Courtesy of the Villa at Heaven City
A salmon and chanterelle mushroom special from The Villa at Heaven City
There have been a lot of developments in the Milwaukee dining and drinking scene lately, from another announced Bel Air, to a new life for the old Heaven City in Mukwonago. Here's the latest.
Tornado Brewing has Moved
Tornado Brewing has made a big move: from Cudahy to Menomonee Falls. The new space at N88-W16718 is larger, with more dining and kitchen space. The unusual beers, like cherry coconut ale, spicy taco lager and lemon pepper saison, will continue to be brewed off site. A small menu of bar food will be offered.
Tacos Coming to Oak Creek
BelAir Cantina will be opening its fourth Milwaukee location in the Oak Creek Drexel Town Square development. Similar to its other locations, the focus of the restaurant will be on tacos, tequila and the large patio. BelAir hopes to be open in summer 2016.
New Pizza Chain Opening
Pizano's, a small Chicago-based pizza chain, plans to open its first Milwaukee location soon at the MSOE Tower Apartments at 1150 N. Water St. The restaurant serves Chicago-style deep dish -pizza, thin crust pizza, and a full menu of Italian-American favorites like fried calamari and chicken vesuvio. Pizano's has also applied for a zoning permit to open a frozen pizza factory in Franklin.
New Owner for Heaven City
Heaven City (an its many iterations in past years) in Mukwonago has a new chef/owner, Robert Klemm. He has rebranded the space The Villa at Heaven City, and will serve a contemporary steakhouse menu with comfort food twists, in hopes of marrying a casual dining experience with high quality, locally sourced food. Weekday lunch and weekend brunch will also be served. Klemm, who owned the now-closed INdustri Cafe, was a consultant with Heaven City's former owner, and couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase the space. He plans to run nightly specials such as Tapas Tuesday and $22 prix fixe menus on Thursday nights, and is bringing back the delicious Bloody Mary served at INdustri. Also on the drinks menu: fun classic ice cream after dinner drinks like grasshopper and pink squirrel.
Pizza Man Tosa Location Open
Pizza Man's second location opened about a month ago at the Mayfair Collection at 11500 W. Burleigh Rd. It features the same menu as the Eastside location, and early reviews of the location have been good. It's a popular spot, and you can expect a wait on any given night. Like the original location, there is an extensive wine list, along with 12 wines on tap: eight reds and four whites.
Closings
Melthouse Bistro, a grilled cheese shop, has closed. Blue Jacket has announced its last day will be July 24.
Upcoming Events
July 24: Central Standard Craft Distillery 1 year anniversary event at 613 S. 2nd St. The event is a charity event benefitting the Women's Center in Waukesha. Donations of food, cash, school supplies and others will receive a ticket for a signature CSD cocktail. See the website for more details.
July 24-26: Germanfest at the Summerfest grounds. I probably don't have to tell you what this one is about. Plan to eat sauerbraten and drink lots of beer!
July 25: Milwaukee Brewfest at the lakefront. Lots of local WI breweries, and some from farther afield, too. General admission tickets are still available for $45 online or $50 at the event. Tickets get you unlimited samples of beers, ciders and meads, plus live music and home brewing demonstrations. And while you're there, you'll also be able to see...
July 25-26: Milwaukee Air and Water Show. The US Air Force Thunderbirds are headlining this year, and so far it doesn't look like it will be a fog-out like last year. Tickets are available for the prime viewing spots.
