It’s time to welcome a bit of dim sum to Walker's Point.
Lucky Bun Dim Sum No. 1, a fun pop-up dim sum concept, will be a new weekly offering in the upstairs events space (and rooftop patio) at Braise Restaurant, 1101 S. 2nd St.
According to Chef Dave Swanson, Lucky Bun Dim Sum No. 1 will offer a small menu of five to seven dim sum offerings, which will be available on Sunday evenings only from 4 to 9 p.m. The dim sum, which will be served small plate style for $4-6 per plate, will be a combination of more traditional options, as well as a few creative takes.
"Some offerings will be classic dim sum – including shumai, vegetable crepes and steam buns," notes Chef Dave Swanson. "But we’ll also do other items that are more loosely interpreted, Braise style."
And there's more. You'll also be able to satisfy your craving for tiki drinks at Lucky Bun Dim Sum No. 1.
Adam Sarkis, Braise beverage director and avid tiki enthusiast, has partnered with Don Q and Woodford Reserve to offer a fun mix of tiki beverages to accompany the dim sum.
"This is all about doing something different and having some fun," says Sarkis. "It’s kind of like underground dim sum with a little bit of speakeasy thrown in for good measure."
In the end, notes Swanson, it’s all about providing folks with a good time.
"We’re having a fun time with this," notes Chef Dave Swanson. "This is all about serving approachable, shareable dishes that really showcase what we do in a different way."
How to take part in Lucky Bun Dim Sum No. 1
Arrive early; dim sum is first come first served. Enter Braise through the back entrance (remember, this is like a speakeasy). Go upstairs and take a seat. Pick up a checklist menu and fill out your options. Enjoy.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.