Maggie Vaughn / Shepherd Express
By “vintage dining” I don’t mean taking a chance on last week’s leftovers. Rather, the next few weeks around Milwaukee hold a handful of culinary events, each of which bears an interesting relationship to the past. Bon appétit!
The Brown Bottle first opened its doors in 1938. The historic tavern was originally conceived as a place to cap off the tours of the Schlitz Brewery, where thirsty folks could polish off a few brown bottles of the concoction whose birth they had just witnessed. After a decade-long hibernation, The Brown Bottle reopened in November, 2014, and was welcomed as an authentic artifact of Milwaukee’s storied brewing past.
The time has come to break out the sunscreen and build up your appetite—the outdoor patio of The Brown Bottle is scheduled to open on Tuesday, May 26. The bill of fare includes good beer, expert reimaginings of classic bar food and old-world charm. The hours of operation are as follows: Lunch 11-3 p.m. (M-F); Bar Bites/Apps 3-6 p.m. (M-F); Dinner 5-9 p.m. (M-Th) and 5-10 p.m. (F-Sat).
If you’re of a vintage inclination, don’t miss an opportunity to chew the fat with hepcats and flappers during “1930's Cocktails & Chatter” at Kasana in the Third Ward. The event takes place from 8-11 p.m. on May 29. Reservations are required (414-224-6158), but admission costs only $5 and the sharpest dressed attendee will walk away with a $50 gift card, a basket of Sevva Salon’s products and a CD by Sundae + Mr. Goessl, who will be furnishing the retro mood music that such an event demands.
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Steny's Tavern and Grill has been a beloved Walker’s Point staple since 1985 and the accolades keep rolling in: The bar has been crowned Milwaukee’s Best Sports Bar and has been voted Best Bloody Mary in Milwaukee for the past three years. To celebrate thirty years of business, Steny’s is throwing a block party on Memorial Day Weekend. The road will be blocked off between First and Second streets to make room for live music, food from local neighborhood vendors and a special universe beer from MKE Brewing. On Saturday, May 23, Oil Can Harry will play at 3:30 p.m. before Chasin' Mason takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, May 24, Back Country Roads plays at 3:30 p.m. and The Cheap Shots close the festivities with a set beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Of course if vintage dining is your interest, you can’t get much more authentic than buying your food from local farmers. Enter the Tosa Farmers Market. The sixth season kicks off on May 30 from 8 a.m. to noon in the heart of Wauwatosa and boasts 10 new vendors who have come as far as Kenosha and Madison. In total that makes 45 growers and makers who convene each Saturday (until October 17 and excepting July 4) to make your culinary dreams come true. Fresh produce, flowers, award-winning cheese, coffee, tea, poultry, fish, waffles, a popsicle vendor and ready-to-eat breakfast and dinner items are just a few of the weekly offerings.
The Tosa Farmers Market also features live music, a community booth (featuring local nonprofits and community partners), a business booth (featuring local Wauwatosa companies) and 8:30 a.m. Yoga at the Market with complimentary classes by Haleybird Studios. On the first Saturday of each month, the Farmers Market will be supplemented by the Makers Market. On these days, customers can purchase handmade art and crafts from local artisans.
Is it just me or is the Tosa Farmers Market a Saturday morning ritual waiting to happen?
