restaurant of the month - july 2010

PALMS BISTRO & BAR
21st century dining in the Historic Third Ward

PALMS BISTRO & Bar, in the heart of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward at 221 Broadway, defines the fun, yet upscale, essence of the neighborhood.

The restaurant makes the most of its Cream City brick interiors, beamed ceilings and hardwood floors that date back to 1895. But the atmosphere and cuisine is 21st century, in keeping with this popular entertainment and residential area within walking distance of downtown.

Artwork on the walls changes regularly and is supplied by local artists. Currently featured is Phyllis Toburen’s contemporary abstract art. Sports fans can keep up with their favorite teams during crucial games, thanks to two 42" flat screen HD TVs in the bar area. In addition to the popular sidewalk dining area, large windows at the front of the restaurant slide open to catch lake breezes.

Palms combines its friendly atmosphere with reasonably priced menu offerings described as "global fusion" cuisine. The menu brings together the world's sauces and spices and "the best of what's fresh" to create new dishes. You'll find many of your favorites here, but with an interesting twist.

At lunchtime, Palms is reinventing the burger with a secret house blend of meats, hand-pressed into a luscious patty. Or there’s creative veggie and chicken wraps and sandwiches to choose from. On the salad side, the strawberry Gorgonzola is a summer favorite.

Pizzas at Palms now boast a crispy, flatbread crust and are served up on a wood plank. At lunch or dinner, pasta dishes provide a creative global tour. Tiger shrimp carbonara or spicy peanut sauce linguine, anyone?

Dinner entrees reveal the influence of the Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Mexico and France. Choices include the favorite Alaskan halibut, coated with crushed pistachios and served with a fricassee of shrimp, mango, red pepper and a coconut rum cream sauce. This summer, Palms brings back its fabulous Friday Fish Fry and introduces new entrées capitalizing on summer’s bounty.

Sunday brunch is served tableside and offers breakfast items, lunch sandwiches and salads, and smoothies. The huevos rancheros are a summer favorite, and the drink list has “gone champagne crazy” with concoctions like the strawberry peach bellini raspberry-blood orange mimosa. For the adventurous, a maple bacon Bloody Mary joins a lemon chipotle version.

Unforgettable special events are a specialty here. The second floor venue features antique fireplaces and skylights, plus a full bar, music space and a dance floor. This is a great spot for business dinners, presentations, cocktail mixers and parties.

Food is available at Palms 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Sunday brunch is served 10 a.m. 2:30 p.m. (The bar is open later.) For more information, phone 414-298-3000 or visit www.palmsbistrobar.com.