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It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than making a commitment to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2023. View the full list here OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file.
Birch
459 E. Pleasant St., (414) 323-7372
birchonpleasant.com
New American
$$
[Read more]
Simplicity and quality form the foundations of the menu at this Downtown restaurant, which serves up an ever-changing feast of fare that pays the utmost respect to locally sourced meats and vegetables.
Dishes run the gamut from fresh and bright (take that summer crudo made with Steelhead trout pictured above, for instance) to sexy and caramelized (like charred beef carpaccio with pickled shallots, nasturtium and parmesan). Meat dishes are satisfying, but never overly heavy; and their housemade filled pastas are simultaneously exciting and comforting.
Most importantly, if you love vegetables, you'll find them in spades. They're respected, treated well and allowed to shine... right there in the center of the plate.
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with your server about perfect pairings for the dishes on the menu. And be sure to check out special offerings like their French Bistro Lunch and happy hour specials. Patio dining is also available.
Recommended: Crunchy farm vegetables; crudo; housemade pasta; Contramar-Inspired fish
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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