In an e-mail to customers, Mitchell Wakefield of Tess, 2499 N. Bartlett Ave., says that beginning this weekend its garden room area is open for business.

Wakefield writes, "I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that the heated, enclosed patio at Tess will be making it's seasonal debut this weekend. Starting this evening (Friday, April 20), we will have seating available in our 'garden room'. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to dine in this area, this room is fully heated and carpeted with clear, vinyl walls that allow all of the amenities of dining outdoors without the brisk air that Milwaukee spring nights so often bring."

As for our outdoor patio, Tess "hopes to have this available by Mother's Day weekend, weather permitting."

Many area restaurants and bars have full outdoor seating already available. Get out and dine and drink outdoors.