restaurant of the month - december 2008

December is prime time for brunch

By STEPHANIE ZORIL
Contributing Writer

WHAT BETTER time of the year to sit back, relax and enjoy a meal than the holidays? And what better way to do that than at one of the Milwaukee area's spectacular brunches.

Here are a few selections, ranging from a simple, down-home breakfast to multiple courses that are truly feasts. For full restaurant details, including address and hours, see the KEY Dining section. Especially during the holidays, reservations are often a good idea.

CHEZ JACQUES is an unspoiled and traditional French cafe located just south of downtown Milwaukee. Brunch here is an instant and authentic tribute to French cuisine, where the menu is crafted from Jacques' family recipes. Open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, a weekend visit involving crepes is guaranteed bliss.

LOUISE'S serves intoxicating brunch favorites with a twist. Located in downtown Milwaukee and on Bluemound Road in Brookfield, Louise's offers urban-chic design coupled with a warm ambience. At brunch, try the Salmon Benedict or Bananas Foster French toast, exciting options that will leave you smiling. Brunch menu served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MADER'S German Restaurant provides familiar Milwaukee favorites, many from the Old Country. Voted North America's most famous German restaurant, this 106-year-old resident of Old World 3rd Street serves Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

METRO BAR & CAFE changes the notion that a hotel restaurant is solely for its guests. The menu proves it possible to lure in crowds off the street. Those who opt to start the day here will find themselves eating comfortably and sitting pretty amidst the sleek decor. Breakfast served every day.

TRINITY THREE IRISH PUBS serves Irish breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Indulge in treats such as brioche dipped in Bailey's Irish Cream batter, served with Guinness syrup. Or, enjoy your eggs with the same roasted tomato and Irish bacon you might sample at an Irish B&B.

TROCADERO is popular with those seeking tasty alternatives to the typical breakfast dishes (and liquid refreshments). For four years running ('05-'08), polls have lauded Trocadero as the home of "Best bloodies in Milwaukee." True to the French vibe, Trocadero offers a saucy bloody named "Frenchie" a nice compliment to silky crepes and quiches. On Saturday and Sunday, brunch starts at 9 a.m..

WATER STREET BREWERY features all the favorite breakfast classics, with extra attention given to French toast creations. Choose from traditional, Frangelico, or brandy apple versions. Brunch served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Water Street locations in Milwaukee and in Delafield.

BAYOU is filled with deliciously creative brunch options that are hard to find this far north of Louisiana. Whether it's the blackened catfish benedict or the crab and shrimp grits with eggs, Bayou presents a menu that is as extensive as it is enjoyable. Brunch selections served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

SAZ'S STATE HOUSE offers a fixed price Sunday Brunch, brimming with carved beef, luscious entrees, tasty sides, cooked to order omelets and, if there is room, a platter of desserts to swoon over. A meal here is an excellent example of what it means to eat simply and elegantly. Served from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

THE GROVE in Elm Grove serves you food before you even order. As the menu is perused, patrons are welcomed to nibble on complimentary appetizer plates of fresh fruit, mini bagels, danish and assorted sweets. A true suburban gem, The Grove serves Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

WEISSGERBER'S SEVEN SEAS is an ideal setting for a leisurely brunch, providing breathtaking lake views. Located on the shores of Lake Nagawicka near Delafield, the restaurant reminds us why, every once in awhile, it's delicious to wake up late, dine indulgently and admire accordingly. Brunch served Sundays from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

MICHIGAN STREET DINER in the heart of downtown Milwaukee serves all-American breakfast fare at very reasonable prices and in a setting that is classic '50s diner. Whether you choose to eat at the wrap-around counter or in a red vinyl booth, the taste and feel of the place guarantees a welcome blast from the past. Breakfast served every day, and throughout the diner's hours of operation (7 a.m.-2 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday.

MYKONOS on the corner of Van Buren and State offers an amazing diversity of breakfast selections, all at value prices. The options here trend toward the classics and the plates are topped with Herculean sized portions. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-11 a.m. every day of the week, with expanded breakfast hours on the weekend: Saturday and Sunday until 2 p.m..