Dining - Nov. 5, 2008
Chefs embrace seasonal foods for fresh fall feasting
Produce is at its peak when it's ripe, which is why more and more restaurant owners and chefs are steering away from the Syscos of the world and turning to providers in their own regions for fresh, local, seasonal foods. It's a national trend and here in Milwaukee, several restaurateurs are beginning to cook seasonally and shape their menus around what Mother Nature giveth.
Tags: seasonal menus, buy local, la merenda, cafe manna, intercontinental milwaukee, kilawat, robert ash, peter sandroni, robin kasch, thanksgiving

Bars & Clubs - Oct. 18, 2008
Why craft beer has real meal appeal among diners
Traditionally, wine has been the ultimate culinary complement. For decades, sommeliers have built entire careers out of explaining why red wine goes with red meat and so forth, but lately, the dining industry has seen significant shift from tradition. the last few years have watched beer -- specifically micro beer -- give wine a run for its money on the dinner table.
Tags: beer pairing, craft beer, beer dinners, lakefront brewery, la merenda, slow food, buckley's kiskeam inn, brewers association, beer

Marketplace - Sept. 10, 2008
Braise's RSA helps restaurants source locally
Chef David Swanson, owner of Milwaukee's Braise Culinary School, is expanding the reach of local CSA farms by organizing the state's first Restaurant Supported Agriculture (RSA) system.
Tags: braise culinary school, buy local buy wisconsin, csa, community supported agriculture, rsa, restaurant supported agriculture, david swanson, pinehold gardens, meritage, la merenda, cafe manna, le reve

Bars & Clubs - Feb. 27, 2008
Final Six in the City is Friday at Monkey Bar, La Merenda
On Friday, the viral and still vibrant group, Six in the City, goes out on top.
Tags: SITC, Six in the City, La Merenda, Monkey Bar, happy hour

Dining - April 10, 2007
Love to share
A recent visit to Ethiopian Cottage, which I reviewed earlier this week, made me think of one of my favorite aspects of dining out: intimacy, and no, I’m not speaking of “’9 1/2 Weeks,” although Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger certainly accelerated heartbeats experimenting with olives, ice and cherries.
Tags: La Merenda, tapas, Ethiopian Cottage, Basinger, Quijote

Dining - May 22, 2008
A Culinary Tour at La Merenda
Dining and sharing a good meal with friends is definitely one of the great pleasures in my life. Last weekend, I went to La Merenda with some new friends, one in particular who is often known as the “Milwaukee Maestro.” He has a distinctive palate and true adoration for good f...
Tags: la merenda, tapas