restaurant of the month - february 2008

Romantic dining easy to find in Milwaukee area

ROMANCE is in the air during February and, with the abundance of great restaurants in Milwaukee, there’s sure to be a place with the perfect ambience for you and your valentine.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner at METRO BAR & CAFÉ can be romantic. Located in the heart of downtown at 411 E. Mason St., 272-1937, we advise sinking into one of the dining room’s couches then gazing into each other’s eyes AFTER perusing the menu. Specials include a dessert of the month that’s always worth asking about!

Although BUCA DI BEPPO, 1233 N. Van Buren St. 224-8672, built a reputation around its family-sized platters, the restaurant responded to popular demand by offering “Buca Small,” serving two or more, and “Buca Mio,” single servings of Buca favorites. Feel the love!

At BROADWAY BISTRO, 241 N. Broadway, 431-2880, a couple can enjoy the Historic Third Ward’s hip neighborhood and a great restaurant with a sophisticated menu. Think “trendy Tribecca hot spot” (without the New York prices).

You can’t hop a Concord to Paris any longer, but you can visit CHEZ JACQUES, 1022 S. 1st St., in the Walker’s Point neighborhood just south of downtown, 672-1040. Owner Jacques Chaumet has created a French oasis where diners listen to Edith Piaf on the sound system as they savor French specialties.

While CARINI'S LA CONCA D'ORO, 3468 N. Oakland Ave., 963-9623, specializes in seafood and Italian specialties, owner and chef Peter Carini also is known for his skill in going “off-menu” to prepare guest’s requests. Veggie-lovers flock here for the eggplant spiedini.

A place that truly says “special occasion” is DREAM DANCE inside the Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St., 847-7883. Find an elegant and intimate atmosphere and “New Wisconsin Cuisine,” inspired by local ingredients and the culinary history and traditions of the people of Wisconsin. There are 800 selections offered on the wine list (all at retail pricing).

If your sweetheart has a craving for Cajun, cure it at CRAWDADDY'S, 6414 W. Greenfield Ave., 778-2228. With Valentine’s Day timed so close to Mardi Gras, this always is a great place to visit during February. Find classics like jambalaya, as well as  “Cajun Fusion” cuisine here.

Just west of Milwaukee, ask for a table for two at THE GROVE, 890 Elm Grove Rd. in Elm Grove, 262-814-1890. Along with a friendly staff and American and Mediterranean specialties, you’ll find live music at this romantic spot Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

Venture further west to WEISSGERBER’S SEVEN SEAS and the area’s romantic lake country in Delafield, 262-367-3903. The restaurant has sweeping views of Lake Nagawicka.  Located north of I-94 off Highway 83 (exit 287).

What’s more romantic than fondue for two? Head north of Milwaukee for this specialty at THE AUGUST WEBER HAUS, W63 N678 Washington Ave., in Cedarburg.  262-618-4453. Built-in, glass-top electric burners provide a fun fondue experience with appetizer, entrée and dessert fondues choices.

Port Washington, with its historic main street and marina, is a romantic destination just 30 minutes north of Milwaukee. WIND ROSE WINE AND MARTINI BAR, 312 Franklin St., 262-284-4800, always feels like a million miles away from everyday cares as you select from appetizers, a la carte entrees, salads and desserts, great martinis and wines.