The longtime restaurant-inside-a-restaurant operated by five-time James Beard nominated chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite, will soon have a home to call its own.
EsterEv is slated to move into its own brick-and-mortar home at 2165 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. later this spring. That’s the former home of C-Viche, which closed in October of 2023.
The tasting menu restaurant, which opened in 2016, was founded as an homage to both Jacob and Van Rite’s great-grandmothers (Ester and Ev) as well as their shared love for cooking.
And, even in its new location, guests can expect EsterEv to continue to deliver on its popular tasting menu, which is inspired by both the changing seasons and the food moments that evoke nostalgia and joy.
In fact, rumor has it that EsterEv favorites, including caviar tater tots, dry-aged duck and other delicious dishes will continue to form the foundations of the menu.
However, thanks to its new location and independent kitchen, guests can also expect changes to the menu format that will make the tasting menu concept accessible to even more diners, an element that the chefs feel strongly about in the current economy.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
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.
