroughly enjoying her stint writing guest reviews for some great Milwaukee foodies! You can follow here on Twitter, @sarah_ogden.

UPDATE: Carleton Grange Pub closed its doors as of Monday, September 6, 2010 due road construction in front of the restaurant and a weak economy. For more information read the article on JSOnline.

First of all, I’d like to thank Chris for all of his patience during my guest review undertaking. After thoroughly enjoying some weeks of World Cup magic at neighborhood meeting spot, Carleton Grange Pub, during which the brunch schedule was suspended in favor of more soccer friendly fare, my dining companion Jered and I finally had the opportunity to sample the Sunday morning menu. Let me state for the record, it was worth the wait!

Named for a hostel in England, Carleton Grange Pub is styled after a traditional English pub from its casual, friendly atmosphere and offering of classic pub games, to its menu of fish and chips, pub sandwiches, international beers, and more. Carleton Grange Pub serves brunch on every non-holiday, non-World Cup Sunday, so Jered and I hopped on the Vespa and headed to St Francis.

We were greeted by a friendly hostess who asked if we wished to dine inside or out. Since this was one of the first dry and not swelteringly hot Sundays in a while, we opted to dine alfresco at a partially shaded table. The patio was charming, although would have been slightly more so had the brown and wilting roses been better tended. Also missing was the lovely music of the Jazz duo performing inside. Piping the music to the outdoor guests would have been a nice touch.

Our waitress promptly arrived with the specials of the day and took our drink orders. I ordered my brunch fave, a mimosa ($4), and Jered his, a bloody mary ($7.50) with a Hoegaarden chaser ($1.50 extra, since it wasn’t the designated chaser beer). The mimosa included pulp free juice and was accented with a cherry, which I like, but it didn’t taste incredibly fresh. Jered’s bloody was thin and lacked complexity and depth of flavor. Set with our drinks and basking in the glow of the sun and coolness of the breeze, we sat back to peruse the menu. Among the normal brunch plates of omelets, waffles, and fruit, a few traditional English dishes were peppered in, which were just what I was looking for.

My brain did not choose my meal, but rather left the decision to my taste buds. One of the morning’s specials, Hopple Popple ($8.95), jumped off of the page. The description of a “large open faced omelet, with sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, with cheddar jack cheese,” while simple, got my mouth watering. Suffice it to say, the dish did not disappoint. The deliciousness of this egg concoction reached the ends of the plate and was complemented by an English muffin and small skewer of fresh fruit. The potatoes were seasoned to perfection without being the least bit salty. The veggies were well cooked, not raw, not soggy. The cheese added just the right amount of creaminess. The English muffin was a nice addition to cut the richness of the eggs, and the fruit was a delectably ripe and juicy palate cleanser.

While I was drooling over the Hopple Popple, Jered was doing the same over the Homemade Scotch Eggs ($9.25). The two eggs were well cooked, the layer of sausage tender, and the coating crisp and golden delicious. The only complaints were that the sausage was a bit bland, and the tangy bistro sauce seemed superfluous, as it did not complement the eggs very well. It wasn’t a bad sauce, and my guess is it’s a catch-all dip since it appeared multiple times on the menu. Accompanying the eggs was a delightful and savory Roasted Potato and Pepper Hash. Well seasoned and dusted with parmesan cheese, this side was reminiscent of Mom’s warm and cozy home cooking. As with the Hopple Popple, an English muffin and fresh fruit topped off the dish.

While much of our delight that morning came from us actually being able to enjoy brunch on their regular schedule, Carleton Grange Pub delivered an enjoyable experience. The service was great, and the meal, with the exception of our drinks, was satisfying and delicious. We will be returning to sample more English inspired goodness, and suggest you do the same! My advice - check the soccer schedule when planning your trip! Cheers!

What has been your experiences at Carleton Grange Pub? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Carleton Grange Pub ****(very good)
3807 South Packard Avenue
St. Francis, WI 53235
(414) 747-9669 
carletongrange.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good) 

Food: **** (very good) 

Service: ****(very good)

Drinks: ** (ok) 

  Price: **** (very good) 

Cafe LuLu – Bring a Little Funky to Your Brunch

2010-08-02T10:00:00.035-05:00

The summer guest reviews keep coming in! Today's post it is from Lori Fredrich. Lo is best known for her work over at Burp! Where Food Happens. When she's not blogging, she spends her free time hanging out with her awesome husband Peef, flipping through cookbooks, tending her urban garden, and making whimsical birthday cakes for her nieces and nephews. She also wastes a ton of time on twitter as @Burp_Blog.

It’s difficult to believe that Cafe LuLu used to be the former home of a George Webb’s restaurant. The walls sport rotating art from local artists. The bar is built from recycled wooden doors, and the décor marries 1950’s supper club-style chairs with a junk-sale floor and swag lamps, providing a cozy ambiance for casual dining. Although the atmosphere is still vaguely reminiscent of a classic “blue collar” diner, LuLu really shines in capturing the funky chic vibe that characterizes Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood.

Located just south of downtown, at the intersections of Kinnickinnic, Lincoln, and Howell Avenues, this eclectic café and bar serves up creative variations on the usual brunch theme, including a selection of sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, and a selection of scrambled egg dishes.

We hopped on over to Cafe LuLu with friends last Sunday. It had been a hectic weekend, and we were really looking forward to some good old fashioned down time, a great bloody mary, and some delicious eats.

Our friends Al and Karrie arrived first, and they were seated immediately at one of the high top tables toward the front of the restaurant. By the time Peef and I arrived, they’d both ordered and received their drinks – a bloody mary ($5) for Al, and a cup of coffee ($1.50) for Karrie. Peef also ordered a bloody mary and coffee, and I opted for a mimosa ($5) with my coffee.

The “bloodies” were thin but flavorful with plenty of Worcestershire, a prominent pickle flavor, and a hint of spice. They came garnished with a full skewer of veg, featuring two pickles, an olive, and a cherry tomato as well as a beer chaser. Although a mimosa isn’t usually my drink of choice, I quite enjoyed LuLu’s version of this classic cocktail. It had plenty of bright orange flavor and a pleasant sweetness. The drink also had plenty of sweet, juicy orange pulp – which might be a turn-off for those who don’t enjoy a bit of texture in their drinks.

We got a little distracted and spent too much time chatting over our drinks, so when our waitress, Betsy, came around to take orders, we weren’t exactly ready. However, she was kind enough to overlook our indecisiveness and she patiently came back three times over the course of the next 20 minutes to check-in with us an make sure we weren’t feeling neglected.

Karrie, a vegetarian who prefers to avoid eggs, initially found herself a bit disappointed by the LuLu menu, which didn’t feature many vegetarian options. The fact that the menu also explicitly stated “no substitutions” meant that she had to avoid most of their brunch specials. After much deliberation, she decided upon the roasted vegetable pita ($7.25), which featured fresh seasonal vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, red peppers, mushrooms, and onions) on a soft Greek style pita with cucumber sauce. When given the infamous choice between house-made chips or Asian slaw, Karrie opted for a full side of the slaw, which really delivered on flavor. Crisp cabbage, carrots, Chinese noodles, and peanuts were combined in a deliciously balanced toasted sesame dressing. The vegetables in the pita were perfectly cooked – crisp tender and well seasoned. Karrie commented that the sandwich was particularly deicious thanks to the “awesome” cucumber sauce.

Peef ordered the brunch burrito special ($8.00) – a flour tortilla stuffed to the brim with chorizo, black beans, onions, eggs and roasted poblano peppers. The burrito was served with a side of zesty salsa and sour cream, chive hashbrowns, and garnish of melon and orange. Although the salsa was thin, it made a great sauce for topping the burrito, and the sour cream helped to balance out some of the heat. Peef mentioned that, although his hashbrowns were good, he thought they could have used a bit more salt.

Al opted for the garden scramble ($7.00) – three eggs scrambled with roasted seasonal vegetables and topped with fresh goat cheese. The scramble was served with crisp buttered toast and a side of chive hashbrowns. The goat cheese was fresh and delicious, with a pleasant tang that paired nicely with the roasted vegetables. Al would have liked the dish to have a bit more flavor overall, and probably a few more vegetables, but he enjoyed the dish and eagerly finished the entire plate full.

I ordered the LuLu Benedict ($8.50) – two poached eggs nestled into a bed of capicolla ham atop an English muffin and covered with house-made hollandaise. The benedict was served alongside a generous portion of chive hash browns. The eggs were perfectly poached, and they were stellar combined with the slightly peppery capicolla and LuLu’s delicious hollandaise, which was spread generously over the top. Unfortunately, the generous helping of hollandaise also covered my orange and melon slices… so, they lost a few points for presentation in my book. In addition, although the chives in the hash browns were a nice touch, the potatoes themselves weren’t as crisp as I would have liked. Note to self – be sure to specify crispy hash browns next time.

Overall, we had a great time at Café LuLu. Food was hot and fresh. Service was prompt and friendly. And it was the perfect place to relax after a long, stressful week. We would caution those with food allergies or restrictions to be cautious about LuLu’s “no substitutions” policy, which can limit choices. Nonetheless, at just under $14 a person, this was one lulu of a brunch. And we’ll definitely be back again to sample more of their offerings. The bourbon almond French toast is definitely calling my name.

What have been your experiences at Cafe LuLu? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Café LuLu  ****(very good)
2261 and 2265 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 294-LULU 
lulubayview.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  

Atmosphere: **** (very good) 
Eclectic café featuring unique local art, hip furnishings, and a friendly vibe.  

Food: ***1/2 (pretty good) 
Food generally under-seasoned. Not a great selection for vegans or vegetarians who prefer to avoid eggs.

Service: ****(very good)
Our server was pleasant and attentive, and the food came out to the tables in a timely fashion.  

Drinks: ***1/2 (pretty good) 
LuLu gets points for affordability.

  Price: ***** (awesome) 
Around $14 a person, drinks included.

Hotch-a-Do - Home Cooking on the Eastside

2010-07-19T10:00:00.005-05:00

Since I just moved away from the Lakefront almost three weeks ago, I have had a taste for a good brunch in my old neighborhood. I wanted to try to find a place that I had never been to, but offered a great brunch. I was told by some friends that Hotch-A-Do was a hidden gem in the heart of the Eastside, and I needed to check it out. These friends have been pretty reliable in the past on suggesting good restaurants, so I decided to check it out.

Set just off the intersection of Oakland and North, Hotch-A-Do is a neat cafe that definitely encompasses the vibrancy and diversity of the Eastside neighborhood. The large space has enormous windows on two sides of the building. The large ceiling has a "light clouds" that give the square space some nice architecture divisions. Right when you walk in, there is a shuffleboard game next to the host station: a nice way to enter the place knowing that you are going to have some fun.

Joining me on this trek was Andrew and my friend, Chris, who came along on the Twisted Fork review. We met around 11:30 and were seated at a table for three, once one opened. While we waited, Andrew and Chris ordered a bloody mary ($8), and I ordered a mimosa ($8). Andrew and Chris really enjoyed their bloodies. Andrew said it had the right amount of flavor and spice that was followed up with a little kick at the end. My mimosa was served in a juice cup, but it still had all the flavor and a little sweetness to last throughout the meal. When were seated, we all ordered come coffee and water to accompany our other drinks.

Our server, Tai, came over to our table and sat down to take our order. It was a nice break for her in the 90º heat. She took our orders and then came back with silverware in a basket with muffin tops and butter. Yes, they served us cinnamon muffin tops. They were delicious and helped bridge the gap between when we ordered to when we were served our food—nearly 25 minutes. Tai was very attentive and refilled our coffees twice.

Once our food was delivered to the table, it looked delicious. Chris ordered the Eggs Benny ($8.50). The two organic eggs were poached to perfection on the English muffin. He had the choice of bacon, ham, sausage or tofu. He chose the ham and commented that it was one of the better benedicts he's had. The menu noted that in addition to the Hollandaise sauce, there was also fresh avocado topping the dish, however our server told us they were out of avocado when Chris ordered. No worries, he said. The morning spuds were cooked wonderfully, while he had the choice of spuds, fruit or cottage cheese.

Andrew ordered Will's Biscuit Benny ($8.50). This open face biscuit was topped with ham, two poached eggs and mushroom gravy. What a combination of brunch items! The gravy was simply to die for. The creamy sauce had chunks of mushrooms throughout and was nicely seasoned with pepper. Combined with the runny poached eggs and biscuit, I wished I had ordered this plate! Andrew also had the same choice of sides (spuds, fruit or cottage cheese) and decided upon the spuds.

I ordered the Shipwreck Scrambler ($11.80). This dish is normally only $8, however I added a couple more ingredients. The two organic eggs can be combined with the choice of two add-ins. I instead selected ham, bacon, tofu, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and cheese. This scrambled eggs dish had so much flavor! And the tofu was delicious. Tofu is not a part of my everyday menu, but I have to say, it was really flavorful and I didn't mind the consistency. The spuds were a great addition, and I ended up mixing them in with the eggs at the end. I also had wheat toast which I am guessing was more like 12-grain bread, the number of seeds in the crust and in the bread made me think I was eating more than just a normal piece of wheat bread.

All-in-all, this brunch was great. We had a good time catching up even though the food took some time to get to the table. I would highly recommend that if you are a vegetarian or have specific dietary restrictions, Hotch-A-Do can accommodate. For a total of about $16 per person, this little cafe supplies healthy, home-cooked brunches with a smile. Located near the heart of the Eastside, parking can be a little tricky, but don't let that stop you from making the trip to Hotch-a-Do for brunch.

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Hotch-A-Do? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Hotch-A-Do (****½)
1813 E. Kenilworth Place
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 727-2122
hotch-a-do.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Cafe with big windows, lots of light and a whimsical, eclectic feeling

Food: ***** (awesome)
Fresh, organic, flavorful and great combinations of entrees!

Service: *** (pretty good)
Our server, Tai, was great, but the food took too long to get to the table.

Drinks: ***** (awesome)
Mimosa - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Mary - ***** (awesome)

Price: ***** (awesome)
Around $16 a person with a full stomach at the end.

Molly Cool's - All-You-Can-Eat with a Twist

2010-07-06T10:00:00.006-05:00

The summer guest reviews contines with Christin Logarakis. Christin grew up in Greendale, WI, but lived in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina sent her back to her roots. She loves talking, arguing and writing about food, especially seafood and ethnic foods. She is @Im_X1 on Twitter, and her alter-ego is @MKErestaurants, which she uses for promoting her stint as Milwaukee's Ethnic Restaurants Examiner for Examiner.com. Her ethnic restaurant reviews can be found here: http://bit.ly/3ZunRn.

Part Southern-style fish house, part Eastern Seaboard restaurant and part Midwestern sports bar, Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern seems to be the perfect fit for brunch-goers and seafood lovers of all types. Appropriately nestled against water (the Milwaukee River), the aquatic theme starts at the walls, with snarky, somewhat naughty signage and encompasses the menu. Opt for a seat near the windows, overlooking the Milwaukee River and the passersby on the Highland Avenue Riverwalk.

The brunch menu is a dream. It's printed on paper, so that it can be changed to include the freshest seafood delivery of the day.

Brunch is $15.95 per adult ($8.95 for children), and is all you care to eat, including a Mimosa or glass of Orange Juice. You order by the plate, and each plate could be a meal in itself. There is a choice of at least three styles of Eggs Benedict, including Crab Florentine (Crab meat, spinach, Feta, roasted tomatoes), Classic Molly Style (Prosciutto, Hollandaise), and the oddly colored Seared Salmon (Salmon, Prosciutto, and a beet Hollandaise, which gives it a bubblegum pink appearance). The Crab Florentine is rich; the spinach is not too bitter, and sets off the buttery crab nicely. The Seared Salmon Benedict is actually extremely mild and very flavorful. The beets are not overwhelming. All the Benedicts are served with homestyle fries.

Next on the list are other egg dishes, including Huevos Rancheros, Vegetarian Frittata, Scrambled Eggs and Lobster, and a breakfast sandwich. Most come with a tiny bottle of Tabasco sauce if you care to liven up your morning.

French Toast, a fruit, granola and yogurt dish, and two kinds of salads round out the selections.

If that wasn't enough, for an additional charge, you can add fresh Oysters on the half shell (market price: about $.69/ea) or a half pound of peel n' eat shrimp for $3.99.

It wouldn't be brunch without a Bloody Mary, and Molly Cool's offers up a whopper. You can get the regular, ordinary Bloody, or, for $10.95, try The Bloody Goblet, which is a 20 ounce monster Bloody that is overflowing with pickles, asparagus, Bleu cheese stuffed olives, green olives, lemon and lime wedges, a slice of sausage, and a boiled shrimp.

If Mimosas are more your thing, aside from the one included with brunch, you can opt for the Bottomless Mimosa, also for $10.95.

The waitstaff and barstaff are friendly, the service is excellent, and the food arrives promptly.

What have been your experiences at Molly Cool's? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern (****)
1110 N. Old World Third Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 831-8862
www.mollycools.com/milwaukee

Atmosphere: **** (very good)

Food: ****1/2 (very good)

Service: ***** (awesome)

Drinks: **** (very good)

Price: ***1/2 (pretty good)

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Vegetarian Items: Yes

Gluten Free/Celiac Options: Yes

Low-Carb Options: Yes

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Reservations: Not Required (but a good idea)

Large-screen televisions: Yes

Children's Menu: Yes

Large Group Accommodations: Yes

Water Street Brewery - Great Traditional Brunch

2010-06-14T10:09:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite characteristics of Milwaukee that I love is the city's history. From the beginning as three different villages, to the brewing powerhouse of the world, to today. Milwaukee has embraced this history and proudly displays it. One such restaurant that shows off Milwaukee's history is Water Street Brewery. Not only is it a functioning brewery, but the space, decor and food celebrates Milwaukee's brewing history.

Located along Water Street a couple blocks north of City Hall, Water Street Brewery is on the corner that begins a track of drinking establishments. However, don't assume that this brew house is packed with college students. This restaurant offers some great microbrew beers and good food. Along one wall they have a collection of old beer cans. One can take a glimpse back through time at how beer cans and designs have evolved over time. In the main dining area, the Cream City brick walls are adorned with large, old black and white photos of some of Milwaukee's landmarks. Sitting there and looking around, one gets the sense of Milwaukee's importance as a brewery city.

My parents joined me for this brunch review again. They enjoyed reading the reviews and wanted to explore another Milwaukee restaurant's brunch. We chose Water Street Brewery because it was one of the first places we visited five years ago when I was looking for apartments. It was a great trip back down memory lane.

Upon walking through the door, we were greeted by the hostess and ushered to our table. The wonderful smell of brewing beer and yeast were thick in the air. We sat at our table and looked over the menu. There was a variety of "eye openers" (drinks) to choose from. My dad chose Bailey's and coffee ($6.50), while my mom selected a tequila sunrise ($5.50). I ordered my usual, coffee, mimosa ($6.00) and water. The drinks came to the table quickly, and we took our first sips. Each of us were pleased with our choices. The Baileys and coffee was a great blend of flavors—not too overpowering with Baileys. The tequila sunrises brought my mom right back to her college days. She said it reminded her of when she and her roommate would go out on a Friday night. My mimosa a great—a large glass, no pulp and a little tart.

We looked over the menu and figured out what we wanted to eat. My dad chose the Traditional Eggs Benedict ($9.95). Served with fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes, this entree looked good. My mouth was watering when it was set down in front of him. The eggs were nicely poached with an excellent Hollandaise sauce. The potatoes were lightly dressed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It was similar to a Caesar dressing, and it added a nice flavor to the potatoes. Adding more color to the dish was a large slice of watermelon, oranges, and strawberries. It looked like a great well-rounded meal sitting on the plate, and my Dad really liked it.

My mom ordered her favorite, Steak and Eggs ($10.95). It was a massive amount of food. The eggs were poached and placed on English muffins, however the yolks were cooked the whole way through. She would have preferred to have the yolks runny. In contrast, her steak was cooked perfectly—rare. Garnished with the same side of breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit, this entree was more than enough for her. She ended up leaving some potatoes and most of the fruit on the plate.

I ordered the Frangelican French Toast ($9.95). I thought that the steak and eggs was a large portion until I saw this heap of food on the plate. These three thick slices of bread are soaked in a Frangelico liqueur battere and topped with candied pecans and powdered sugar. Served with a side of the Parmesan dressed potatoes, two slices of bacon and fresh fruit, this plate is good enough to split between two people. I was only able to eat a slice and a half of the toast, some potatoes and the fruit before I called it quits. It was definitely worth the price!

So, if you are looking for a great place to have an amazing meal with large portions of food and some Milwaukee brewing history on the side, make plans to have brunch at Water Street Brewery. For a total of about $16 per person, the brewery delivers on taste and portion. Located on Water Street and Highland, street parking is a little hard to find. Be prepared to walk to the restaurant.

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Water Street Brewery? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Water Street Brewery (****)
1101 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-1195
waterstreetbrewery.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: **** (very good)
Cream City brick, large copper brewing kettles, historic photos of the city and one whole wall of old beer cans

Food: ***** (awesome)
Large portions of traditional brunch fare

Service: *** (pretty good)
Our server, Sara, was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and made our brunch a memorable one.

Drinks: ****
Mimosa - **** (very good)
Bloody Mary - n/a
Tequila Sunrise - **** (very good)
Bailey's and Coffee - **** (very good)

Price: **** (very good)
Around $16 a person with a bit to take home for later.

Chez Jacques - A Taste of Paris

2010-06-07T10:00:00.023-05:00

Our summer of guest brunch reviews starts with Nicole Adrian, a writer by day and a local food blogger for On My Table Blog on the side. She enjoys to cook, eat, drink and write about those experiences! Check out her blog or follow her on Twitter, @OnMyTableBlog.

This Sunday, two friends, my husband and I did the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. Before we even signed up for the ride, we decided brunch was a must-do after riding 25 miles. I wanted to go somewhere I had never been for brunch and somewhere that was close to the finish line at the Summerfest grounds. Chez Jacques, in Milwaukee’s Fifth Ward/Walker’s Point, fit the bill. I, as well as another friend out for brunch with us, had been to Chez Jacques for dinner a few years ago. From what we remembered, the food was good, the prices were right and the place was “cute.”

Fortunately, a few years later and much earlier in the day, the same holds true for brunch at Chez Jacques. Everyone’s food was very good, the service was great, the place was still “cute” and hopping with lots of people. I wasn’t sure how crowded it would be, as there isn’t much else in that area of town—at least that is open early on a Sunday—but the place was packed with families, other bike riders and couples and friends out for brunch.

Chez Jacques includes a bar area with table seating looking out at First Street, plus a few dining rooms and a lovely outdoor area. Since it looked like rain was coming our way, we elected to sit inside. Next time, however, I’d love to sit outside in the fenced-in dining area.

We spent quite a bit of time trying to decide what to order. The menu has lots of good options—the biggest decision was deciding between sweet or savory. In the end, three of the four of us went for savory. The menu has lots to choose from: omlettes, crepes, sandwiches, croissant sandwiches, salads, gourmet plates, soups and quiches. There were six or so specials, too, including three quiches specials.

My husband, Nate, and I each ordered a Bloody Mary ($6). It was good—rather spicy, which is how we like them made—but nothing really special. It didn’t come with all the bloody Mary fixings you often see, other than a small green olive and a very small pickle. And, sadly, no beer chaser. (The glass was filled, by the way—I just forgot to take a picture until about five sips into it!) Really, this was the only slightly disappointing part of the experience.

Emily, the lone sweet tooth for brunch, ordered the poached pears crepe ($7.95). It was very tasty and not overly sweet. In addition to the pears, the crepe included slivered almonds and whipped cream. ($7.95)

Leah ordered the vegetable and feta croissant sandwich ($7.75), which came with a huge amount of scrambled egg on top and fresh fruit on the side. The veggies inside included eggplant, roasted red pepper and zucchini. She also ordered a side of roasted potatoes ($1.95, not pictured), which were basic, but good.

Nate ordered one of the daily specials: smoked salmon and eggs drizzled with crème fraiche atop a huge potato pancake ($12.95). It was very good. The salmon wasn’t super smoky like it can sometimes be and the crème fraiche gave every bite a bit of a sweet taste. The flavors were perfect, and the portion was huge.

I ordered one of the daily quiches ($9): goat cheese, leek and bacon. I normally am not a bacon eater, but the mention of goat cheese and leeks won me over. I’m very glad I tried it. The flavors were right on, and the bacon, which I normally find to be a too-overpowering, was great for the quiche. I’ve ordered quiche at other restaurants and find that it often tastes like it’s been sitting a while and it’s barley warm. Not this one—it was very fresh (the waitress said they make them every morning) and it was a perfect temperature. The slice of quiche came with a side salad and a great, spicy mustard dressing. We used it as dip for the potatoes, too.

Overall, brunch at Chez Jacques was a wonderful experience. I will definitely go back. There is plenty more I’d like to try on the menu. The service was great, too. Our waitress was attentive and our water glasses were never empty. I thought the prices were good, although maybe a bit on the expensive side, but nothing too crazy.

What have been your experiences at Chez Jacques? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Chez Jacques (****)
1022 South 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 672-1040
chezjacques.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: Beginning at 10 a.m.

Atmosphere: **** (very good)

Food: ****½ (very good)

Service: **** (very good)

Drinks: ***
Mimosa - n/a
Bloody Mary - *** (pretty good)

Price: ***½ (pretty good)
Around $15 per person

What is Your Favorite Brunch Spot?

2010-06-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

With the summer months upon us, downtown Milwaukee will be overflowing with new people to the city. Outdoor concerts, cultural festivals or, my favorite, the fireworks, visitors will be able to partake in the wonderful richness of our city that we get to experience every day.

I know that I have my personal favorite brunch spots in this city, but I am really interested to hear where you frequent. This is the reason why I wanted to do the summer "guest reviews" to hear from you, my readers. However, if you thought that the pressure was too much to write an entire review, what about just a quick comment.

On to this Friday's Question: What is your favorite brunch spot and why? Is it the eggs benedict or the bloody mary? The city view or the cute server?

I want to know! I am figuring out where I need to go this summer, and I want your help!

So comment below, and I hope you are able to get out and brunch on a patio! Looks like it's going to be a good one. Until Monday, enjoying the weekend and happy brunching.

Summer Review Schedule

2010-05-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Summer!

It's the beginning of the summer: Memorial Day weekend. Bring on the summer sun and warmer temperatures! During the summer, I will only be posting two reviews a month.However, don't let this stop you from exploring the city's brunch options!

Would you like to contribute to MilwaukeeBrunchReviews.com during the summer? I am looking for guest writers for the summer. If you are interested in eating, drinks, taking some photos and writing about it, leave a comment below.

Have a great holiday weekend, and enjoy the weather!

County Clare - A Different Take on Brunch

2010-05-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

A hidden jewel of Milwaukee, County Clare is one of my favorite restaurants in this city. Coming from an Irish background, the menu items remind me of family gatherings, holiday meals and home-cooked dinners. This hotel restaurant has close ties with the Emerald Isle with Irish movie night, live-bands and offering week-long tours of Ireland at various times of the year. And who better than to come with me for this brunch review than my friend, Liz, who grew up in Ireland for a part of her childhood, and her husband Paul. We were looking forward to this brunch for a long time. It was on my list of brunch spots to check out since I started this blog. However, since it is right in my neighborhood, I wanted to get a good bearing of what the rest of the city had to offer before I registered my review.

Sitting in the neighborhood just west of Juneau Park and north of the beginning of Kilbourn Avenue in Easttown, County Clare sits nestled into a historic neighborhood. This quaint hotel sits on the corners of Astor and Knapp streets and has at least one sister hotel in Green Bay. The pub takes up half of the first floor. The bar is made of gorgeous wood and has several import beers on tap (Guinness, of course). The restaurant section has a sweeping wall of windows which are sometimes decorated for the different times of the year. Even some common Irish family names can be found above these windows. My favorite part of the pub is the Saint's snug—a small seating area around the woo burning fireplace. If you just want to sit with some friends and tip back a few pints, or have a quick bite to eat, think about sitting here.

I made plans with Paul and Liz to meet them around 11 a.m. at the County Clare. Since it's just a short walk for me, I left right at 11 to meet them. I walked into the restaurant and was quickly seated to a table by the hostess/server of the morning, Keely. Paul and Liz arrived a short time later, and we looked over the menu. To our amazement, there was no brunch menu. We asked Keely when she came to take our drink order if the County Clare offered brunch. She told us that it was not a formal brunch menu, but they did have an Irish breakfast special that was not on the menu. Also, they did offer blood marys and mimosas. We asked for a couple more minutes, and Paul, Liz and I decided we were going to still make this a brunch experience. Because what is brunch really? As Paul put it, "brunch is simply a state of mind. Relax and just enjoy the meal."

This was our thinking, so I ordered my usual (coffee, mimosa ($6.50) and water). Paul ordered a bloody mary ($7), while Liz also ordered a mimosa. Paul said that his bloody mary was delicious. He could not figure out if it was from a mix or if it was made from scratch. Either way it had an amazing blend of flavor, spice and heat. My mimosa was also very good—not too sweet nor pulpy.

We looked over the menu and decided on what to order. Liz ordered, after much deliberation, the shepherd's pie ($12.95). This hearty meal in a bowl was delivered with the potatoes piped on top looking like whipped cream. Under the mashed potatoes was seasoned shredded beef that is described to be slow-cooked with peas, carrots,
and onions. Liz let me try some of this delectable treat. With the small bite I took, it took me back to my childhood of family meals around the table and warm happy memories. When it is said that good food warms the soul, it must be referencing this dish.

Paul had decided to the try the Bunratty burger ($11.95). This massive half pound burger sits on a Sciortino's hard roll, and that's just the beginning. Upon the burger is placed a slice of provolone and cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato, a crispy onion ring and a slice of Irish rasher (or Irish bacon). The inside of the bun is smeared with a garlic-basil aioli that just adds more complexity to the flavor of the burger. This large sandwich was so large that Paul had to flatten it down just to be able to take a bite. Severed with a side of fries and his bloody mary, needless to say, Paul left feeling stuffed.

I wanted to check out the Irish breakfast special ($10.95). I was in for a real treat, because most everything that was on my plate was authentically Irish, even down to the side of brown bread. The scrabbled eggs were fluffy and went well with the roasted tomatoes and mushrooms. Sitting to the side of the eggs was a piece of Irish rashers (Irish bacon), and hidden beneath that was Irish sausage. I knew it was something different, because the flavor and texture are completely different than what I know of as breakfast sausage. Rather than dense, anise-flavored sticks, these were meatier and had a slight sweetness to them. Along side of those were two pieces of black and white pudding, to which Liz exclaimed, "Don't eat those." I took her advice after hearing her explanation. The only disappointment to the plate was the three potato hash browns that looked processed and deep-fried. I only wished for this plate to have authentic potatoes to make it truly remarkable.

If you are looking for a brunch, lunch or dinner spot, definitely think about stopping buy County Clare. Located in Easttown, be prepared for street parking, and weekend nights are a busy time for the pub. For this brunch experience it was about $18 per person. But, as said before, we wanted an just take some time to have a great meal at the County Clare and were able to make it into a brunch with great friends, food and atmosphere.

Until next weekend, I hope you take any dining experience and make it to what you want. Happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at County Clare? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

County Clare (****)
1234 North Astor St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-5273

countyclare-inn.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: Beginning at 11 a.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Authentic Irish pub with nice restaurant seating, bar and snug

Food: **** (very good)
Great Irish food like grandma used to make

Service: *** (pretty good)
A little rough in the beginning, but overall friendly and knowledgeable about the menu

Drinks: ****
Mimosa - **** (very good)
Bloody Mary - **** (very good)

Price: **** (pretty good)
A little more than $15 per person with no one leaving hungry

Saz's State House - Bring on the Buffet

2010-05-17T10:00:00.004-05:00

On a dull and dreary game day morning think about heading to Saz's State House to get your fill before heading to Miller Park. I recently made a trip to this Milwaukee favorite to see what people have been enjoying since 1976. Along for this review was my friend, Adam, who is always up for checking out something new, and a buffet was right up our alley this Sunday morning.

Heading west on State street, Saz's is just west of the Miller brewery underneath the Hawley bridge. This restaurant, although tucked away, has a devoted crowd and even more so on Brewers game days. Walking into the restaurant is like walking back in time. The circular bar was packed with patrons. The Schlitz pilsner glasses and wood paneling made me think I was walking into a supper club in the Northwoods. The main seating area is behind a wooden partisan on one side of the bar with the buffet line on the other side. Navigating around the bar patrons, servers and other diners can be challenging.

Adam and I walked into the packed bar/waiting area for a table for almost 25 minutes. (The "Immediate Seating" sign must have been left on by mistake.) There was a shuttle that went from the restaurant to Miller park. It took sometime to fill the bus with all the fans, as they were finishing their beers and talking about the Brewers and Cubs game. Once the shuttle departed, the restaurant cleared out of a good portion of guests and we were able to get a table in the bar area.

Our server came up to the table and asked us if we wanted something to drink. I ordered my usual (coffee, water and mimosa) while Adam ordered a coffee. Then, our server looked at us and said, "You're here for the buffet? You can start whenever." Adam and I looked at each other with disbelief and got up to start at the buffet.

We squeezed by some servers and other diners to make our way into the room filled with the buffet. There were two sections to the buffet line: one with breakfast-style food and the other with more of a traditional dinner fare. Another section of the buffet had a salad bar, smoked salmon, assorted pastries, a tub of ice cream. Additionally, there was a ham and beef carving station and made-to-order omelette station, although the cook looked like he had a rough night before and was propped up against the well.

Adam and I surveyed over the grand display of food, devised our strategy and dug in. We took many of the same items, so for this review, I focused on my plates. My first plate I chose to take an Egg Benedict, corned-beef hash, chicken cordon bleu, bacon and a cup of Italian tortellini soup. With all the selection, I was really looking forward to everything I had placed on my plate. Unfortunately, I was not impressed. The benedict was over-cooked on the bottom with a cold sauce. The chicken cordon bleu was a pre-prepared and processed version of the same super market entree. Redeeming the plate, the corned-beef hash was delicious with the side of bacon. However, the soup was too salty for my taste with large chunks of celery, carrots, tomatoes and tortellini. Half way through this plate, Adam and my coffees arrived. My mimosa had not. In asking the server if I could have my drink, she replied, "Oh yeah, it's coming," and quickly ran off to another table. Once the drink did arrive at the table, it was terrible. The bitter drink was not sweet or smooth like others I had tasted. It was watery and bitter, as if the drink was only cheap champagne and a splash of orange juice on top.

Sipping my piping hot coffee, Adam and I decided to take a second-try at the buffet. This time I wanted to focus more on the second half of the buffet: dinner items with one exception a waffle. The tray of chicken tenders looked too good to pass up, so with that, I took one tender and a large potato pankcake. I also fished out some mixed vegetables out of a sea of butter and added them to my plate. Walking back to the table, I passed the dessert section and grabbed a chocolate-chip cookie bar. The waffle was soggy, even before the addition of the maple syrup, and the potato pancake was burnt on one side. I missed that when making my selection. The chicken tender was nice and juicy and although they were probably loaded with butter, so were the veggies. The dessert bar didn't last too much longer after the photo was taken.

Adam also agreed with the food. Although the selection looked and smelled delicious, the plates were not that appetizing. Coupled with poor and inattentive service, my experience at Saz's State House was not the best. Although the crowds loved loading up on the food before heading to the ball park, I would love to see some improvements to the service and food before I would plan a return trip. At $15.95 per person including all drinks, this reasonably priced buffet is designed for those that love those four little words, "all-you-can-eat."

What have been your experiences at Saz's State House? What are some other good items to get from the buffet? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Saz's State House (**)
5539 W State St
Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 453-2410
sazs.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Atmosphere: ** (ok)
A hodgepodge building of many add-ons with a feeling of being stuck in 1965.

Food: ** (ok)
A barrage of traditional breakfast and dinner items along with a carving station, omelettes to order, salad and dessert bars.

Service: * (poor)
Never caught our server's name, but she never stood still when checking with us. It was almost "drive-by" service.

Drinks: *
Mimosa - * (poor)
Bloody Mary - n/a (didn't try)

Price: ** (ok)
Little more than $15 a person with drinks included in the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Where is Milwaukee's Best Bloody Mary?

2010-05-14T10:00:00.002-05:00

One of the highlights of any brunch, as any good citizen of Milwaukee will attest to, is the quality of the restaurant's bloody mary or mimosa. Let’s be honest, this is mainly the point of brunch in this city. What better way to shake off the baggage (or hangover) from the night before than to have one of these great morning drinks? A follower on Twitter once told me, “If there is no booze, it’s just breakfast.” Personally, as you know, I must have a glass of water, a cup of coffee and a mimosa in front of me before I even think about ordering. However, several of my friends will only frequent certain restaurants only because they love the "bloodies."

On to this Friday's Question: Where is Milwaukee's Best Bloody Mary? Where do you go to get your fix on Saturday or Sunday morning?

Other, more prominent websites have created their own lists, namely OnMilwaukee.com or JSOnline, but I wanted to see what you, my readers felt.

Let me know which is the best based on spice, heat and flavor in the comments below. Have a great weekend, enjoy the weather and happy brunching!

Thanks to @P_Fred for helping me come up with today's question. You should follow him on Twitter, if you aren't already.

Kil@wat - A Luxurious Brunch Experience

2010-05-10T10:00:00.197-05:00

Mother's Day is always a special weekend for my family and I. Since I am the only one that lives in the great city of Milwaukee, my family tries to travel here to visit. We have a great time exploring the many things this city has to offer: museums, tours, restaurants, etc. Mostly, it's fun for me to plan things and surprise my mom with experiences she cannot have living in the Northwoods. This Mother's Day the fine folks at Kil@wat in the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown helped me show my mom how special she is to my family.

After Sunday mass at the Cathedral, my parents and I made our way to the Intercontinental Hotel. Parking in the structure underneath the Milwaukee Center, we walked into the hotel from the Center's shared atrium with the Pabst and Rep theaters. Instantly walking into the lobby of the hotel, we felt that we were being wrapped in a warm, luxurious embrace. The dark wood walled hallways with accents of orange and green in the stripped carpet led to a waiting area with large, plush leather chairs and suede-covered walls. We took the elevator to the second floor and walked into Kil@wat. I had made reservations in advance, so as we walked in, we were immediately lead to our table by the kind hostess.

We were seated at a large booth next to a window that looked out over the intersection of Kilbourn Avenue and Water Street. Our server, Andrew, approached the table and set down a small plate of assorted pastries. He explained to us that they were offering the normal brunch menu along with a special three-course Mother's Day Brunch special ($32). He then took our drink order. My mom was offered a bottomless glass of sparkling wine, mimosa or bloody mary, which was offered to all moms dining at Kil@wat that morning. She chose to have a glass of sparkling wine ($7). I had my usual coffee, water and mimosa ($7), while my dad just enjoyed his coffee. Andrew came back and delivered our drinks and gave us an amuse bouche (not pictured) of house smoked trout, poached potato, and pickled radish. This delectable treat was a wake up to our palettes, preparing us for the wealth of flavors to come.

We looked over the menu and my mom and I decided to go with the special menu, while my dad chose from the regular brunch menu. For our first course, my mom chose the sunflower salad. This fresh sea of green and red was a bed of sunflower sprouts sprinkled with sunflower seeds. Adding a nice creamy and pungent flavor were bits of fresh goat cheese. To balance the cheese large pieces of strawberries were mixed in to the salad. The strawberry balsamic dressing helped mix all the flavors together and was the perfect addition.

My dad ordered the roasted red pepper and fennel soup ($6). This brightly colored soup was a hit at our table. The creamy, yet light soup was heavenly. There was a slight warmth and spice to the soup, but only at the end of tasting it. Filled with some bits of cheese, my dad asked if Andrew could get the recipe from the chef, so that he could try to recreate it at home. I have to admit, I only finished half of my salad, just so I could switch with my dad and enjoy this soup as much as he did.

I had ordered the organic local green salad as my first course. The various greens were drizzled with a dijon-verjus vinaigrette. There were also halves of red and green cherry tomatoes and hearty croutons. It was light and a great start to the meal, but I was eying up my dad's soup to finish for him.

Once our first courses were finished, we had some time to sit, talk and watch the comings and goings of the traffic and people on the street corners. It was a beautiful day, and we talked about all the fun things we had done the day before.

For her main course, my mom had ordered the crab cake from the special menu. This large crab cake was made with real crabmeat that flaked off with ever bite. Always a fan of seafood, my mom was ecstatic. The avocado-coriander puree that was painted on the base of the plate was just enough to give a creamy element to each bite. The sweet corn relish was a refreshing addition to the plate. We tried to pinpoint the extra spice in the relish and decided it had to be mint (or something from that family), because it was cool and invigorating. My mom was thoroughly pleased with her choice of the crab cake, and later asked when the next time we were going back to that restaurant for more.

I had ordered the grilled hanger steak prepared rare. Served with black truffle scrambled eggs and potato hash, the steak was smothered with bearnaise and topped with sprouts. Each bite was a luxurious combination of earthy steak, fresh sprouts and creamy bearnaise. I gave a couple bites to my parents, but secretly I wanted to keep it all to myself. I finished the steak before moving on to my moist and fluffy eggs and hash browns. The eggs were full of flavor with the black truffles and needed no other seasoning. The potatoes were also prepared perfectly without any need for salt or pepper.

My dad ordered the hot smoked salmon hash ($12). This entree came out with all the ingredients nicely stacked upon each other. The base of roasted Yukon gold potatoes had the salmon and asparagus mixed together next. Topped with a poached egg and finished off with a dill hollandaise sauce, my dad chose rye toast from his choice of sides. My mom reminded me that my dad does not really care for salmon, to which he commented, "I am trying something new." He must have liked it, because while I still had a couple pieces of steak left, he was using a slice of rye bread to wipe up any reminisce from his plate. He said the egg was cooked perfectly, and the asparagus was sliced in such a way that made it easy to pick up with the fish and potato for a richly flavored bite each time.

My mom and I had the choice of our dessert to conclude our meal. She chose the crème brulee, while I had the dessert simply titled, "chocolate." Each was a decedent finish to the meal. My mom loves crème brulee, and it was even a treat to have it garnished with seasonal berried. My chocolate dessert was simply heavenly. The chocolate mouse was topped with chocolate gelato and with an amazing chocolate sauce on the plate. Each were amazing in their own way, and a very nice way to wrap up our dining experience.

If you are looking for an amazing, luxurious brunch locale to take that special someone or simply make someone feel extraordinary, then you must make your reservations for Kil@wat in the Intercontinental Hotel. For around $25 per person for a two-course brunch, Kil@wat has the entrees and service that will have you planning your next trip before you leave the table. Located in the Milwaukee Center, parking is available for a fee, however you can receive a discount by dining in the restaurant (simply speak with someone at the host stand). Also, I want to thank the staff at the restaurant for making my mom feel so welcomed and special during out visit. It was a pleasure my dad and I to see her so happy enjoying the special day.

Until next time, hope you have a great week and look forward to seeing you next weekend morning!

Full Disclosure: Although we received our meals free of charge (many thanks to Tim Smith, General Manager and Stephan Fitz, Director of Food and Beverage), I was not paid to advertise for Kil@wat or the Intercontinental Hotel. All opinions expressed in this blog entry are our own and are reflective of our experience.

What have been your experiences at Kil@wat? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Kil@wat (*****)
139 East Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202(414) 291-4793
kilawatcuisine.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Atmosphere: ***** (awesome)
Modern and luxurious, warm lighting with rich woods, colors, fabrics and decor.

Food: ***** (awesome)
Excellent combinations of flavors, spices and textures

Service: ***** (awesome)
Friendly, honest, attentive and knowledgeable of menu items

Drinks: ***** (awesome)
Mimosa - ***** (awesome)
Bloody Mary - n/a (didn't try)

Price: ***** (awesome)
Around $25 a person, but well worth the price.

Fast Food Brunch?

2010-05-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Browsing around the internet, looking for links to share on Twitter, I came across an interesting story on CNN.com. It talked about how Burger King is testing out brunch in select markets on the East Cost. (Read the full story) I thought to myself, "Really? Burger King has the ability to sell mimosas and bloody marys in their burger joints?" Diving in a bit deeper into the story...

The fast-food chain is testing brunch fare in Massachusetts and Florida, and depending on its success there, it may be rolled out nationally.

The menu is set to feature a breakfast sandwich of eggs, cheese, tomato, ham, bacon and smoky tomato sauce served on Ciabatta bread, Whoppers (which are not usually available in the morning) and the BK Mimosa—a nonalcoholic version of the classic cocktail with Sprite standing in for the traditional champagne.

What is happening to the food in our country? Are the big burger chains really hurting in this economy where they need to take over, yet another one of our meals?

On to this Friday's question: If Burger King (or any other fast food chain) would start offering brunch in the Milwaukee area, would you check it out? And could it replace the ritual Sunday morning affairs that our city loves?

Respond below in the comments to voice your opinion. Have a great, yet rainy, Friday, and happy brunching with mom this weekend!

Il Mito - An Upscale Brunch Outing

2010-05-03T10:00:00.004-05:00

I have been having some great conversations with different people on Twitter, and so I took some advice and took a short trip west to Wauwatosa for brunch this Sunday morning. I made plans my friend, Lisa, and we chose to check out Il Mito for brunch. I have been there for dinner before, but we wanted to see what the brunch would be like at this classic, rustic Italian restaurant.

Driving west on North Avenue through East Tosa, Il Mito sits on the south side of the street. The restaurant takes up three storefronts and is easily recognizable by the large vertical sign on top of the entrance. Walking in, the guest feels they are instantly setting foot in a Tuscan trattoria: the warm colors, linen tablecloths and dark woodwork. The host stand is the first thing a guest sees upon entering and luckily for me, there was a open table.

I sat at a table next to the window and waited for Lisa to arrive. The sun was out and so I had no issue with doing some people watching while I waited. Our server took my drink order (my usual: water, mimosa ($6.95) and coffee), and soon thereafter, Lisa entered the door looking chilled to the bone. She had walked to the restaurant, since she lives in the neighborhood. The attentive server approached the table and took Lisa's drink order as well. She ordered a bloody mary ($8.95) with no shrimp garnish. Our drinks were delivered to the table, and we were both really surprised! My mimosa is made with fresh-squeezed orange juice and the champagne is poured in the glass table side. There was even enough champagne left over for a refill and a half. Lisa's bloody mary was made with three different vodkas: normal Absolut, a cucumber-infused vodka and a pepper-infused vodka. Lisa was very happy with the flavor and amount of heat and spice. The drink was garnished with olives, a mushroom and slices of lemon and lime. As a chaser, there was a small bottle of Miller High Life. This was one of the most intricate drink combinations I have seen for a brunch. We looked over the menu and decided what we wanted to try on this outing.

We ordered and waited for the food to be delivered. A couple minutes later our server brought out a small basket of bread and a plate of butter. But this was not just a brick of yellow paste on a plate. This was cinnamon butter with strawberry syrup drizzled over it. The bread triangles were the perfect size for smearing some of this "dessert butter" on and taking two or three bites before needing more. Lisa and I agreed: this small treat before brunch was an exciting way to get our interest perked about our entrees if this was the starter plate.

A short time later, when the cinnamon butter plate was thoroughly cleaned of any reminisce of the tasty treat, our server arrived with our food. Lisa decided on the Bacon Pizza ($9.95). This twelve-inch pizza took up the entire plate (and frame as you can see). A traditional pizza in the sense of a thin crust with tomato sauce, the toppings were those of a great Florentine breakfast: roasted peppers, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and Fontana cheese. The crust was a little too crunchy for my taste, but the sauce was spectacular—slightly sweet and the roasted peppers helped bring it out even more. The thinly sliced potatoes did add a nice earthy taste to the smokey bacon flavor. The eggs were nicely cooked as well: not too soggy, but not too dry. This was a great suggestion by our server, and even though Lisa was a little skeptical after order it, she definitely wanted to save some to take home for later.

I had chosen the Smoked Chicken Frittata ($10.95). This dish is heads and shoulders above a traditional scrambled eggs dish. The fresh asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes were mouth-watering additions to the eggs. It tasted as if they had been picked out of the garden and thrown into this dish. Great flavors. The goat cheese also provided surprising punches of flavors with each bite. Topped with roasted potatoes and bacon and served with a side of fruit (not pictured) this frittata is a must-try if you visit Il Mito for brunch.

If you are looking for a great brunch outside of downtown, you must have Il Mito on your list. For a little more than $20 per person, this restaurant is a great place to visit after Sunday services or with your family. Located on North Avenue in Wauwatosa, there is plenty of street parking or even a city parking lot across the block. So, don't pack your bags for Italy for a Sunday brunch, visit Il Mito and be prepared for a delicious meal.

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Il Mito? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Il Mito (***½)
6917 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53213
(414) 443-1414

ilmito.com

Brunch hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good)
High-end Italian restaurant feel without being stuffy and snobby

Food: **** (very good)
A rustic Italian take on brunch

Service: *** (pretty good)
Friendly and knowledgeable about the menu

Drinks: ****½
Mimosa - **** (very good)
Bloody Mary - ****½ (very good)

Price: *** (pretty good)
A little more than $20 per person with some leftovers.

Mother's Day in Milwaukee — Brunch Options

2010-04-26T10:03:00.004-05:00

May is right around the corner, and with that comes warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and Mother's Day brunch. This is one of my favorite brunches, because it is the time of the year when my immediate family comes into town to celebrate this holiday. Since I usually travel to where they live around the country, I have laid claim to Mother's Day in Milwaukee.

In preparation for this year's brunch on May 9, I have selected some of my favorite places around the city to take my mom for brunch. I hope you can find a place on this list to take your family out and celebrate all that your mother has done for you.

Remember that this is a very busy brunch day in the city, so reservations anywhere are probably a good idea. When you do call to reserve your table, tell them you saw their listing here on MilwaukeeBrunchReviews.com!

Have a Happy Mother's Day and enjoy your brunch!

Andrew’s—Hotel Delafield
Think about making the trip out to Delafield and visiting Andrew’s inside The Delafield Hotel this Mother’s Day. The buffet-style brunch will feature an omlette station, steak and ham carving station along with a wide array of traditional brunch favorites. Coffee, milk and juice included in price.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$27.95 per adult
$11.95 per child 6 – 13
5 and under are free
Call for reservations.

Andrew’s—Hotel Delafield
415 Genesee St
Delafield, WI 53018
262-646-1600
thedelafieldhotel.com

Boerner Botanical Gardens
If your Mother is a gardener, nothing will top brunch by Bartolotta's at the Boerner Botanical Garden. Enjoy a delectable spread of gourmet fare in the midst of nature's finest.
10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Call for reservations and prices.

Boerner Botanical Gardens
9400 Boerner Dr.
Hales Corners, WI 53130
414-525-5635
boernerbotanicalgardens.org

Brookfield Suites Hotel and Convention Center
Bring the family out for a buffet-style brunch, featuring a wide assortment of gourmet and traditional breakfast and lunch fare prepared in-house. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne or a mimosa!
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$26.95 per adult
$9.95 per child under 12
Kids 5 and under eat free.
Call to make reservations.

Brookfield Suites Hotel
1200 S. Moorland Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-782-2900
brookfieldsuiteshotel.com

The Café—Pfister Hotel
Offering their normal brunch menu, enjoy a leisurely Sunday brunch on the Veranda while watching the bustle of the downtown city life off of Jefferson Street. Whether you are off to a business meeting, catching an airplane, or enjoying a lazy vacation day - the Cafe at the Pfister has something for everyone.
6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for prices and reservations.

The Café—Pfister Hotel
424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-273-8222
thepfisterhotel.com

Café Centraal
Serving their regular brunch menu, all moms receive a complimentary rose and glass of champagne! Read my review.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Call for reservations.

Café Centraal
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Bay View, WI 53207
414-755-0378
cafecentraal.com

Coast
From slow-roasted prime rib and eggs Benedict ala martini you'll love the delicious offerings including a Create Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$34 per adult
$16 per child

Coast
931 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-727-5555
coastrestaurant.com

The Edelweiss
Try something new by treating your mother to a beautiful scenic tour during an Edelweiss Champagne Brunch. This tour lasts for two hours as you leisurely cruise the Milwaukee River and lakefront.
Tours leave at 12 p.m.
$42 per adult
Call for reservations.

Milwaukee River Cruise Line
1110 N. Old World Third St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414.276.7447
edelweissboats.com

Envoy—Ambassador Hotel
While their traditional small plate brunch menu will be served, Mother’s Day brunch will have additions of a waffle station, meat carving station and omelette station. Envoy's Mother's Day brunch will surely live up to their growing reputation. Read my review.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$25.95 per adult
$14.95 per child 12 and younger.
Reservations are a must.

Envoy
2308 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-345-5015
ambassadormilwaukee.com
Hubbard Park Lodge
Another peaceful locale, this time located along the Milwaukee River, Hubbard Park Lodge is known for its excellent brunch and idyllic setting.
Call for reservations and prices.

Hubbard Park Lodge
3565 N. Morris Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.332.4207
hubbardlodge.com

Il Mito
Severing the normal Sunday Brunch menu, Il Mito prepares the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch, plating up heaping helpings of eggs and waffles, breakfast pizzas, and more.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for reservations.

Il Mito
6917 W. North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-443-1414
ilmito.com

Kil@wat—Intercontinental Hotel
A three-course brunch of delicious entrees. Each mother receives a rose and complimentary bottomless glass of sparkling wine, mimosa or special house bloody mary.
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$32 per person
Call for reservations.

Kil@wat—Intercontinental Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
414-291-4793
kilawatcuisine.com

Lake Park Bistro
Set in the midst of one of Milwaukee's finest parks on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Lake Park Bistro offers a three-course seated brunch instead of a traditional buffet. With items such as oysters and black truffle liver mousse, this one is a little pricier, but you know your mother is worth it.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Call for reservations and prices.

Lake Park Bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-962-6300
lakeparkbistro.com

Mason Street Grill
Take the family to this great Mother’s Day buffet-style brunch offering an omlette station, risotto station and carved prime rib. Along with a decedent dessert bar, this will surely show Mom just how much you care.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for prices and reservations

Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com

Milwaukee Public Museum
Treat your mom to a special brunch, featuring juice and coffee, pastries and fruit, a carving station with a specialty tenderloin, a breakfast station with a variety of eggs and pancakes, a brunch station with various salads and a champagne fountain. Brunch will also include Museum admission for the day as well as children's butterfly crafts at each table, butterfly tours in Rain Forest, and two live butterfly releases in the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium.
Seatings will be held at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
$34 per adult with discounts for members and children
Call for reservations.

Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-2728
mpm.edu

Motor—Harley Davidson Museum
Throw tradition to the wind and treat your "biker mama" to a Mother's Day Rock n' Roll Brunch at Motor. They'll be rolling out the orange carpet with an all-you-can-eat brunch with kids’ brunch tables. Each guest also receives “Mom” temporary tattoos.
$24.95 per adult
$9.95 per child

Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum
400 Canal St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-287-2778
harley-davidson.com

Polaris—Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Enjoy a gourmet Mother’s Day buffet-style brunch menu, featuring designer omelettes, cinnamon French toast soufflé, wild mushroom and Boursin cheese stuffed pork loin with cranberry-merlot chutney, thyme and garlic crusted strip loin with smoked au jus, California sea bass, duck confit with crimini mushrooms and cipollini demi glace and risotto with saffron-lobster broth and mascarpone, alongside creative side dishes, salads, desserts and pastries.
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
$45 per adult
$40 per senior 60+
$19 per child 10 and under
In addition, $5 of every full price adult brunch will go to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.
Call to make reservations.

Polaris—Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
333 W. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-270-6130
milwaukee.hyatt.com

Roots
Along with serving their normal brunch menu, all moms get a free plant at brunch: tomato, Peppers, Flowers, etc. all tied up with a bow.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call for reservations

Roots
1818 N. Hubbard St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com

Tulip
This Mother's Day Brunch will not disappoint. This buffet features an elegant blend of authentic Turkish breakfast dishes and American brunch favorites
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$20 per adult
Kids 7 and younger are free.

Tulip
360 E. Erie St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-273-5252
tulipmilwaukee.com

Where are you thinking of taking your family for Mother's Day brunch? Respond below in the comments!

What is Your Fondest Brunch Memory?

2010-04-23T10:04:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, I forgot to write a question for this week. Yesterday, I attended the Big #MilwaukeeTweetUp at Swig in downtown Milwaukee. (If you have never been there, you need to check it out.) I met a lot of great people there, and I was surprised by how many people enjoy reading these blog posts and reviews.

So, in my absent-mindedness, I asked some of my followers on Twitter for some help on what to ask for this Friday question. Surprisingly enough, there was a lot of chatter about bacon and your earliest memory of bacon. Mostly, this was spear-headed by @CandidCarrie. If you are on Twitter, and are not following her, you must. She is hilarious and will always have you in stitches. Also, her blog CandidCarrie.com is a great way to escape from the monotonous work day and break it up with laughter.

So I took this line of thought, and I tried to broaden it a little more...

On to this Friday's question: What is your fondest brunch memory? Where were you and who were you with?

For me, it was a recent brunch I had with my sister and her boyfriend. We had gone to Brocach the Saturday before Easter. They live out of state (and read about my weekend outings on here), so they were very excited to experience a true Milwaukee brunch. It was a great time to catch up with them, share some great food and drink and let them enjoy what we Milwaukeeans partake in every weekend.

So, have a great day, enjoy what you can of the rainy weekend coming up and happy brunching!

Twisted Fork - Great Outdoor Dining

2010-04-19T10:00:00.058-05:00

UPDATE: As of September 12, 2010, Twisted Fork has closed it's doors. Read more about the closing and the sports bar opening in it's stead at OnMilwaukee.com.

If you live on the Eastside or drive through the intersections of Farwell and North, you know about Twisted Fork. Situated in the heart of this historic Milwaukee neighborhood, Twisted Fork offers a casual atmosphere with a diverse menu. Plus, with the warm weather for this Sunday, I wanted to get out and have a great patio experience!

No matter which way you are getting to Twisted Fork, you cannot miss it. The large logo on the corners of Farwell and North seems to be a large Google "pin" showing the exact location of the entrance. Walking through the turn-style door, you are greeted by the host stand, a long bar and a small waiting area for seating. The bar area takes advantage of being on the corners with large windows looking out at the busy intersection. The dining area has the feel of being in a colorful art gallery with gorgeous hardwood floors and comfortable booths.

This Sunday morning, I was meeting my friends Chris and Ben. I have been trying to get together with Ben for a long time for brunch to catch up with him, so we made plans through Facebook to meet at Twisted Fork. I also needed a friend who would be able to give me great insight into the bloody marys, and I knew that my friend Chris would fit the bill.

I made it the restaurant around 11 a.m., and Chris was waiting for us at the bar. He had ordered a bloody mary ($7) and let me know they had a special: two-for-one! We waited for Ben to arrive before we sat at our table outside. The weather was great this Sunday morning! We sat almost directly on the corners of North and Farwell—some great people watching. Our server Courtney took our drink order. I ordered my usual (water, coffee and mimosa ($6)), and Ben ordered hot tea and a mimosa. Chris said his bloody was great. It had a nice mix of flavor and spice, not too watery or thick. Garnished with a pickle, olive, lemon and lime wedge, the drink was served with your choice of a Miller Lite or Schlitz chaser. The mimosas, Ben and I agreed that they were great. Neither one of us enjoys pulp in our drinks, but the amount in these was great. They had a great balance of sweet and sour. One of the better mimosas I have had in the city.

We looked over the menu and decided what to order. Chris chose the Eggs Benedict ($8). The large plate was nicely filled with the entree. The benedict itself seemed to be perfectly put together, almost too perfect. The English muffins and ham were almost the same size with the poached eggs placed almost in the center of the circle. The Hollandaise sauce was a little too watery for my taste, but the dash of paprika on top added a nice flavor. The breakfast potatoes were good as well. The outside was nicely cooked with the inside warm and fluffy. Garnished with a small cup of fresh fruit, this brunch staple is a great choice for those looking for a traditional eggs benedict plate.

I looked at the menu and had a hard time deciding. I asked Courtney between three different entrees, and she suggested the Brunch Quesadilla ($8). When she placed the plate in front of me, I was shocked at the amount of food on the plate! The quesadilla was a combination of scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar and jack cheeses. Served with a side of homemade chunky salsa and sour cream, the quesadilla was so good. Plus, hidden underneath was a bed of breakfast potatoes garnished with green onions and roasted red peppers. This was a great entree for anyone looking for something to fill them up after a long night. I really appreciate Courtney's suggestion of this dish!

Ben stood by his favorite, French Toast ($7). Again, when his plate was set down, I was amazed on the number of slices of Texas Toast on the place! These neatly arranged slices were stacked with butter and syrup on the side. The one bite that Ben let me have was amazing. I was expecting a heavy soggy piece of bread but was surprised to find it so light and fluffy with excellent hints of cinnamon and sugar in the batter. Served with a side of fresh fruit, this is a French Toast lover's dream.

If this summer you are looking for a great brunch experience, think about stopping by Twisted Fork. For less than $15 per person, this restaurant offers traditional brunch items along with their own unique items. Since it is located on the busy intersection of Farwell and North be prepared for street parking (and possibly a short walk to the restaurant), but on a nice day, it is worth it. Additionally, think about sitting out on the patio on a hot summer day. Since it's situated on the north face of the building, it is nicely shaded during the noon hour.

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at Twisted Fork? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

Twisted Fork (***½)
2238 North Farwell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 431-1080
twisted-fork.com

Brunch hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good)
Contemporary interior with warm, vivid colors, hardwood floors and great views of the hustle and bustle of the intersection.

Food: ***½ (very good)
Nice blend of well-prepared traditional brunch items and some of unique entrees

Service: *** (pretty good)
Friendly, albeit a little slow but knowledgeable about the menu

Drinks: ***½
Mimosa - *** (pretty good)
Bloody Mary - **** (very good)

Price: ***** (awesome)
Less than $15 a person with a drink special.

What is Your Favorite Brunch Outside of Downtown?

2010-04-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have been having some great conversations lately with people regarding brunch, and one question that always asked of me is: "Do you ever get out of downtown for brunch?" I am honest when I respond by saying, "I don't know of many brunches outside of the downtown area."

On to this Friday's Question: What is a good place for brunch west of Miller Park? North of Capitol? South of National?

I will promise to try to get to all of these places mentioned in the coming months! Also you can check out "The List" of places on Facebook I still need to check out. In the mean time, get out and enjoy the sun this weekend! Find a great restaurant for brunch and settle down and relax. you deserve it!

Have a great day and happy brunching!

p.s. - Happy "Foursquare" day to those that foursquare as much as I do. And those that don't know, four squared is sixteen. So, foursquare, the social media/networking application, has made up a holiday for all of it's users, and it's today, 4/16.

The National - Little Cafe; Big Flavor

2010-04-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

If you do not want to sit in a crowded, busy restaurant for brunch, think about heading to The National. This small corner cafe is a great change of pace and has some unique offerings. Whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian and vegan, The National can create for you an entree that will not disappoint.

No matter which direction you are coming to the National, it is easy to spot. The bright blue colors and sign on the corner draw people in with open arms. Once walking in, you will notice the warm interior with Cream City brick, retro print curtains, and a little table in the front corner nook that looks out onto the street. The large windows, warm colors and friendly staff give this neighborhood cafe an inviting atmosphere.

The National boasts of serving brunch every day. I decided to check that out with Andrew one Saturday morning. We walked in to the cafe and approached the counter to order. The long retro deli counter had fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, beer, bottle waters and other items in it. It all looked so good. Looking above the counter, we noticed the brunch/breakfast menu. Andrew and I had both decided on our entrees and walked to the side to order. After placing our food and coffee order, we found a table and waited for our food to come. Within a couple of minutes, the same girl that took our order came out with our lattes ($3.25/each).We sipped on the hot espresso drink and talked about what our plans were for the day.

A little while later, the same girl brought out our food. Andrew ordered the French Toastwich ($5.25) with a side of fruit ($3). The sandwich is an amazing combination of flavors. The french toast is light and fluffy with enough egg to cover the bread and then some. The inside of the bread is smeared with a delicious honeynut cream cheese spread. Plus, in between the two slices of bread are several thinly sliced pieces of ham that were quickly cooked on the griddle. The warmth of the ham melts the cream cheese spread, so the diner greats the all the flavors combined with every bite. Served with a side of maple syrup, this unique item must be tried by every new visitor. Along with the sandwich, Andrew ordered a side of fruit, and we could tell the attention to detail the restaurant has for each dish. All the fruit was cut right before serving. The apples were not yellowed at all, and each piece had its own distinct, fresh flavor; not like they were sitting in a prep station for hours.

I had ordered the Breakfast Burrito ($6.25). With the first bite, I knew I had ordered the best breakfast burrito ever. The flavor of roasted bell peppers, onions, black beans, salsa and cheddar cheese is enhanced by the two eggs also in the wrap. Taking the burrito and placing it in a sandwich press help combine (and seal) the burrito, the cook knows what goes into making a mouth watering burrito. The plate is also garnished with a side of salsa and freshly peeled avocado to help balance the slight spice and heat of the burrito. Andrew and I had decided on sharing our two meals, and as you can see, I cut the burrito in half. After my first bite, I decided he was getting the smaller part. I wanted to enjoy this dish as long as possible.

Although dining space is smaller and more intimate at the National, the food is big on flavor and fresh ingredients. For a total of about $10 per person, the cafe does deliver on the promise of brunch every day of the week. And remember to clean up after yourself! There is no wait staff to clean tables between visitors. Although, it is located at the busy corner of 9th Street and National Avenue, street parking is very easy to find. If you are looking for a quieter space to get away from the normal hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant, think about making plans to get to The National for brunch.

Until next weekend, have a great week and happy brunching!

What have been your experiences at The National? What are some other good entrees? Respond below in the comments!

All the details you want to know: (on a five star rating)

The National (***½)
839 West National Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 431-655
nationaleats.com

Brunch hours:
Every day of the week!
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Atmosphere: *** (pretty good)
Lots of natural light, Cream City brick and warm-colored painted walls with a quiet coffee shop feel.

Food: **** (very good)
Unique items with amazing, fresh flavors

Service: *** (pretty good)
Helped describe the different items on the menu and quickly brought the food to the table.

Drinks: n/a
Mimosa - n/a
Bloody Mary - n/a

Price: **** (very good)
Less than $15 and nicely-sized portions.

Where are Milwaukee's Best Patios?

2010-04-09T10:00:00.012-05:00

This week has been an interesting one as far as weather is concerned. I heard the statement: "Wisconsin: the only state where you can have all four seasons in one week (sometimes in one day)." This week just proved that—summer-like weather for Brewers Opening Day on Monday to snow on Thursday morning. One thing that keeps me going is to know that summer is right around the corner.

As I look around Facebook and Twitter, I see messages from restaurants letting people know when their patios are opening. For Milwaukeeans, we know that once the temperature gets above 50º, restaurants seem to throw a table anywhere outside and call it a patio!

On to Friday's Question: Which Milwaukee restaurant has the best patio?

There are some imitations (tables crammed on a tiny sidewalk), but there are some awesome patios out there in the city! I want to know which one is your favorite. Leave your suggestions in the comments below to let others know where you enjoy to dine outside! It may help me decide where to go to brunch this summer, so I can check them out!

Update (4/20/2010): I have found OnMilwaukee.com's Outdoor Dining Guide for the city. It looks like there are some great places to check out this summer. Have a look!

Update (6/13/2010): Just so you know, I have created my Top 10 list on Third Coast Digest's site. Do you agree with this list? Would you want to add some other place?

Easter Brunch 2010 - Places and Referrals

2010-04-01T12:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone on Twitter for the referrals and recommendations (@Burp_blog, @im_X1, @polleydan, @yourMKEDining, @milwaukeefoodie) on places to check out for Easter Brunch. I found some great resources on other websites of Milwaukee area restaurants' Easter Specials:

OnMilwaukee.com - Dine Out for Easter Brunch

MilwaukeeFood.com - 2010 Easter Sunday Brunch and Dinner Guide

OpenTable.com - Easter Brunch & Easter Dinner Specials for 2010

I would love to know where you are going this Sunday morning, and better yet, what you thought of your Easter Brunch! Leave your comments below.

For me, I am not sure what I will be doing. I have not made any reservations anywhere, since I have family coming into town and traveling that day. But, you can always check out my reviews of the places I have been as a guide!

Hope you enjoy your weekend and Happy Easter Brunching!