Each week on This Bites, dining critic Ann Christenson from Milwaukee Magazine and Radio Milwaukee’s resident foodie Tarik Moody dig into the city’s culinary and restaurant culture to help you find new spots, old favorites and the best ingestibles around Milwaukee.
Even after the relatively mild winter we just went through, it’s hard to hate on anyone who feels the need to escape the chill by fleeing Milwaukee for a bit. So we won’t get too down on Ardent for depriving us of their wonderful menu during the most inhospitable months on the calendar — especially considering what they have lined up for their imminent return from break.
That reimagining is where we start this episode of the podcast, which sees Ann sharing some of the details she posted over at Milwaukee Magazine.
For starters, there’s the space-sharing arrangement between Ardent and sister spot Red Light Ramen that is no more. The existing Ardent setup will go with a lounge approach that kicks off service May 17. It’ll feature a variety of specials that owner and chef Justin Carlisle has cooked up — from Saturday night ramen to tacos on Mondays — as well as a steady a la carte roster of small plates, burgers and … hot dogs?
Not sure you’ll find too many frankfurters in the former Red Light Ramen space, which will be an elegant tasting room open Friday and Saturday nights. At the center of the reservation-only approach is a multi-course menu of food. Seriously, that’s about all we have for you right now. But, as usual, Ann and I (mostly Ann) will pass along any info we get just as soon as we have it.
Let’s see, what else do we have for you this week?
- It’s a Top Chef recap! Wisconsin supper clubs got a salute in this episode, some chefs got dismissed, and some unexpectedly returned.
- Dan Jacobs did some non-TV stuff with partner Dan Van Rite, putting two DanDan sauces on the shelves at Sendik’s.
- After saying arrivederci to Tavolino last October, we can now welcome L’incontro to the East Side restaurant neighborhood.
- The Vine at Humboldt Park will get a little soul (food) as Karol’s Kitchen and Catering takes over food service at the beer garden.
- In similar news, Sherman Phoenix Marketplace will soon add Richmond’s Food for Your Soul to their vendor lineup.
If you haven’t added us to your podcast subscriptions yet, we sure would appreciate having a regular spot in your listening week. Ratings and reviews are also a great way to help people find us and get as hooked into the Milwaukee food scene as you are. Thanks for the support.
