These days the air outside the Fiserv Forum smells like holiday spirit—and like roasted nuts and sugary treats coming from the Milwaukee Christkindlmarket.
Each week on Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee Magazine’s dining critic, Ann Christenson, and 88Nine’s foodie, Tarik Moody, discuss Milwaukee’s culinary and restaurant culture on This Bites. This Bites is supported by Society Insurance.
Read more and listen to the podcast below to hear more about the Christkindlmarket, Jewels Caribbean opening and the allure of white truffles...
Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
With the new town square-esque space outside of the Fiserv Forum, it seems perfect that Milwaukee is also getting its first Christkindlmarket this year. With Milwaukee's strong German heritage, the only thing that doesn't make sense is why we didn't have one open sooner.
At the market you can find hot drinks like Belgian cocoa and spiced wine and taste plenty of international delicacies. And if you're so inspired, you can also shop for trinkets from Eastern Europe, craft ornaments and genuine alpaca goods.
But back to the food. Other food vendors will be offering pierogis, baked cheese, English toffee, teas, spices and more.
West Allis is also having its own Christkindlmarkt for the second year in a row, though it is very different. On Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1, about 70 specialty Wisconsin food retailers, product vendors and artisan crafters will be at the open-air West Allis Farmers Market for an evening of outdoor holiday shopping.
Other Milwaukee food news and culinary events
Jewels Caribbean
Jewels Caribbean is now open in Bronzeville. We already tried it and loved it. Full disclosure though—Natasha, one of our part time DJs at 88Nine, has spent the other half of her time opening the restaurant with her family. Her sister, Lennora Jules, and her mom Lucile are the official owners, though Natasha executed much of the business side of the project. Lennora and Natasha were both born and raised in Milwaukee, while their parents, Lucile and Selo, are from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. Naturally, the restaurant's menu incorporates both family recipes and traditional Saint Lucian dishes. Check out the menu here.
The family is no stranger to the food industry. Lucile's family owned a grocery store chain in Saint Lucia and currently own two locally popular restaurants there as well. And her husband Selo ran a well-known bar in Saint Lucia.
We're excited to see this island's flavor and identity enter and expand the Caribbean food scene, not just for Milwaukee, but for all of the upper Midwest, where there is still so much untapped potential for more dimensions of cuisine from this broad region.
Ristorante Bartolotta's White Truffle Festival
When we think of black truffles we think of Italy. When we think of white truffles we think of France. And the holidays.
The elusive diamonds of the culinary world, the Alba white truffles are now at the peak of the season. And Ristorante Bartolotta has them. Each year, it has white truffles, sourced by world-renowned Urbani Tartufi, flown in from Italy and on to the menu.
If you're feeling extravagant, you can order from the special White Truffle Festival menu now through the end of the year.
