There was a lot of buzz on the East Side this week. Yesterday, I reported on The Drive Thru, opening soon in the former Sil's structure. Today, there's a litany of happenings to share.

Melthouse Bistro, a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant at 1857 E. Kenilworth Pl., will launch a new, made-from-scratch brunch menu this weekend. The sandwiches are made with lots of local, brunchy foods like bacon, eggs, French toast and / or a variety of Wisconsin cheeses. Plus, if you bring your mom in this weekend or next weekend for brunch, she'll get a free mimosa.

Last summer, we reported that Simple Cafe was on the way, and, despite delays and according to sources, it's still in the works. We also heard that there's an "Asian restaurant" going in next door. More on that soon.

Two Bucks, a franchise from Ohio, is "not quite open yet but will be soon" as stated on its voice mail. The restaurant will open in the former Dogs Bollocks' space, 2321 N. Murray Ave., and will offer supposedly-affordable pub food like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, flatbreads and an item that looks particularly appealing to me called "vodka battered onion rings." I'm in!

Finally, Hotch-A-Do, 1813 E. Kenilworth Pl., is in the middle of the remodel project and will reopen in June under the name The Place. It will have more of a bar feel than a restaurant feel.

That's all we have for now. Have a great weekend, Milwaukee.

-- Jeff Sherman contributed to this report.