restaurant of the month - august 2008

LOUISE'S
Italian cooking + California innovation

COMBINING THE TRADITIONS of Italian cooking with California innovation, Louise's offers a diverse menu in a modern, upscale atmosphere. While the innovative cuisine at Louise's makes this a popular choice for lunch and dinner, the urban-chic design and decor also make it the perfect late night destination for cocktails, martinis and decadent desserts.

There are two convenient locations. Downtown, Louise's is located across from Cathedral Square Park in the heart of downtown at 801 N. Jefferson St. The floor-to ceiling windows afford beautiful views of Cathedral Square Park by day and by night.

Louise's Brookfield location at 275 Regency Ct. (190th and Bluemound Rd.) makes it convenient for those staying in the many hotels west of the city, visiting the Milwaukee County Zoo, or shopping Brookfield's many options along Bluemound Road and at Brookfield Square Shopping Center.

Visit the restaurants, and find an eclectic menu that offers starters such as steamed mussels, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and fried calamari. The salad-lovers we know insist that Louise's serves some of the best in town. Barbecue Chicken Chop and the Caesar Salad with Grilled Jumbo Citrus Shrimp are just two options.

Traditional pastas such as Rigatoni with Grilled Vegetables are joined by Louise's homemade fresh pastas and specialties. Fresh pastas are made daily by Louise's in the style of Italy's Emilia Romagna region, using only fresh egg yolks and flour. For example, Tortelloni Vegetali features handmade Tortelloni filled with fresh seasonal vegetables and cheeses. Al Forno Specialties, such as a meat or vegetable lasagna, are prepared with fresh handmade pasta, and then baked.

On the seafood side, options range from Jumbo Garlic Shrimp Pasta to Cioppino. Poultry choices include the traditional (Chicken Marsala) to the innovative (Three Citrus Grilled Chicken).

Louise's pizzas are worth a visit! The traditional-style are made by hand with a medium thin crust that is baked to crispy perfection. Another Louise's difference is the tomato sauce, made fresh daily. Choose traditional toppings, get creative with grilled eggplant or fresh pineapple, or opt for "gourmet toppings" such as Shitake mushrooms.

California Pizzas feature a crust made with corn meal and semolina dough, with a variety of non-traditional sauces and gourmet toppings. We like the Four-Seasons Pizza - thin-crusted pizza divided into quarters, topped with pizza sauce and fresh zucchini, pesto and goat cheese, spicy sausage and Fontina cheese, and finally, fresh tomato and basil.

Weekend Brunch is becoming a favorite way to slow-down and catch-up with friends and family. Here, choose from omelettes, frittatas (the Italian take on eggs) and several versions of Eggs Benedict. Bananas Foster French Toast is decadent but delicious - three slices of French toast flambeed. with rum, butter, brown sugar and bananas. Accompany with your choice of "eye opener," coffee and Bailey's, Bloody Mary, Screw Driver, Breakfast Martini, Mimosa, or Champagne Split.

It can be difficult to find a kid-friendly restaurant that also offers food that parents crave, but Louise's offers a children's menu that makes it a great choice for family dining. If you're planning a special occasion or corporate event, Louise's has a private dining facility at both locations, as well as an off-premise catering and events division.

Louise's is open daily at 11 a.m. Weekend brunch begins at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Delivery is available. Contact Louise's Downtown, 801 N. Jefferson St., at 414-273-4224 and Louise's Brookfield, 190th and Bluemound, at 262-784-4275. Visit online at www.louiseswisconsin.com