restaurant of the month - december 2009

‘Spies’ buzzing about new menu items
at MKE’s one-of-a-kind Safe House

FOR 43 YEARS, Milwaukee’s Safe House has given “spies” of all descriptions – a legion of James Bond and Mata Hari wannabees – the chance to enter a fantasy world of espionage and intrigue.

From a disguised entrance to museum-quality memorabilia (an actual East German prison door) to clocks synched to exotic locations, you’ll find surprises around every corner.

And, with the addition of a new executive chef and a revised menu, there’s a “thumbs up” buzz that has crowds heading to the Safe House for the cuisine as well as the one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Your Safe House experience begins when you make your way to the door of International Exports Ltd. on Front Street. Hint: Front Street is actually a one-way alley located directly across from the Pabst Theater at 114 E. Wells St. Once you enter, there’s a secret door to master...but to say any more is to compromise the spy code of honor!

Connected to the Safe House, but with a more straight-forward entrance at 137 E. Wells St., find the Newsroom Pub. Home of the 125-year-old Milwaukee Press Club and its renowned collection of celebrity signatures, the Newsroom Pub is open to the public. Open from 5 p.m. to bar close Wednesday through Saturday, the Newsroom offers a unique look at Milwaukee history and media through the years.

Safe House owner Dave Baldwin and Executive Chef Ron Edwards (aka “Crafty”) are hatching plans for new hours and food service at the Newsroom Pub. Visit KeyMilwaukee.com for updates.

The updated lunch and dinner menus at the Safe House reveal the expertise Edwards honed as executive chef and general manager at the prestigious Hotel Metro.

Visitors will note an emphasis on lighter, heart-healthy fare and impressive attention to the details that count. From homemade dressings to freshly made soups, ingenuity and the “best of what’s fresh” rule in the kitchen.

Edwards also is tapping relationships with some of the nation’s elite purveyors to offer fresh fish and seafood flown fresh from Honolulu as well as the best cuts of prime and Angus beef. A new wine list offers more choices as well as server suggestions for the best pairings with entrees.

Of course, bar food is still one of the main “food groups” at the Safe House, so half-pound Spyburgers and six kinds of Agent Wings are available, as well as the King Blue Prawn Cocktail.

Entrees include pastas, ribs, filet mignon and grilled Atlantic salmon. Celebrate T.G.I.F. with the Furtive Fridays’ Milwaukee Fish Fry. Signature drinks are available in the legendary Spy Glass, a great souvenir of a Safe House visit, or shop The Company Store for C.I.A. (Classy Intriguing Attire).

The memorable “Hail to the Chief” and “Her Majesty’s Secret Service” salutes have marked birthdays and special occasions for victims (oops, make that “honorees”) for years and advance reservations are suggested.

A Christmas Party is planned for Dec. 14, and the Safe House New Year’s Eve includes the afternoon countdown where midnight in Russia is celebrated at 3 p.m. Then, each hour through 6 p.m. features a free champagne toast and themed appetizers as the magic hour is marked in the world’s capitals. After 6 p.m., the Safe House welcomes agents for regular dinner service and shifts back to Central Time.

For your dossier, note that the Newsroom Pub as well as the Safe House is available for your next rendezvous – be it a party or business meeting. More details are available at 414-2712-007 or www.safe-house.com