Even if you're paying close attention, it's sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest in food news here in Milwaukee. So here's a taste of what's new and notable – with news about Bourbon and Tunns grand reopening, Maxie’s Derby Day festivities, a new menu at the Eatery, and a brunch revamp at the Packing House.
Bourbon and Tunns rises from the ash
It was the day after Christmas when a two-alarm fire forced Bourbon and Tunns to close its doors just three weeks after opening at 221 N. Broadway, in the Third Ward. The fire, which destroyed the company's offices, wine room, event storage, catering equipment, and the underside of the dining room floor, required the owners to spend the past three months knee-deep in unexpected remodeling.
On March 26, exactly three months after the fire, the boutique whiskey and bourbon tavern and kitchen reopened its doors to the public. But, now there is also a reopening party like no other.
On Saturday, May 4, there's a Kentucky Derby themed Grand Opening extravaganza. The event will feature authentic Kentucky Derby food and drink specials, a Derby Hat contest with great prizes, and all the horse racing you can handle televised on a projection screen with sound.
Maxie’s hosts sixth annual Derby Day for Hunger Relief
Spiff yourself up and don your most outrageous derby hats, for there will be competitions aplenty. On May 4, beginning at 1 p.m., Maxie’s, 6732 W. Fairview Ave., hosts live music, a special Kentucky foods menu, mint juleps, Oaks Lilly cocktails, Kentucky Bourbon Ale specials and more. "Bet" on any horse to win, place or show, and all winning picks qualify for raffle prizes, including gift cards, and plenty of fabulous prizes.
Food specials will include barbequed ribs, Kentucky hot browns, smoked turkey burgoo, derby pie, chess pie, and more.
A $10 cover charge includes one bet; $20 gets you an official Derby Day T-shirt. All proceeds from the cover charge, "betting" proceeds and a portion of all sales go to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee.
More to eat at The Eatery
Look for daily specials, as well as brand new appetizers, salads and entrees on the new menu at The Eatery on Farwell, 2014 N. Farwell Ave.
New items include a crispy pork belly with braise onions and wild rice ($9.95), shrimp ceviche with mango and pineapple, served with tortilla chips ($7.95), or beef tenderloin tips with honey habanero glaze, kiwi dressed greens, seasonal vegetables and wild rice ($14.95).
"We want our guests to know that we are always working to bring them something new and exciting that they haven't tried before," says co-owner Ryan Oschmann.
Brunch at The Eatery is served seven days a week until 3 p.m. Among daily specials include mini home-made pizzas are available daily at the bar from 10 p.m. to close. View the full menu at theeateryonfarwell.com.
Brunch buffet sent Packing
If you think you know the brunch at The Packing House, 900 E. Layton Ave., think again. The owners have done away with the old buffet, in favor of a collection of made-to-order dishes.
Offerings include bananas foster French toast ($9.99), stacked Napoleon-style with bananas foster filling and Chantilly cream, a create-your-own omelet with four fillings for $10.99, crab Benedict ($12.99), and the Monte Cristo ($10.99) with bacon, ham, scrambled egg, Swiss cheese, powdered sugar and strawberry preserves grilled between two thick slices of French toast.
Kids can enjoy a pancake, one sausage, a strip of bacon, and an egg for $6.75.
Brunch is served on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. View the full menu at packinghousemke.com.
Spring has sprung at Kasana
The Kasana Cafe, 241 N. Broadway, is officially open, and serving food in an elegant bistro setting from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition, stop by to enjoy Rodizio de Pizza every Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring five different homemade pizzas with organic ingredients.
View the full menu at kasana-mke.com.
And the Kasana event space is hopping. Those interested in the art of floral design won't want to miss May 3 Gallery Night when Kasana features world renowned floral artist Michael Gaffney, whose designs have been featured in "Martha Stewart Living," Huffington Post, and in the movie "The Black Swan."
Try award-winning small-batch wines paired with delectables from the Café, including the creative food artistry of Caroline Carter’s Raw Cuisine. Meet and mingle with Kasana’s Gallery artists Cindy Lesky, Cardi Toellner and Reginald Baylor of Plaid Tuba.
From 6 to 7 p.m. take part in a hands-on design class. For $50, participants will receive flowers, personalized instruction, and a signed book with passed appetizers and champagne by Kasana.
From 7:30 to 9 p.m., watch Gaffney in action as he designs four distinct floral themes. $50 admission includes refreshments and a signed copy of Gaffney's book.
Sign up in advance for his May 3 event at Kasana and receive 15 percent off the ticket price. This special engagement is not to be missed if you have a wedding approaching or would like to present a beautiful, handmade bouquet for Mother’s Day. Learn from the master!
Call Kasana at (414) 224-6158 to make reservations.
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.
