By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jul 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM

From early afternoon to late-night bar time, El Chico Zuma cooked up authentic Mexican in just minutes. A North Avenue favorite, El Chico Zuma's food was seemingly fresh, quick and tasty. 

Unfortunately, the restaurant closed its doors earlier this summer at the owner's decision.  Residents can only wait and hope standards will be the same for the Mexican eatery's replacement, Black and White Café. 

Located in the same slot on the north side of North Avenue at Oakland Avenue, Black and White Café will offer counter style burgers, salads, soups and sandwiches. Under the same ownership but different management, the restaurant is currently undergoing transformative construction to become the new Black and White Café. 

The small space is completely gutted but will remerge with much the same set up as the former El Chico Zuma; customers place orders at a counter and food is delivered tableside. New manager, Feras Rahman, plans to keep the late night hours and anticipates the restaurant will be open for business in five or six weeks.

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.