Rain and snow hailing the opening of Joe and Angie Sorge's latest venture, Water Buffalo, 249 N. Water St., bringing yet another welcome riverside patio to Milwaukee, even though we may not right now be able to remember what it feels like to sit in the sun, dockside.

Starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 12, prospective regulars can brave the weather and check out the new digs, which promise to serve up foodstuffs and cocktails in a contemporary, open space in the Historic Third Ward. If the vibe is anything like the pre-opening buzz dictates, Water Buffalo will be a good destination spot to celebrate this week's pre-Friday the 13th on Thursday.

Visitors can expect foodstuffs a la the Sorge's other popular venue, Swig, served up by chef Frank Ortlieb, and a casual contemporary atmosphere. Sounds like a reason to brave the weather, and appropriately with a name like Water Buffalo ... I'm guessing they won't mind a few dozen wet feet to break ground.