My annual article, 52 Restaurants for your Bucket List, was originally created to provide readers with an easy way to explore the wealth of restaurants in the Milwaukee scene over the course of one year (52 weeks). Today, as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a fun and equally compelling guide for folks who’d like to bring variety to their weekly meals while providing vital support to some of our finest local restaurants.

Here's the featured restaurant of the day, plus five can’t miss dishes to try

Celesta
1978 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 231-3030
celesta.restaurant

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy dishes at Celesta, which caters to humanity’s innate desire to consume beautiful, comforting fare. On the ever-changing menu you’ll find vegan standards like macaroni & cheese as well as globally influenced specials that make full use of seasonal vegetables and housemade seitan.

5 dishes to try: 

1. Bang bang broccoli featuring breaded broccoli florets with a flavorful tamari glaze and sesame seeds ($9)
2. Macaroni & cheese with housemade cheese sauce and toasted panko ($8); watch for specialty versions offered frequently as specials.
3. Lasagna with house red sauce, basil bechamel, almond ricotta and rosemary seitan sausage, served with a side salad ($14) 
4. Friday fishless fish fry featuring seaweed-flecked fried tofu served with home fries, ranch slaw and housemade tartar and lemon ($14). Pair it up with a Celesta old fashioned kit!
5. Specials! This week's Saturday special features baked poblano peppers stuffed wwith cashew crema, zucchinii and corn. They're topped with salsa and served on a bed of cilantro lime riice with Cuban-style black beans ($12). 

Also - don't sleep on their desserts. Everything I've tried thus far has been delicious!