Well, I survived another holiday weekend in Milwaukee, sans speeding ticket and full of great food. Every time I head up there to visit my family I try to scope out great, newish restaurants and old hidden gems. Just a quick two-hour drive up is totally worth it for visit to the Calatrava at the Milwaukee Art Museum, or to one of the many lakeside fests (from Summerfest to Polish fest) that go off all summer. We devoured all the usual suspects, including fantastic steak at Coerper’s Five O’Clock Club, vodka milkshakes at At Random, burgers and custard from Kopp’s and discovered Trocadero for brunch. Reminiscent of a Parisian café and located in a great, historic building, the often-packed restaurant has a fun outdoor terrace area complete with a fountain and lights, heated patio and small café tables with wicker chairs inside. French-style breakfast crêpes include a smoked salmon and herb cream cheese, brie and portobello and ham with spinach and gruyère. The rosemary potatoes that come with other dishes like smoked salmon omelette and croque madame beat any breakfast potatoes I’ve had in Chicago, and the coffee and espresso drinks come with actual sugar cubes and a square of Valrhona chocolate. Dinner looks just as delish with mussels, steak frites and other bistro-inspired goodness. 1758 N. Water St., 414.272.0205
Trocadero, Milwaukee, WI
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