Fine dining in gallery setting

Wind Rose Wine and Martini Bar

HOW MUCH time do you have to get away from it all? Whether you have a couple of hours or a couple of days, Port Washington can sweep stress away. Perched on Lake Michigan, the city just 20 minutes north of Milwaukee boasts a picturesque harbor, historic buildings and a new addition to the area’s fine-dining tradition.

Wind Rose Wine and Martini Bar in the heart of downtown Port Washington offers some of the Milwaukee area’s best cuisine in a wonderful setting with three different dining areas, each with its own ambiance.

The front bar area is dominated by a baby grand piano, and is the spot where musicians provide live music Wednesday through Saturday. Move on to the adjacent dining room, and you’ll be reminded of the Captain’s Cabin. A fireplace, cushioned cane chairs and crisp linens recall the past. But a discreetly placed flat-panel screen TV allows diners in this room to see as well as hear the entertainers.  The third dining room offers a sophisticated counterpoint with sleek, modern furniture and an extensive array of original art.

In fact, the quality of the artwork at the Wind Rose is such that partners Andrzej Sitarski and Kenneth Naujock have created an art gallery here, as well as a restaurant, nightclub and bar. The artwork is changed periodically, showcasing Wisconsin artists.

Wind Rose also has one of the area’s best young chefs in Kim Jensen. Kim has a vast and varied experience that includes three years at Sanford’s restaurant in Milwaukee. She credits owner-chef Sanford (Sandy) D’Amato with inspiring her emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Kim also describes how “being lucky enough to travel abroad frequently” has fueled her creativity.

The menu at Wind Rose features carefully crafted and delectable soups and salads, appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts. Appetizers are outstanding, especially when sampled with a specialty martini or featured wine. Almond-crusted Brie cheese served with strawberry-jalapeno coulis or apricot glazed scallops are examples. In addition to regular menu items, daily specials give the chef a chance to experiment and take advantage of available fresh ingredients.

Chef Kim predicts some menu changes when she returns from an upcoming trip to Spain and cooler weather affects customers’ cravings. It’s a given, though, that some of the six entrees now offered are so popular that they’ve earned encore status. (We’re voting for the maple-ginger glazed salmon with Asian slaw and grilled beef tenderloin crusted with black peppercorns and topped with port wine reduction and crumbled bleu cheese.)

The restaurant is located at 312 Franklin St in the heart of downtown Port Washington just a block from the marina. Dinner is served 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For directions or information, phone 262-284-4800.