By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jun 07, 2018 at 11:01 AM

No matter who you are, or where you’re from, food presents a unique opportunity to come together and share in the experiences of individuals and cultures across the globe.

And thanks to a new globally-inspired Chef’s Counter experience at Mason Street Grill, guests will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of a variety of the restaurant’s staff.

"We have passionate and diverse associates at Mason Street Grill," notes Susan Terry, vice president of culinary operations and food and beverage at Marcus Hotels & Resorts. "Whether working at the bar or in the kitchen, they are dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for our guests. And, to celebrate their work, we wanted to feature dishes that remind them of their past or their home countries."

Eating Global in the Neighborhood is the name of the new Chef’s Table menu, which will feature a election of unique dishes celebrating the diverse culinary traditions of the restaurant’s associates, from line cooks to bartenders.

  • Appetizer: Tuna kilawin with coconut, lime, red onion, pickled red chili and cilantro ($19), a dish from Brian Pascua, line cook intern originally from the Philippines.
  • Entrée: Pan fried trout with ginger, lemongrass, tomato, mint and dill ($38), a dish from line cook Chris Xiong that highlights his Laos/Hmong heritage
  • Side: Fasolakia, a Greek salad with green beans, tomato, oregano, lemon and extra virgin olive oil ($8) originates from cocktail server Christina Manolatos.
  • Dessert: Tres leches cake with Rumchata whipped cream ($9) is a celebration of the Mexican heritage of line cook Christian Garcia-Cortez.

The menu will be available throughout the month of June, with new offerings introduced in July.

"This new Chef’s Counter serves as a valuable reminder of the power of food," adds Terry. "No matter where we come from, food and dining bring us all together. It has been a pleasure to taste and enjoy these four unique dishes from four individuals who help make Mason Street Grill one of Milwaukee’s favorite neighborhood restaurants."

As part of the Chef’s Counter experience at Mason Street Grill, guests sit alongside the restaurant’s kitchen, giving them a front row seat to the action. In addition to enjoying this new featured menu, diners also can select from any of the restaurant’s usual a la carte menu items, which include new spring and summer offerings includingn grilled swordfish, a lobster salad roll, teriyaki glazed salmon, green curried mussels and a tuna poke bowl.

Reservations for Eating Global in the Neighborhood are recommended and can be made at Open Table or by calling (414) 298-3131.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.