Backyard Discovery: Oro di Oliva

Oro is one of those places that I've always wanted to walk into but never found the time. Today, I can check it off my list. For those of you that know me, I go three places: Milwaukee, Chicago and the I-94 Oasis rest stop. That's why a trip out to Wauwatosa can seem like a hike.....but it's not. Oro is located in the Tosa Village and a straight shot over on State Street from downtown. They sell only two things, really. Tank after large tank of olive oil and balsamic with names like Herbs d'Provence and Sicilian Lemon. And all are available to taste. Drinking a tablespoon of olive oil or more is an interesting experience. The richness is almost intoxicating, but it's not thick or greasy like it would seem. On my way out I spotted their walnut oil (the possibility wheel started turning). But that will have to wait for another day. MyFitnessPal was already confused enough.



Oro di Oliva
http://www.orodioliva.com/

3 Milwaukee area locations:
338 E. Silver Spring Dr. Whitefish Bay, WI

7606 Harwood Ave. Wauwatosa, WI

400 N. Water St. Milwaukee, WI (Public Market)

Backyard Discovery: Vintage Rentals

In addition to serving some pretty rad catering, I just found out that Ball 'n Biscuit also rents some pretty rad vintage place settings -- like old plates, napkins and silverware. And if you want to decorate, they'll rent out decor items like old doors, wooden crates and suitcases. For a big dinner party or small event, this would add a ton of originality to the decor. It would probably cause some audible OMGs and jaw drops. And at a dollar or two per piece, what's not to love. If you live in the Milwaukee area, you can pick it up or they can arrange for a larger order to be delivered most anywhere. I'm really loving this business concept.
Time to get my vintage dinner party flair on, I'd say.

*Photos by Kat Schleicher for Ball 'n Biscuit

Backyard Discovery: Trail of Crumbs Pop-Up Restaurant

You get a date and time and thats it. That's how Milwaukee's pop-up restaurant ....And you will know us by trail of crumbs (aka Trail of Crumbs) works. The location is a secret until the day of the dinner event, then emailed to you. You arrive at a pop-up restaurant either in someone's home or an empty building or a business. It's all about the surprise. The next pop-up restaurant, with a Vegan-friendly menu will take place on August 5th. I have been wanting to go this but seem to always be busy the day it takes place. Wouldn't this be fun?

Check out their Facebook page here and their website here.

photos: via trail of crumbs

Backyard Discovery: Boone & Crockett

Welcome to my new hangout, Boone & Crockett. I love the theme - a turn of the century hunting parlor with a Sconnie twist. Deer trophies line the wall, plaid tufted benches, art deco brass lamps over the mohair couches, and a picture of Teddy Roosevelt above the bar. We were there the other night again - I think I just love the antiques, but the drinks might be the reason, too. They serve great mixed cocktails like cucumber collins and a gin bramble (gin with lemon and blackberries). It's a great place to visit if you're in Milwaukee and of course, hangout if you live in Bay View. They also have a patio for these hot summer nights. Hurrah!

Boone & Crockett Facebook page 2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI Open from 3pm - 2am

Out to Lunch: Smoke Shack

I seriously love southern food so I was really excited to check this place out. Smoke Shack in the third ward serves up BBQ done right. The place is small, you drink out of mason jars, and the country music is ON. If there were ever a place in Milwaukee that didn't feel like Milwaukee, this is it. My husband and I split the four meat combo (a sampler of their pulled pork, sliced brisket, house made sausage, and pulled chicken. Then, we split dessert -- a bacon bourbon brownie usually served with Purple Door vanilla ice cream, but I had them substitute with their whiskey ice cream. Three words: Oh Lordy Moses.

Check out their website here. Check out their menu here.

Out to Lunch: Cafe Calatrava

top photo: strange closets I love spending the day at the art museum and then getting a late lunch at Cafe Calatrava in the lower level of the Milwaukee Art Museum. It has really grown on me. Initially, it looks like a true cafeteria -- a little sterile, a little sparse. But the view from the curved Calatrava-designed windows totally makes up for it. The food has been consistently good, too. The falafel pita shown above was very good. I went to the art museum last week with my mother-in-law to see the Accidental Genius exhibit - has anyone seen it? Well if you go, check out the cafe, and if not, you can still eat at the cafe without buying admission. Check out their current menu (it changes seasonally) below:

Out to Lunch: Jing's Lunch Buffet

If you're looking for a good downtown lunch spot, Jing's Chinese restaurant in the Third Ward has an amazing lunch buffet. Jing's is my favorite Chinese restaurant in Milwaukee. It might be because their dishes, mostly from the Hunan province, are a little lighter and fresher than what I'm used to getting. Or it's because their crab rangoons are out of this world. I can easily be bought and sold with crab rangoons. Either way, Jing's is definitely worth checking out and their lunch buffet has a great sampling of their best dishes. I had (of course, crab rangoons) Ginger chicken with green onions, twice cooked pork, hot and sour soup, and a pork dumpling.
Jing's Lunch BuffetTuesday - Friday11:30-1pm $8 per person

{Dinner and a Movie} Drive + GTO

Guanjato Mexican Restaurant is a lunch counter dinner with melamine plates and a car-like nickname , "GTO", that serves cheap and tasty dishes right in the heart of Bay View. Although you've probably driven past and never noticed it.

Drive is a frustrating and haunting movie of many cars including a GTO, although mostly a '73 Chevy Malibu. And there's Ryan Gosling, too. Except he's a stunt car driver turned for-hire getaway driver turned murderer.

The immediate taste of both GTO and the movie Drive was that they were the exemplification of 'meh'. But, that blandness was just a facade - the sneaky disguise of a true hidden gem.

I would have never walked into GTO if I hadn't heard the rumors they were hustling the best tacos in town. I wasn't ready to be converted. The tiny restaurant ironically goes unnoticed on the bustling corner of Howell and Lincoln in Bay View, but word is catching on because the night I went there almost wasn't anywhere to sit. The chips and salsa were good, the waitstaff friendly, but I wasn't wowed. I guess I thought I needed to be immediately wowed. But then I realized-- I am still craving their huaraches a day later; I just drank good margaritas for $2.75; And there is a lunch counter - no where has a lunch counter anymore -- And it hit me: This is my new favorite mexican restaurant. This place is the real deal. And real deals don't need a wow factor.

As for Drive, I'll admit that I just wanted to look at Ryan Gosling for 2 hours and wasn't expecting greatness of any sort. The movie starts with an intense chase scene and I eased into my chair satisfied I was getting what I paid for. Then the movie went what looked like 'nowhere', like I got dropped off a mile from my house and now I had to walk home. I was upset - this wasn't what I signed up for. Ryan Gosling's character barely speaks, he's awkward and can't even ask a girl out (this is not Crazy, Stupid Love 2, btw). But then it happens, the movie already dark and gloomy turns dark and sinister with no apparent resolution ever. And it was so incredibly, dauntingly....epically....FRUSTRATING. I was screaming at the the television (I was at home, not a theater thank God). I was angry in the pit of my stomach. It was the most visceral reaction a movie has ever gotten out me. And that's when I realized, the movie was that good. Good enough to get me so emotionally invested that I would swear at the t.v. and lie awake at night with that plot just eating at me. This movie was not overtly amazing in any way, in fact, I began to wish I hadn't seen it because it raised up so many ugly emotions. The only parts I did enjoy were the M83 songs. And that's when it hit me: Enjoyable does not always equal good. But a movie that haunts you and keeps you up at night thinking, now that's a good movie.

Backyard Discovery: Melthouse Bistro

Grilled Cheese sandwiches are one my all time favorite things in life. So to now have a whole restaurant dedicated to the art of grilled cheese making is pretty monumental. The Melthouse Bistro opened a little over a month ago on the East Side and serves everything from plain grilled cheese to gourmet melts. And I love that they offer healthier sides like apples, soup and salads along in addition to more fun options like cheese curds, beer, wine, and desserts. On a cold blustery day this place really hits the spot.


Read more about it in the:
Shepherd Express article
A.V. Club Milwaukee article

Backyard Discovery: Zak's Cafe

I recently checked out the new Zak's Cafe in Milwaukee's Walker's Point. I love how Walker's Point neighborhood is being revitalized by new street face-lift, restaurants, condos, breweries, the UWM School of Fresh Water and hotels. Current business like La Merenda, Transfer, South 2nd Street Antiques, Clinton Street Antiques, Soup Bros., and Triskele's are keeping a heartbeat to the neighborhood, so the new development will really reawaken that part of the city.

Zak's Cafe is a perfect addition to all this new growth. Their menu heavily features breakfast and brunch items, but I was more intrigued with the lunch and dinner options like portobello sandwiches, roast duck, and a Friday Fish Fry with perch and walleye.

See the rest of their menu HERE.

Zak's is open
Tues-Thurs 6:30am-9pm
Fri-Sat 6:30am-10am
Sun 7am-3pm
Mon closed

Have you been to Zak's? Did you like it, too?

Backyard Discovery: Quince and Apple Preserves

I finally got to taste one of the awesome preserves from Madison's own Quince and Apple. It's been on my Wisco-to-do-list for a while. I tried the Strawberry Rosemary, but can't wait to get a taste of that Figs and Black Tea one. Or even the Shallot Confit with Red Wine. What an ingenious combo. Fruit preserves are blowin' my mind right now. Additional flavors include Orange Marmalade with Lemons, Par with Honey and Ginger, and Strawberry Rosemary.



Quince and Apple was formed in Madison, Wisconsin by husband and wife duo, Matt and Clare. "We always use only natural, whole ingredients, and we source our produce locally and organically when possible" is central to their philosophy.

If you're not in the Milwaukee area, don't worry. They stock shelves from here to Santa Monica. Just check HERE if you can buy them near you. Or shop online. They ship!



And now to my favorite part.....they sell tiny sample size jars. I don't know what it is, but I fall head over heels for anything in a 3oz size or less. Maybe it's the non-commitment of it all or the promise of TSA clearance. Whether you're planning an impromptu picnic at cruising altitude or the neighborhood park or even guest favors for a wedding, you need these.

Backyard Discovery: Drawstring Fabric Studio

This is why I love Milwaukee. Cool stores like this are right around the corner from my house. I ventured into the Drawstring Modern Fabric Studio in Bay View over the weekend to check out their stock. Loved it. I am not blessed with the crafty gene, but Drawstring offers sewing classes for us not-so-creative types. However, I can sew a decent seamline so I picked up a square of cute fabric for Lulu the dog to wear as a scarf. What can I say? The dog has some fashion sense.



Visit the Drawstring store at 800 East Potter Street in the Bay View neighborhood (around the corner from Honey Pie Cafe)
W-F: 12pm-8pm
Sat-Sun: 12-4pm
and online at www.drawstringstudio.com

Not in Milwaukee? They have an Etsy Shop to the rescue.

Backyard Discovery: C. Adams Bakery

Last week I made a quick stop in the Public Market to grab some soup (summer colds strike again) and I passed the big gorgeous cases of bakery items and couldn't resist. C. Adams Bakery has locations in the Public Market and in Mequon and serve the most amazing desserts and baked goods. Decided what to buy is a real dilemma. I mean, big, big decisions. I picked the Apricot Streusel Bar to feed my already epic apricot obsession. But there were many runners-up in the decision-making process like the Key Lime Bars, Brookie (a brownie cookie), and chocolate mousse. Have you ever been to C. Adams? What did you get?

Backyard Discovery: Milwaukee Brewing Company Tours

The Milwaukee Brewing Company is no newbie to the Milwaukee Craft Brewery circuit. You may be more familiar with their pub, the Milwaukee Ale House, where they serve their famous beers such as Louie's Demise and Pull Chain Pale Ale along with tasty grub alongside the Milwaukee River. So when the guys at Milwaukee Brewing Company/Milwaukee Ale House wanted to expand their beer manufacturing and spread the love (in beer form) to neighborhood taps, pubs, and bars, they opened the Milwaukee Brewing Company Brewery on South 2nd Street in Walker's Point. Inside, they're cranking out bottles, kegs, and their newest addition, cans, day and night.

You may think cans are just a throwback to old days, but they're quite eco-friendly. Cans cost less and are faster to manufacture, weigh less for shipping, and are more easily recyclable so in sum. Their carbon footprint is tiny compared to that of bottles. Milwaukee Brewing Co. also reuses enough restaurant corn oil to fuel their repurposed generators. Enough so they can function completely off the grid for several days straight. Well done, dudes.

On the tour, you'll see some of their sustainable production along with the steps of the brewing process. I enjoy the Lakefront tour immensely, but the Milwaukee Brewing Company tour is like the old Lakefront tours when you drank out of glass pints, got to see the equipment in use, climbed up to the mash bin, and were allowed to drink more than 4oz at a time. If you're into craft brewing or just darn good beer, this is the tour for you.

Tours for the public cost $7, run on Fridays 5pm and 6pm and Saturdays 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm, and come with a token for a free drink at certain neighborhood bars.

I was there a few weeks ago and caught a few iPhone photos. The tour was great and I not only got to drink plenty of my favorite Flaming Damsel beer, but got to try their new Godzilla beer running in limited seasonal batches. It's an Imperial Belgian wit steeped with Rishi green tea (!!!!) and chamomile flowers. A tea infused beer is amazingly good. Trust me on this. Or try it for yourself!

Backyard Discovery: Doctor's Park

Yesterday, we took the Vespa and went to Ryan Braun's Graffito, then took a mini-road trip to the north shore and ended up at Doctor's Park in Fox Point. There are paved walkways through mature tall trees down to the beach. The shoreline is pretty long so you can easily find a quiet spot on the rock-sand beach to sit down and spread out. This would be a great beach picnic location. I always forget how cold Lake Michigan is even when it's 90 degrees. An extra plus: no houses as far as the eye can see.

Backyard Discovery: Classy Girl Cupcakes

Today I'm sharing those cupcake pictures I was talking 'bout. Cupcakes have been everywhere lately so they aren't as uber-hip as they used to be (cakepops are the new "it" food), but gosh i love 'em. Maybe I just love mini foods; like my mini cans of Coke Zero and mini Luna bars.



So, It's only right that MKE has a cupcake place like Classy Girl Cupcakes. I was really impressed by the variety of cupcakes. I mean geesh, Pear Champagne? Good job, cupcake ladies. I tried the Lemon Pound Cake cupcake (delicious) and brought the Ghiradelli chocolate one home to hubs. Didn't get to taste that one. Guess I'll have to go back again.

They also serve Rishi Tea and Anodyne Coffee to cut the sugar and snap you out of a sugarbuzz.

Classy Girl Cupcakes
825 N. Jefferson St.
Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI
414/270-1877
Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Sat: 11:00 am-4:00 pm
check them out on Facebook


If you're ever in the Third Ward, you should also check out . They serve lots of cupcakes, too, but only with cute names inspired by local landmarks like "The Cudahy Tower", with white chocolate and strawberry, and the "Cream City" with vanilla bean and buttercream (I'll take one of those, thank you). I haven't been there yet (soon, Sara, soon), but my reader Rebekah gives this place a thumbs up!

Backyard Discovery: Food Truck Friday

It's Friday! More specifically, Food Truck Friday. A bunch of food trucks serving everything from frites to korean tacos park at Cathedral Square on Friday afternoons. It's delicious. I had the korean bbq tacos. Sorry, those were eaten so fast that no photographic evidence was obtained. Then me and my friend Casey (who is lucky enough to work directly across the street from such an fun event) hopped across the street to Classy Girl Cupcakes. I'll do a post on that one next week:) So, all in all, it was a great Friday!



so here's the deets......

Food Trucks found
- Tigerbite korean style tacos, eggrolls, and sweet potato frites
- Haute Taco mexican tacos (even vegetarian!), guacamole, chorizo quesadillas
- Fast Foodie global tacos (greek, jamaican, italian, thai, etc), belgian frites
- Satellite Crepes sweet crepes (chocolate, nutella, etc) and savory crepes (basil, tomato, cheese, truffle oil)
- Street-Za Pizza by the slice!
- Pita Brothers Pitas served from a cool electric hybrid vehicle
- Ofelia's taco bar
- Cousins Subs sure, you can come along, too

Where am I going?
Cathedral square: NS between wells and kilbourn and EW between Jackson and Jefferson

When? I'm hungry.
11am-3pm, Fridays during the summer.

Backyard Discovery: Kangaroo Pitas

I was surprised too to learn that Milwaukee is home to a company that makes food that's good for you. I was beginning to think we only made beer and sausages. I was in the grocery store and came across the Kangaroo brand, a company founded and operating in Milwaukee since 1979. They make great Pita Pockets, Omelet Pitas, and Pita Chips. (Those Omelet Pita things look like a clutch breakfast-to-go) I found them at a bunch of area grocery stores, even Pick 'n Save, but they distribute nationwide. Or just order them online.

Support local business, y'all!



Now, for some recipes:

Salsa Cruda with Baked Garlic and Lime Pita Chips


Grilled Portobello Pitas

Backyard Discovery: The Domes

Last Friday, I went to the Mitchell Park Conservatory, aka "The Domes" with my friend Abby and her almost 1-year old daughter. I had been to the domes, maybe twice, and I remember being unimpressed. So, I don't know what it was about this trip, but I found it fascinating. I think getting older, traveling more, and backyard gardening put a new spin on my outlook. Walking around, I found familiar things like pepper, ginger, coffee, and chicle (in Chiclet gum). It's definitely more fun if you recognize some of the stuff you're seeing. It's also a lot more fun when it's rainy, cold, and nasty outside because the domes are sunny and warm inside and the air is oh-so clean and refreshing. So it's like a mini-vacation from the city and only a mile from downtown.

Mitchell Park Conservatory (what the signs say)/The Domes (what the locals say)

524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215

2011 Hours (through October):
Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m
Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m

Adult Admission $6.50, free on Mondays 9am-12pm for Milwaukee County residents (bring ID)

website:
http://county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm