There is a lot of changes coming to the East Side. First, the iconic Von Trier announced in a press release that they will be closing and will reopen as an 'upscale cocktail lounge' with a mid-century vibe. The changes will happen in the first part of 2018.
Prior to 1978, when German-born Karl Lotharius first purchased the bar and transformed it into a German-inspired pub, the Von Trier location was home to Rieder’s—a high-end, East Side institution which made North Avenue a Milwaukee drinking destination. Current Von Trier owners John and Cindy Sidoff, are looking to once again re-invent the legendary location with a nod to the bar’s mid-century roots.
Von Trier will remain open through the holiday season and will showcase its popular Christmas Village one last time. They will also host an online auction with Gerlach Auctions listing the bar's world-class collection of memorabilia, includling authentic beer steins, one-of-a-kind wod carvings and the historic Colnik chandelier.
Read more below.
Starting today, the new restaurant, The Diplomat will opens its doors on Brady Street. Replacing Bosley's on Brady, The Diplomat was created by Chef Dane Baldwin and will open its doors today (Aug. 15) at 5 pm. The Diplomat is located 815 E. Brady St.
The Diplomat will offer an intimate dining experience with affordable, small plate menu of American regional cuisine.
“For me, it was important to be welcoming in terms of price and atmosphere. I want everyone to feel comfortable coming through our doors and sitting down to have dinner with us,” says Chef Dane Baldwin.
Items on the menu will include:
- Trout – A fish Wisconsinites appreciate is served with Romesco sauce, dilly beans (a treat his wife, Anna, introduced him to) and radish.
- Meat & Potatoes – As a young cook, Baldwin prepared many variations of this entrée. His version features New York strip with potato puree and cured egg yolk.
- Beef Short Rib – Accompanied by fondant potatoes (an item not commonly seen on area menus), pickled mustard, broccoli and Cumberland sauce.
- The Diplomat Fries – A simple, straight forward dish. The fries are cooked three times, producing a crunchy exterior and a pillowy interior, and are served with a garlic mayonnaise as a dipping sauce.
The Diplomat features a full-service bar with signature cocktails, wines available by the glass and/or bottle and three local craft beers on tap that will rotate frequently.
The Diplomat has a 70-seat dining room and space for 30 in the bar. Its hours are: Tuesday – Thursday, 5– 10 p.m.; Friday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; and Saturday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Baldwin will look to expand his hours as opportunities to do so arise, with happy hour and a late night dining menu. The Diplomat can be reached at 414-800-5816, thediplomatmke.com, info@thediplomatmke and @thediplomatmke.
