The OnMilwaukee.com Buzz is back, this time October style. Tidbits, rumors, hot tips and creative clips you won't find anywhere else.
SWANK
Downtown Milwaukee just keeps getting better and better. The addition to the Pabst Theatre is beautiful, Three is proving itself to be a happening night club and now another establishment is getting ready to swing into action.
A new, upscale restaurant is coming to downtown Milwaukee soon. Swank, which will open its doors in late November or early December, at 628 N. Water St. (the former home of H.H. West's office supply shop near the corner of Water St. and Wisconsin Ave.). One of its three owners, Kai Trimble, said that it's best described as a "posh eatery."
"It's going to be relaxed but trendy and chic," she added.
Swank will open daily for lunch and dinner, and the menu -- which is still being perfected -- will focus on gourmet seafood. You can also expect steak to be served.
Trimble said Swank will open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on the weekends. We'll keep you posted and have more details as Swank gets closer to opening.
RUMPUS ROOM
As we reported last month, Bartolotta's seems to be moving forward with plans for a new 12,000-sq. ft. restaurant named Rumpus Room, in the ASQ Center (the old Marshall Field's Building). Joe Bartolotta already owns and runs several popular joints, including Bartolotta Ristorante, Lake Park Bistro, Mr. B.'s, a Bartolotta steakhouse, Dream Dance and other dining destinations within Potowatomi Bingo Casino.
AALA REED
Finally, a cool men's clothing store for all ages in Milwaukee. Look for Aala Reed to open on Fri., Nov. 2 at 1320 E. Brady St. The brainchild of Laura Lutter and Sharon Reed, Aala Reed fills a niche for younger, casual yet cool men's clothing. Watch for clothing by Lazo, Rizal, Ted Baker of London and other big-name designers.
WALL OF FAME
The 2001 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is Thurs., Nov. 29 at The Midwest Express Center. It's the 50th Anniversary of the Hall of Fame, and this year's class is Bud Selig, George Thompson, Jim Taylor, Earl Gillespie and Connie Carpenter. A new walk of fame featuring all the inductees will open on Nov. 28. Watch for many of the former inductees to be in town for this event. Call (262) 796-1005 for tickets.
OLD PIZZA
Did you know that the pizza recipe from the Calderone Club, 842 N. Old World Third St., is the oldest in the state? It's also one of the best, try it.
THE FESTIVAL OF TREES
Beginning Sat., Nov. 24 you'll be able to stroll though an enchanted forest of 40 glimmering holiday and Christmas trees at The Wyndham Milwaukee Center Hotel. Every tree will be decorated by a sponsoring organization with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. Just another sign of great family fun in downtown Milwaukee this holiday season. Call (414) 276-8686.
GRAND AVENUE UPDATE
Watch for Boston Store's grand re-opening Thurs., Nov. 15 and for announcements on many exciting new tenants very soon. Also, the mall's Christmas and Holiday events will be simply amazing. Two words: Leonard Bearstein. Details next month.
PUBLIC ART IS GOOD
Have you seen the cool "Public Billboard Project" around town? Hopefully, you have because it ends Wed., Oct. 31. Ten local artists painted five billboards in cool themes and colors and worked with billboard companies to place them. Let's hope more projects like this continue to develop. How about a "Public Art Restroom Project!" Imagine local public buildings with public art in their restrooms. Just an idea.
THE MILWAUKEE THEATRE
The historic Milwaukee Auditorium is undergoing a major $32 renovation. Ground will be broken on or around Nov. 1. Then watch for the 1909 facility to reopen in January 2003 as a "21st century, state-of-the art" facility. Renderings look promising.
EAST SIDE
Head over to Hooligan's to see a new kiosk by artist Tom Wilson. It features a copper top and some cool artwork.
BIG MOVE FOR THE BIG UNIT
On Thurs., Oct. 18 the Green House -- AM 620 WTMJ's late afternoon radio show -- announced that Len Kasper was moving to the station's morning show as the permanent sports anchor for Wisconsin's Morning News. They also announced that Bill "Big Unit" Michaels is the new sports anchor for the Green House. This change gives Unit a bigger role on WTMJ and continues the station's quest for younger listeners. Unit's passion and humor are welcome changes on the Milwaukee radio scene.
BIG MOUTH O'BRADY
A sign has appeared on the side of the building at 1634 N. Water St. which used to house the Big Mouth Frog. It advertises O'Brady's Bar & Grill. Workers have been coming and going for the past couple weeks, but no sign announcing an opening date has been seen.
LION KING
"The Lion King: The Broadway Musical" celebrated its world premiere at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on July 8, 1997. The buzz is that it's heading to Milwaukee in 2002!
SPEAKING OF 2002
This year's Milwaukee River Challenge was such a success that organizers (including OnMilwaukee.com) have already booked Sept. 21, 2002 for the Second Annual Milwaukee River Challenge.
NEW DRAGON
The old Kazooz's will soon be The Dragon Lounge, a pan-Asian cocktail bar. Details as we get them.
