United We Dine: November

While we are all recovering from a sugar-ladened weekend of Trick or Treating and other Halloween fun, take a break from the sweets and plan yourself some lunch and dinner dates to support United Way's #UnitedWeDine initiative in November.


If you aren't familiar with this program, I'll break it down. United Way in Waukesha County partners with area restaurants in the months of October and November. These partnering restaurants provide United Way in Waukesha County a portion of the sales from the day(s) they chose. Each business can customize exactly how they want their day to work; some restaurants offer a full day percentage of sales and others will offer the proceeds if a special flyer is shown by the customer or the customer mentions United Way when ordering.

Here is a link to the calendar. Remember to read the blue print to make sure you mention or print off the flyer that was requested (if needed) I hope to make it to a few this year and maybe some new ones as well.

11/3 - Buffalo Wild Wings in Pewaukee - perfect to watch the Monday Night Football Game. Offer is good from 4 - 9 pm.

11/4 - Stolley's Hog Alley in Oconomowoc - I was told to try this place for breakfast sometime but looks like this offer is on the daily special only. If I didn't already have plans for this night, I would check it out.

11/5 - Orange Leaf in Waukesha - I LOVE this place and seeing as the frozen yogurt place closer to me closed, I might just have to treat myself to this after work.

11/6 - Hardee's in Delafield - There no longer is one in Waukesha but go for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

11/7 - Yo Mama! Frozen Yogurt in Brookfield, Wauwatosa and Shorewood. If you didn't get to Orange Leaf on Wednesday, or just love Fro-Yo, head to one of these locations and mention United Way.

11/10 - Canyon City Wood Grill & Saloon in Pewaukee - It's been years since I have been here, but now living so close, maybe I can give it another try.

11/11 - The Boneyard Pub & Grill in Mukwonago - I haven't been here but have heard great things. Must show the flyer.

11/12 - The PeachTree Restaurant in New Berlin - Never heard of this place before but I think it took over another restaurant I used to go to with my grandparents a lot.  Gotta order Greek food to donate to United Way.

11/13 - Slim McGinn's Irish Pub in Brookfield - I think I was here once during a snow storm and was just glad we found some place open to eat. Definitely worth a revisit.

11/14 - Denny's on St. Paul in Waukesha - Grand Slam! Valid 8 - 2 pm and 4 - 10 pm.


I hope you can get out and try some of these places and help support United Way in Waukesha County!

United We Dine for United Way #2

The next two weeks of the #UnitedWeDine for United Way campaign have some great restaurants lined up to benefit the United Way. 

I was able to enjoy dinner with a friend at Famous Dave's in Waukesha and support United Way in Waukesha. I hadn't been to a Famous Dave's in probably 10 years and it was just as tasty as I remember. You leave stuffed and with leftovers if you are like me, or like my friend and be a member of the completely clean plate club! We really enjoyed ourselves! 

From my last post: 
If you aren't familiar with this program, I'll break it down. United Way in Waukesha County partners with area restaurants in the months of October and November. These partnering restaurants provide United Way in Waukesha County a portion of the sales from the day(s) they chose. Each business can customize exactly how they want their day to work; some restaurants offer a full day percentage of sales and others will offer the proceeds if a special flyer is shown by the customer or the customer mentions United Way when ordering.

Here is a link to the October calendar. Remember to read the blue print to make sure you mention or print off the flyer that was requested (if needed) I hope to make it to a few this year and maybe some new ones as well.

10/21 - Texas Roadhouse in Waukesha - mention United Way or hand them the flyer. You will not leave hungry as the portions are large and someone I know loves their prime rib! 

10/22 - San Laurio Coffeehouse in Muskego. I have been here once before a mother/daughter pedicure date and the Chai was delicious!

10/23 - Applebee's in Pewaukee. Applebee's does a lot of donations to charities and the food is great for the price point. It says to bring in the flyer but I don't see a link to it on United Way's site. Maybe you can mention it? 

10/27 - Casa Tequila in Pewaukee. I have yet to go here - Maybe I can get a group together and get some Mexican in our bellies while trying this place not too far from my house. 

10/29 - Hispania in Delafield. Menu looks great but I have never heard of this one. 

10/30 - Nashotah Clubhouse. Again, I am not familiar with this one. 

10/31 - Cafe Esperanza in Waukesha. I have had a lot of their foods for banquets and events and they are donating 100% of the Fish Fry sales to United Way - this is awesome. Unfortunately I'll be out of town, but you all should go. It's not a Friday in Wisconsin without a fish fry! 

I hope you can get out and try some of these places and help support United Way in Waukesha County!

United We Dine for United Way

I know I have shared this information with you in past years (here and here) but it's again time for United We Dine: 2014 Edition!

If you aren't familiar with this program, I'll break it down. United Way in Waukesha County partners with area restaurants in the months of October and November. These partnering restaurants provide United Way in Waukesha County a portion of the sales from the day(s) they chose. Each business can customize exactly how they want their day to work; some restaurants offer a full day percentage of sales and others will offer the proceeds if a special flyer is shown by the customer or the customer mentions United Way when ordering.

Here is a link to the October calendar. Remember to read the blue print to make sure you mention or print off the flyer that was requested (if needed) I hope to make it to a few this year and maybe some new ones as well.

Here is a run down of the next few weeks so maybe you can plan out a day to participate while eating a great meal at a local establishment.

Today 10/6 - TGI Fridays in Brookfield (show this flyer). This place is currently running an endless appetizer promotion and great drinks. The burgers and pretty ok too!

10/7 - Sprizzo's Gallery Cafe - I love this place and have been here many, many times. The creative soup and sandwiches with the fancy mayos always tempt my tastebuds!

10/8 - Kim's Lakeside in Pewaukee - I keep wanting to check this place out and haven't found time yet.

10/9 - Gyros West Waukesha - I think I might just make this Thursdays lunch! I have been here quite a few times, but doesn't look like I have written about them yet!

10/10 - Uno Pizzeria & Grill, Menomonee Falls - I really miss the Uno's on Bluemound but I'm glad that there is still another location in the area.

10/13 - Famous Dave's Waukesha (show this flyer)- I have a friend that absolutely loves this place. Maybe I'll convince him to get dinner with me that night.

10/14 - Denny's Waukesha - (8 - 2 pm & 4 - 10 pm) - Who doesn't want a Grand Slam?

10/15 - Chuck E Cheese's Brookfield (mention United Way)

10/16 - Trysting Place Pub, Menomonee Falls - I have been here once after Brewers Opening Day and I remember the burger to be excellent!

10/17 - First Watch Brookfield - Love this place - I think of it at a healthy version of Perkins....not that Perkins is really bad for you, but First Watch makes protein and fiber loaded breakfasts with a focus on health. The fruit filled crepes are one of my favorites. Maybe I'll call ahead and drive there before work??

Hope you can support United Way in Waukesha County by enjoying a meal at one of these fine places!

Food Network's Restaurant: Impossible Casting Call

How exciting is this - I was contacted by Food Network to help spread the word about the casting call for Restaurant: Impossible with Robert Irvine!!

1) Food Network found my blog???? I am humbled and amazed at the same time. The last few months have been an exciting whirlwind for me with my blog and I can't wait to continue moving forward.

2) Food Network wants to come to Waukesha? Even more amazing as no one knows what this could lead to. Just because they are coming for one show, doesn't mean word doesn't travel.

If you aren't familiar with the show, in a gist - Chef Robert Irvine has 2 days and $10,000 to redo a failing restaurant. That means an overhaul of menu, decor, and whatever else comes with it. He has helped many restaurant owners find their passion and get back on their feet.

So....do you know of any restaurants in Waukesha that fit this description? Here is the official casting call.

THE SEARCH IS ON! RESTAURANT: IMPOSSIBLE IS ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS!

Is your restaurant at risk of closing? Are you in need of a boost in customers, good reviews, overall revenue, and even morale? If you are looking to put some passion back into your restaurant and get a fresh start, this is your chance.

Chef Irvine and his team want to help you!

Fill out an application to be on Restaurant: Impossible online at www.restaurantimpossible.com

Applications are open to restaurants all across the continental US and Hawaii.

Help Spread the Word!

Top 12 of 2012

This was the first year that I really spent quality time on my blog and making fun posts for you all to read. I can't believe that I have over 19,000 pageviews when just a year ago I think I was lucky if anyone read my blog and now I'm averaging 50-100 views a day!

This blog started as a way for me to put a personal diary out in 2007 about my life. But then I realized that I wanted to really share something that people wanted to read about and not a journal of my daily tasks. So I began slowly and kept at it. This year I attended Online BlogCon which really helped boost my readership and I started a Facebook page. It's only up from here.

In 2013, I'm attending the Build Your Blog Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah in February with my friend Tiffany and I can hardly wait! But before I get ahead of myself, here are my Top 12 posts of 2012.

12. Wine Maniacs

I haven't gone back like I thought I would have but the place is still on my list.

11. People's Park 2X

Haven't gone twice in one day but I been back many times. Actually the second time I was at People's that day is when my profile picture for my Facebook Fan Page was taken.

10. Melthouse Bistro

This place is really having fun on social media and offering deals to fans that dress up in Packer gear or know an answer to trivia questions. Not to mention, they are coming up with yummy new sandwiches all the time.

9. Good Friend Inc. Drop N Shop

I wasn't able to attend the Drop N Shop but I have spent more time volunteering for these lovely ladies and can't wait for what 2013 has in store for them.

8. Meiji Cuisine

A Fifth Friday event was held here and it gave me a chance to eat at the sushi bar. This is the best sushi I have ever had and I can't wait for someone to invite me to go again soon :)

7. What a Difference a Year Makes

It's only been half a year since this post but there have been a lot of changes already. I better get to writing those down so I don't forget by July!!!

6. Couch to 5K #3

Although it was a really hot day out, running through a city is such a rush and I can't wait to do it in 2013.

5. Bernie's Tap Room 

I have been back a few more times and I really hope this place makes it. The pizza is amazing and I'm drooling over that beer cheese soup!

4. Cookies for Kids' Cancer Cookie Swap

I am planning to make the Greek cookies early in 2013 because they were so good. And I can't wait to participate again!

3. Fifth Friday Events

The Waukesha County Biz Alliance, and all the wonderful ladies (and gentleman) that work for it put on the best events. I missed the last Fifth Friday at Thunder Bay Grille due to being out of town, but I can't wait to be more of a participant in 2013.

2. Pizza Battle???

Nothing has yet come to fruition, but I really hope that it can happen next year. And there are some additional contestants since I wrote that - The Lucky Rabbit???

And Drum Roll Please.........

1. Make & Take Chocolate Class

Thanks to Allo! Chocolat for sharing my blog post in one of their newsletters as it contributed to this being my most viewed post of 2012. I bought my mom a gift certificate to take another one of the classes as well as some of the nice chocolate discs to melt and coat the biscottis that she is dying to make. 

So those are the most popular posts of 2012. I am surprised at some of them, but I am not complaining at all, just overjoyed that people are actually reading me.

Coming up will be my personal Top 12 highlights of 2012 and my 2013 resolutions goals.:)

A Night Out: Swig & La Merenda

Me at Swig

Two weeks ago my friend Kathy and I had our monthly dinner out. We decided to go to La Merenda, and after a lunchtime conversation with some co-workers at Rochester Deli (delicious as always), I found out that we probably need to make reservations. When I got back to work, I went to La Merenda's website and saw they have Open Table. If you haven't used this for reservations, you should. It's a great program and you earn rewards. I logged in and found out the only reservations available were 5:45 or 8:30. The early time wasn't possible because I was coming from Waukesha so we picked the 8:30 and decided to check out the Third Ward first.

Because we were using the trusty CityTin again, we decided to check out Swig for wine and maybe an appetizer. We took a table outside because it was a gorgeous night (and NO ONE was inside the place). As we were looking through the menu, I couldn't help but notice that everyone walking by was dressed really well and super fashionable. (Some of the fashions were a little questionable, but I know I had seen them in magazines - just not my style). I then went on my phone and saw it was Fashion's Night Out. I ran into my cousin and Aunt and they were all decked out for the event too. We didn't partake in that and just wanted food and wine :)

Classic Bruschetta from Swig

While we enjoyed the "tableside runway show" we sipped on some wine and enjoyed a delicious bruschetta. The tomatoes that Swig used were perfectly ripened and the touch of oil and cheese was just perfect on the crostini.

When Kathy got to the bottom of her glass of wine, there was a ton of gooey sediment. We mentioned it to our server and she apologized and said she had never seen that in a glass before. We weren't  asking for a discount or anything, but it definitely didn't make us want to stay for another glass. We paid our bill and headed back to the car and over to La Merenda.

I didn't read the address properly so it took us a few trips around the block to find the restaurant as it is all by its lonesome. We found a close spot on 1st Street and walked over. From the outside, the place doesn't look like much but there are some really nice condos/apartments right across the street. I believe the restaurant does valet but there is plenty of close street parking.

We walked in the front door which leads to the bar area that was really full. The host stand was beyond the bar just before the dining room. I asked the host if it was possible to be sat early, but we were fine waiting in the bar if needed. He happily told us that we could be seated then and took us past two large parties in the dining room to a table in the middle (almost 45 minutes before our reservation!)

The room has cement block walls that are painted a warm orange color. Mirrors, artwork and other household decor made the room very inviting. I then realized that all the tables and chairs were different and looked like they would have all been picked up at rummage sales. It's a very comforting concept.

We dove into the menu and asked our server how many tapas two people should order. We were told that the average is 2 - 3 per person and we could order them throughout our meal.  We started with some wine but I was very impressed when I saw all the local beers on the list - YAY Local! (sorry for the dark pics, I didn't want to ruin other diners' experiences.)

We saw one item that stuck out to us right away - the Goat Cheese Curds. I have really gotten into goat cheese lately and the creamy sauce sounded awesome. We then decided on the falafel, empanadas and jerk pork loin in order to try things from all over the world.

We enjoyed our glasses of wine for only a few minutes before the food started to come out. It comes out as it is done so that you can focus on just that one dish at a time. The goat cheese curds from Wisconsin came out first and we dug right in. (Per the menu La Clare Farms goat cheese curds smothered in Tia Paquita chorizo tomato cream sauce over garlic crostini) The curds were fresh, the sauce was perfectly spicy and it all went together so well. In a unique way, it reminded me of the seafood fondue from Thunder Bay Grille.

Goat Cheese Curds

I wanted more, but I decided to eat the next tapa. I stabbed a falafel ball from Lebanon and some tahini sauce and dug in. (Per the menu crispy chick pea fritters served with pickled turnips over tahini sauce) I had only had falafel once before at Casablanca , so I didn't have much to compare to, but it was pretty good. It was a larger ball to be eaten on its own, where Casablanca's were in a wrap. It was still good and he tahini was very flavorful. I liked the picked turnips but Kathy wasn't much of a fan of that dish. It was a little drier and maybe an acquired taste.

Falafel

 

Next I grabbed an empanada from Columbia (Per the menu Savory fried pastry filled with braised grass fed beef, pears, tomato, local beans and Carr Valley sheep’s milk feta, served with a toasted cumin vinaigrette truffled). Yay goat cheese again and they were fried perfectly. I loved the toasted cumin vinaigrette, but I was sad that I couldn't taste the pear, only a lot of meat and beans. That was the reason we ordered it and we couldn't find any pieces in it or taste it.

Empanadas

Last was the jerk pork loin from Jamaica. (Per the menu Hometown Sausage pork loin marinated in Jerk spices and grilled, served over sweet potatoes topped with vanilla mango sauce). This was the largest tapa and so we each had a decent sized piece of pork along with some sweet potatoes. The pork was extremely peppery with a little jerk taste, so using the sweet potato sauce on the pork, helped bring down the bite. The potatoes were amazing! It was a perfect Thanksgiving dish in place of that marshmallow yam thing and I'm going to try it this year.

Jerk Pork Loin

We were so stuffed but both of us saved the Goat Cheese Curds for our last bite. I highly recommend this dish as well as the restaurant. We did enjoy this restaurant during Eat Local Week in Milwaukee but it was almost all by fluke. They use as many local ingredients as possible and the menu changes up often. I definitely want to return with a group of 4 so I can try more items on the menu.

They also have a "rewards program" as I found out in our check sleeve and signed up. When you sign up, you receive 200 points right away, and for every 250, you receive a $25 reward. (This will go a long way here). The points never expire either so you don't have to rush to fit them in in the year.

Until my next post, Happy Eating!

Waukesha Farmers' Market

Last weekend, my parents and I decided to get up early Saturday morning and head out to the Waukesha Farmers' Market. I had only been to it once before this season, so I was due for a trip. 

The farmers' market runs every Saturday from May to October, 8 am to noon on Riverfront Plaza. If you aren't familiar with the road, it is one block north of Main Street along the river. The road is now closed off completely on Saturdays due to the increased size of the market. If you can find the river in downtown, you found the market. 

We parked at my job because I had to drop off my bike for a bike/bar crawl later that night and just walked over. But if you park in the parking lots by the former antique malls, be ready to donate $1 to a great non-profit organization. Because the antique malls are no longer open, but the property is owned by a private company, they need to instill the parking codes still. Berg Management manages the lots and decided to offer up the lots to different organization to collect funds each weekend. High School activities and athletics have been fortunate to reap the benefits of this collection already. If you aren't willing to pay $1 to park, there is still plenty of free parking throughout downtown Waukesha, you may just have to walk a bit further. 

We started by visiting the two booths on the north side of the river. This leaves room for plenty of expansion for the market. One of these booths was the only booth at the market to have any fresh dill as we found out when my dad was asked by every person walking by where he got his dill. The other booth was a jewelry booth that makes really cool bracelets from license plates. You have to see them to understand but I hope to get one before the market is done this Fall.

Yummy mixes at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

 We crossed the river by Main Street Plaza and headed into the market. The market literally has everything - vegetables, fruit, plants, flowers, bread, meat, eggs, jewelry, soap, honey, clothing and more. And each week its a little different too.

Fresh produce at the Waukesha Farmer's Market

Jewelry at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

We stopped at Decatur Cheese first because I remember trying the cheese at the Fort Atkinson market and it was delicious. We bought some muenster and we found a cheese curd that my mom didn't mind - ranch flavored white cheddar curd. We didn't buy any but it went on the list.

Decatur Cheese at Waukesha Farmers' Market

I was on a mission to get some fresh local produce for a Greek dip (found via Pinterest) I was making for my MKEFoodies picnic the next day (more on that to come next week). I needed cucumbers, dill and red pepper. We found some gigantic cucumbers, mini peppers and of course the dill. My parents got tomatoes, the cheese, pickles, the dill and a mixed basket of onions. The pickles are currently sitting in a crock in the kitchen doing their pickle thing. I can hardly wait to have one!

Local produce at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

I also bought myself a spinach asiago mini bread and my mom got an oatmeal raisin cookie that we called breakfast. I got the bread after having a bite off my friend Carolyn's a few months prior at the market and it was heavenly. The cookie was gone after I was handed just one little piece so I'm guessing no complaints.

Beautiful quilt at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

Some of the local downtown restaurants and shops are setting up as part of the farmers' market as well and I find this a really smart idea. Montecito restaurant had plenty of ooey-gooey desserts that looked delicious, Oh What A Day Cupcakes had a small booth with some of their offerings, The Steaming Cup had tea and coffee available, the Record shop on Clinton brought out some of their CDs and DVDs to sell, Plowshare had a booth with baskets and Key Westconsin serves up breakfast seeing as they are on Riverview Plaza. There may have been others, I might have just missed them.

If you get a chance, I highly recommend checking out this market. On Sept. 8 is the annual Art Fest in Waukesha that closes down Main Street with local artisans on display. Come make a day of Waukesha, enjoy the farmer's market, some breakfast/brunch/lunch and then the Art Fest and come see what Waukesha is all about.

What a Difference a Year Makes

This is my 100th post and I struggled thinking of something spectacular enough to do that would justify it being #100. I finally decided to bring it full circle and write about downtown Waukesha and the changes that have happened in the last year because..well...there have been many. I do believe that almost all of them have been for the better.

Let's start with West Main Street and this is one of the latest changes to happen. Bodway's is now Mainstream. From a Freeman article, Tony Bodway decided to sell the business to two customers with great bar & grill experience. You shouldn't notice too many changes but some great additions like more drink specials and more sports on TV.

Mainstream, formerly Bodway's

The Carpet Store on the West End went out of business and the building was purchased by George of Waukesha Tattoo. So many rumors are going around about what the building will be but I will not go into those because they are just that - rumors. Whatever it becomes, I know it will be amazing because George is a great business owner in Waukesha.

O'Brien's Photography Studio and The Sign Shoppe closed to make way for the mildly anticipated Kendall Apartments that will be coming to the west end. The discussions about this building and parking are completely comical at times when listening to the suggested resolutions. I believe that the Alderman of downtown has so many fish to fry that the changes coming to the west end are not a priority. Not saying that his current concerns don't need attention (because they definitely do) but anyone can see that some of the decisions made for parking at the west end will not pan out well. Watch for bumpers on the road. (not speed bumps folks, I'm talking bumpers getting ripped off cars from close quarters!)

Former O'Brien's Photography and The Sign Shoppe - Soon to be Kendall Apts,

ReStyle Studio went into the former Katydids. ReStyle was located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center. It is a home goods consignment shop and has unique pieces from local artists. In May, Restyle opened a women's clothing consignment shop. I currently consign with the shop and cannot tell you how trendy the shop is. I have never been into such a classy shop for consignment - just makes you really feel good about having your clothing there.

ReStyle Studio on Main Street. Home Consignment

ReStyle Studio Women's Clothing Consignment Boutique

River's End Gallery expanded by buying the old Sprizzo's location (that was also a gallery for a bit.) The two locations were turned into one with a beautiful new stone facade added to the front. It is truly a beautiful gallery.

Newly expanded River's End Gallery on Main Street

American Tattoo is now Jedi Tattoo. The owner of American Tattoo put the shop up for sale and left for Florida. There are many stories going around as to why he left, but I won't get into it. Jedi Tattoo brought a huge interactive dinosaur to Freeman Friday Night Live two weeks ago that was a great hit with the kids.

Jedi Tattoo on West Main Street

There is a recent rumor of a beer pub going into the old Save N Save however there is a lot of work needed to the building and people are questioning if it will be able to open. There is another beer pub slated for the old Beer Goggles/Mainstage/Sheperds (depending how old you are!) I guess this was brought up once before but people question how the copper brew kettles will work in the building.


Clinton Street Gallery moved to Main Street next to The Steaming Cup to have a larger space. (No renaming was done.) Their former location was filled with a record/DVD/CD resale shop that has some of the rarest albums that I have seen.

Clinton Street Gallery now on Main Street

Healing Forest Studio went into the old Mango Clothing store and Mango moved next to Nice Ash on Main Street into a former H&R Block location. The Studio offers fine art classes and Mango now has more exposure.

Mango on Main Street

While I'm on this part of town, can anyone explain to me if ?Harlow's? is open? It still has salon stuff inside but I never see anything change or anyone go in the place. 

Three Sister's Spirit relocated to Clinton Street in a building that had been vacant for a while. The building has been remodeled with lovely apartments above it now. The location is smaller for Three Sister's Spirit but they didn't need so much space before.

Key Westconsin has been thriving during the Farmer's Markets due to smart planning of opening up in the AM for breakfast on Saturday's and getting people to see the menu. I love the food and the fun atmosphere. They are also doing some great things with the blog and social media. Hope they keep it up and if they can't - they can give someone's email a jingle - AHEM!

Key Westconsin

People's Park finally reopened bigger and better than ever after a fire in February of 2011 shut them down for a year. They expanded to add a bar and additional seating onto the second floor as well as...wait for it...rooftop dining! I have yet to get to the rooftop but the second floor is very nice.

People's Park - Main St & Clinton St.

The Potter's Shop has turned into a large class space and the artist's that had their work in the shop have spread out around downtown into other galleries.

No restaurant has filled the vacant location in the The Clarke Hotel. Rumor is that the location is extremely overpriced for the size, but still looking for a tenant.

Bieg Boutique is moving from the 5 Points to Broadway as part of The Clarke Hotel. They don't need such a large space and have decided to be a bit of a gift shop for those staying at the hotel.

Bieg Boutique moving from the 5 Points

Bieg Boutiques new location on Broadway

Beading Hearts Studio relocated to the 5 Points from South Street to the Three Sister's Spirit former location. This move alone doubled the business the DeDe had been doing. She has now added yarn in addition to her beautiful beads and classes.

Beading Hearts Studio  now on the 5 Points

Bells and Whistles and Blush Wedding & Event Planning has just opened in downtown. This shop will feature custom wedding accessories as well as the planing office for weddings.

Bells & Whistles on Broadway

RiverMill Foods on Main Street just celebrated 1 year in downtown. This shop has the best salad/soup/sandwich combos in my humble opinion. And don't get my started on their cheesecakes. (insert Barney Stinson Lengendary quote here). I am glad this place opened on the 5 points.

Alterations Unlimited recently closed without much of an explanation. Lena's is still open on Broadway for those that need a seamstress.

Montecito Ristorante and Lounge opened in El Ranchito's former location. They put in a clear garage door and offer a great indoor/outdoor lounge with amazing drinks. The inside of the restaurant is hard to see with the tinted windows (that they cannot do anything about). I have yet to eat here but the drinks are mighty fine. El Ranchito moved up to the Aurora Pharmacy strip mall on Delafield and has since closed. Nothing is in the strip mall, which means there are two completely empty strip malls in Waukesha - odd, yet Walgreens and Aldi's want to annex into the city, tear down homes, put in retention ponds and build new - doesn't make sense to this girl!

Montecito on Broadyway - taken from RiverMill Foods

A Stroke of Genius - Paint, Canvas and Wine Studio opened on Broadway near Gaspar. I have to walk this area again because I didn't see it today. But if there is wine, its been added to my list as a must-do. 

I saw on my walk today that a Fran'tic Screen Printing will be going in next to the River Mart and Popcorn store on Broadway & Main Street (its a walk thru location). This used to be Soundwaves way back when. It will be interesting to find out pricing and capabilities as I have always wanted to make custom shirts for a party.

Pandora's Closet opened on Main Street that I believe is a consignment or second hand clothing store. These owners also opened The Furniture Closet, a second hand furniture store on Broadway. I have not been into either of these but I do know that the owner/manager? of Pandora's Closet is always cheerful and polite and keeps his store front immaculate and sweeps the sidewalk.

Pandora's Closet

The newest store to Waukesha is called Copacetic, a hat store. This went into Serendipity Scrapbooks old location. I have yet to get in here.

Copacetic on Main Street

Fox River Antiques became Antiques and Uniques on Main. The vintage hardware portion of the mall closed and is now a gold and silver buying shop. The two antique shops in the bank parking lot relocated to Racine Ave near Dairy Queen. The status of the buildings was questionable on many levels. There are the ever looming convention center rumors and also the buildings were literally crumbling on the tenants. They are available now for short term leases but I wouldn't suggest anyone moving in unless your product cannot be destroyed when the roof falls in.

Former Antique stop that moved to Racine Ave.

Gold & Silver buying shop

Escamilla Entertianment & Dance Studio opened on Gaspar Street next to Chill in a former record store? (The windows were always papered up but I believe that is what it was). Now the windows are open and you can watch the dancers in action. They are terrific. The studio offers classes that I might join in the next year.


Allo! Chocolat expanded into the former Coffee N Beans to offer a studio with chocolate classes. These classes are open to the public or can be done for special occasions - work parties, bachelorette parties, birthdays, ladies clubs.

Allo! Chocolat's classroom space at Main Street Plaza

O' What A Day Cafe opened in Main Street Plaza just a few months back. This is a gourmet cupcake shop with many daily flavors offered. They are delicious. They hope to have Alterra coffee and sandwiches in the near future.

Oh What a Day Cafe at Main Street Plaza

Cookies Galore & More unfortunately shut its doors this year, but Cake Pops by Design opened. I have seen their creations and they look fabulous. They have limited store front hours and are mainly by appointment but keep them in mind for a unique treat to give someone.

Cake Pops by Design

Andrea's Hair Studio opened on Broadway near Rochester Deli and just down from there it seems that another hair salon will be opening. The place didn't have any beauty supplies or look to it yet, but the window says opening soon. Andrea's looks very nice and modern but I have not had any services done by them.

Andrea's Hair Studio on Broadway

Fiesta Peluche I believe is still in it's first year. This is a party supply store on the East End of (downtown) Broadway.  I have never been in but the window paint looks fun enough that if I'm looking for some party supplies in the future I will head on in.

Fiesta Peluche & new hair salon on Broadway

This is on the other side of the river but I still consider it downtown so I'm adding it. Yanke Saloon has closed and I believe the bar was purchased by Fuzzy's. When I walked by last week, the interior was being completely gutted so we shall see what it becomes. Not sure the status of the apartments above but with the building being so gorgeous, I think that they should be remodeled like the ones on Clinton that are above Three Sister's Spirit.

HOLY CRAP - that was way more information than I thought I was going to have on downtown Waukesha. I'm sure I missed a spot or two but I truly hope my information is accurate and I tried to stay away from the gossip when I could and just talk about first hand experiences.

So I hope you enjoyed by 100th post and with the Waukesha County Fair running Wednesday, July 18 through Sunday, July 22 on the Waukesha Expo Grounds, I will have very limited time to blog due to the marketing support that I give the Fair. For all the details on the Fair, visit the website. (yes that was a partial shameless plug!)

Until my next post, Happy Eating!