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 from the newly rebranded Miller Time Pub and Grill, Grand Geneva Resort, Eddie Martini’s, Le Reve and Bolzano Artisan Meats.
Miller Time Pub gets a make-over
Downtown Milwaukee’s Miller Time Pub and Grill will host a grand reopening event on Thursday, May 16 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. to introduce its new concept to the public.
The free block party will take place on 5th Avenue between Michigan and Wisconsin Avenues. Guests will enjoy live music throughout the evening, along with complimentary food and beer samples between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The event will also feature a free build-your-own burger bar where attendees are encouraged to build a customized burger, name it, and submit it to Miller Time Pub and Grill for a chance to see it featured on the restaurant’s menu as the "Grand Reopening Burger."
The new Miller Time Pub and Grill will sport a new emphasis on creating perfect food and beer pairings, led by certified cicerones, who are trained to assist patrons to find the perfect beer to go with every item on the menu, which was designed by Chef Anthony Lemens.
For example, you might be inclined to try the Fire burger, topped with buffalo sauce and pepper-smoked bacon with a rich, malty glass of Batch 19. Or how about a Leinenkugel’s Red Lager with a horseradish steak burger topped with Wisconsin cheese. The menu offers up 17 delectable burgers, as well as soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts. At least 23 beers will be offered on tap at all times.
"While guests will enjoy a great menu, updated layout, and new furnishings, we think they’ll also appreciate our continued focus on beer and the storied history of MillerCoors," says Chris Anderson, senior VP of sales, marketing and brand development for Marcus Hotels and Resorts.
In keeping with this sentiment, the newly renovated restaurant features MillerCoors memorabilia, photos and vintage ads, new booths and tables, along with a comfortable loft area with leather furniture. A retail area is also available where guests can purchase Miller Time Pub and Grill merchandise and Miller memorabilia.
Grand Geneva Resort hosts Michele Chiarlo Wine Dinner
The AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, owned and managed by Marcus Hotels and Resorts, is pleased to welcome Michele Chiarlo Wines for a special dinner event at the elegant Ristoranté Brissago. On Thursday, May 16, guests to the restaurant are invited to experience a classic five-course Italian meal featuring paired varietals from the vineyard’s wine portfolio.
As part of this special dinner event, guests will begin their evening at 5:30 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d'oeuvres paired with Michele Chiarlo Arneis Le Madri. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., featuring an array of freshly prepared dishes from Executive Chef Michael Sawin. Tickets for the event are $75 per person, including wine pairings. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (262) 249-4788. Dinner guests who would like to extend their visit to the Grand Geneva can enjoy a special rate of $119 for overnight accommodations on Thursday, May 16.
Speaking of wine
Head over to Eddie Martini’s, 8612 W. Watertown Plank Rd., on select Friday evenings this summer from 6 to 8 p.m. to enjoy wines paired with small bites from their kitchen. A minimum of five wines will be featured each week. The schedule is as follows:
- May 24: Wine 101
- June 7: Rose'
- June 28: California
- July 19: Oregon
- Aug. 7: New Zealand/Australia
- Aug. 30: Wine 102
The cost is $35 per person, all inclusive. Reservations are required, as seating is limited. Make reservations by calling (414) 771-6680.
Get out of your shell
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 24 to indulge in the special prix fixe menu at Le Rêve Patisserie & Café for National Escargot Day.
Selections include truffle snails: marinated shrimp, truffle escargot, spring peas, morel mushrooms, spring ramps and fava beans ($13); wild Burgundy snails: roasted bone marrow, anise-poached escargot, chanterelle mushrooms and frisee with citrus gremolata ($14); and helix snails: grilled lamb, roasted asparagus, red wine poached helix snails and tarragon salsa verde ($24).
The Escargot Day menu will be available after 5 p.m. alongside La Reve’s regular dinner menu. Order all three courses for $45 or order them individually; it’s your choice.
Bolzano releases new salami
Bolzano Artisan Meats has added yet another heirloom pork salami to its repertoire. The name of the new product, "Pitzotl," comes from the Aztec's word for "Pig" and is a tribute to the flavors native to Mexico and central Americam explain owners and charcuterie experts Scott Buer and Christin Johnstone-Buer.
Using cocoa and chiles, along with a blend of Berkshire, Red Wattle, and Hereford pork. Like the rest of the company's salamis, the new "Pitzotl" takes an entire month to make, without shortcuts or chemicals.
Bolzano products, including Pitzotl salami, are available at over 100 stores and restaurants across Wisconsin, and available online at bolzanomeats.com.
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.
