By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jan 22, 2024 at 2:01 PM

After ringing in the New Year with loyal patrons, The White House, 2900 S. Kinnickinic Ave. has announced that it will be moving forward as an events only venue, hosting private parties and weddings in its three private historic dining rooms and lush Victorian gardens (May through October).

But dining will continue at the historic White House building thanks to the launch of SAGE, a restaurant concept that aims to operate with the concepts of art, color, growth and sustainability at its fore. The new eatery has announced that it will host a soft opening beginning Tuesday, Feb. 6 with a grand opening on Feb. 9. 

Operated by Allison Meinhardt, the restaurant will feature a menu of artfully presented, shareable cuisine showcasing both seasonal plants and proteins. A variety of menu items will also feature herbs and produce grown on site, both indoors and outdoors. 

SAGE’s cocktail program will follow suit showcasing an aesthetically pleasing collection of both cocktails and zero-proof offerings utilizing garden produce as both ingredients and inspiration. Locally brewed beer and wine will also be available.

In keeping with SAGE’s emphasis on art and aesthetic, the restaurant will also display work from local artists in The Gallery, a private dining room available for private parties and events.  

SAGE is currently accepting reservations by phone at (414) 897-0495 or soon via OpenTable.  

In May of 2024 Sage is also expected to launch The Green Room, an accompanying shop featuring plants, vintage items and items including jewelry, ceramics and organic beauty products from local artisans. 

Once open, Sage’s operating hours will be Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch will be served beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and brunch will be offered on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m.

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.