Bars & Clubs - July 27, 2006
Kozak's Velvet Room becomes Martini Mike's
On Friday, July 21, Mike Kozak re-opened the doors to the former Velvet Room with not only a new name -- Martini Mike's -- but also with a fresh interior design, brand new menu and, despite its sleek look, a much more casual take for the Milwaukee lounge scene.
Tags: Martini Mike's, Velvet Room, lounge, martini, Mike Kozak

Bars & Clubs - July 20, 2006
This Sucks: Why can't Milwaukee have a peaceful, prosperous hip-hop club?
Last week's shooting outside Visions night club put a sad cresendo on another failed Milwaukee hip-hop club. Why can't our city support a peaceful and successful operation? Local experts weigh in.
Tags: hip-hop, pure, kane, troy shaw, race, visions, kozak, police, baumann, clubbing, guns, downtown Milwaukee, Velvet Room, Old World Third Street

Bars & Clubs - May 16, 2006
Velvet Room closing
The Velvet Room, 730 N. Old World 3rd St., closes its doors for good on Sunday, May 21, according to owner Mike Kozak, who leases the Downtown space.
Tags: Velvet Room, Kozak

Dining - March 21, 2005
Buffalo wings guide
The exact origin of Buffalo wings is unknown, but many Milwaukeeans might not even care. It doesn't matter who started the craze, just as long as there are enough places around town that can keep it going.
Tags: TGI Friday's, Chili's, Elsa's, The Wicked Hop, Major Goolsby's, McGillycuddy's, Velvet Room, Club Garibaldi, Cans Bar and Canteen, Hooligan's, buffalo wings, Savoy's, Bigalke's, Magoo's, Leff's, Libby Montana, Pistol Pete's

Dining - Jan. 26, 2004
Bella's brings custard and burgers to Bay View
Mike and Kim Schmidt, owners of Bella's Fat Cat on Brady Street, don't work 15-hour days anymore. The success of their burger-and-custard joint allows them to focus on other things, like the opening of a new Bella's in Bay View.
Tags: Bella's, Brady, Bay View, Kinnickinnic, KK, custard, velvet room