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.
Cousins Maine Lobster, a national franchise known for its seafood offerings, is set to debut in the Milwaukee area. The company, which gained prominence after an investment from "Shark Tank," will bring its food truck to various locations in Wisconsin from August 19 through August 30. This introduction is part of Cousins Maine Lobster's strategy to expand its presence in the Midwest market.
The food truck will offer signature dishes, including Maine lobster rolls chilled with mayo and warm with butter. These offerings, priced at $23, aim to bring a taste of New England to the Midwest. The truck's first stop will be at Ray's Wine and Spirits, 8930 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa, on August 19 and 20. Operating hours will be from noon to 8 p.m. on August 19 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 20, giving locals ample opportunity to sample their seafood specialties.
In other local news, MobCraft Brewery is hosting a Sandwich Challenge in its taproom, featuring five new sandwiches. The promotion, from August 12 to September 16, encourages patrons to try all five sandwiches to earn a free sandwich. Options include a beer cheese mushroom melt and a Greek chicken pita, showcasing the brewery's culinary creativity.
The Near West Side is set to welcome a new restaurant from Lisa McKay, owner of Lisa Kaye Catering. McKay, an award-winning chef with a history of community involvement, plans to open a bistro at the former Triciclo Peru location. While details are limited, the menu is expected to feature a mix of sandwiches, wraps, and daily specials, including a Friday fish fry.
We love it when good food is combined with social responsibility. On September 12, more than a dozen Milwaukee-area restaurants will participate in Vivent Health Partners' second annual Dining Out for Life event. This initiative raises funds for Vivent Health's food pantry, which supports individuals living with HIV in the Milwaukee area.
Additionally, the community is invited to celebrate local food and gardening at Alice's Garden on August 28 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Flour Girl & Flame will offer a wood-fired pizza buffet and coal-roasted salads at this "pay as you may" event, which honors Venice Williams' 35 years of service to Milwaukee.
Finally, Miss Dolly's Taste of Africa is scheduled for November 14 at the River Club of Mequon. Dolly Grimes-Johnson, who served as the Shelter Director at Sojourner Family Peace Center for 36 years, is organizing this fundraiser for the third consecutive year. The event celebrates African culture while raising funds for the Sojourner Family Peace Center emergency shelter and ExPosed Inc., a nonprofit focused on youth empowerment and healthy relationships. The evening will feature African appetizers, music, and a dinner showcasing cuisine from various African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, and South Africa.
