Each week on Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee Magazine dining critic Ann Christenson and 88Nine’s resident foodie Tarik Moody discuss Milwaukee’s culinary and restaurant culture on This Bites.
In this week’s edition, we’re changes to Milwaukee's micro food hall Crossroad Collective, Milwaukee's drinking culture, and new restaurants opening soon.
Changes to Crossroads Collective
First up, we talked about some changes coming to the Crossroads Collective. This December, a new taco spot called Juana Taco will be a part of the food hall on Milwaukee's east side.
Juana Taco will soon bring authentic Mexican and vegetarian options to the food hall. Owners Gregory Kiekcbusch, Frank Sandino, and Head Chef Enrique Morales of Mangos Cafe on VanBuren and Brady Street aim to open the new taco concept at Crossroads Collective mid-December. Whereas Mangos Café is an award-winning Caribbean concept, Juana Taco will focus on authentic Mexican tacos and sides.
Beerline Café and Falafel Guys will not be renewing at the food hall. Michael Allen and executive chef Corissa Grundman will continue to focus on the original location at 2076 N Commerce St. Beerline Café cited a lack of demand, while Falafel Guys co-owner Chrissy Stroli cited staffing challenges. Falafel Guys will continue to operate their Thiensville location and food truck.
Milwaukee Magazine covers the city's drinking culture and history
Ann talked about the newest issue of Milwaukee Magazine, which covered the city's drinking and culture and history. In the issue, there are stories about Milwaukee's long-term relationship to alcohol, an abbreviated history with the city's love affair of brandy, a round-up of cocktail, wine bars, dive bars and more. We also talked about local businesses that have created products that contribute to the cocktail scene like Twisted Path Distillery's Chai spirit and Central Standard Craft Distillery's Hard2O
New Spanish-American restaurant opening in the Third Ward
Kasana's Ana Docta will be opening Cavas sometime later this year in the former Batches Bakery spot in the Third Ward. Cavas will serve a variety of Spanish sparkling wine called cava, tequilas and tapas.
New empanada and pisco bar coming to the west side in December
On Dec. 4, Tricilo Peru will open on the west side at 3801 W. Vliet St. The restaurant will serve a variety of empanadas filled with beef, chicken, vegetables and more. Plus, they will offer pisco cocktails and other Peruvian dishes.
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