Since opening in 2021, Birch has quickly made a name for itself. Named among the Best Restaurants in America by “The New York Times”, the restaurant’s hyper-seasonal fare has also earned Chef Kyle Knall two semifinalist nods from the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef Midwest and Outstanding Chef.
But next year could be even bigger.
Husband and wife team, Chef Kyle Knall and Meghan Knall, have announced plans to open their second concept, which will take queues from the timeless charm of a classic French bistro.
Cassis is the name of the new 200-seat restaurant, slated to open in fall of 2025 at 333 Water St., in the new apartment building on the corner of Water Street and St. Paul Ave.
Cassis will establish its sense of place through authentic design elements imported from Europe. The goal will be to capture the charm, energy and bustle of a classic bistro in the heart of France through thoughtful design and elements including vintage chandeliers, mosaic tile and leather banquettes designed in collaboration with Amy Carman Design and Dan Beyer Architects.
As for the menu, it will offer classic dishes like moules frites, escargots, and platters of charcuterie and seafood alongside modern interpretations of traditional French fare.
More information will be forthcoming as plans for the new restaurant progress.
In the meantime, guests who’d like a taste of what’s to come at Cassis can make reservations online for Birch’s upcoming French Bistro Pop-Up dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
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.
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