The Bridgewater Modern Grill, a new riverfront restaurant in Milwaukee's Harbor District, has set its opening date
The Bridgewater Modern Grill, a new riverfront restaurant in Milwaukee's growing Harbor District, has set an opening date.
The restaurant, at 2011 S. First St. in the new River 1 complex, will make its debut Oct. 25 with "full-scale grand opening festivities," according to a news release.
The restaurant's menu is driven by the open-kitchen concept's centerpiece, a Jade wood-fired grill.
The 5-foot custom Santa Maria-style grill — which has two grates that can be raised and lowered — will be used for items like roasted oysters, trout, steaks, chicken and veggies, a previous Journal Sentinel report said.
Offerings will include a Wagyu beef burger cooked smash-patty style, topped with coal-roasted shallot, sherry reduction, Gruyere cheese and roasted-garlic aioli on brioche; a pulled duck tostada with duck barbacoa, ancho chiles, avocado puree, yellow pico, cotija, radish and lime; veal tenderloin featuring smoked wild mushrooms and sherry reduction; and ribs.
There will also be king trumpet mushrooms from local grower Mushroom Mike that are marinated, grilled and seared with tamarind glaze and served with sunchoke puree and carrot greens; salads, such as an ancient grain salad with miso sweet potato puree, charred onion, snap peas, wild mushroom, avocado and cilantro pumpkin pesto; and more.
The restaurant's wine list that's expected to feature about 90 bottles will focus on single-estate wines from around the world. There will also be custom cocktails and local, craft beers, a news release said.
The restaurant — operated by Benson's Restaurant Group — will have a "California-casual feel," with many oversized windows, overhead doors that overlook the Kinnickinnic River, light woods, green tones and imported tiles, Benson's executive vice president Chris Adams previously said.
A bank of booths in the bar area will be shaped like a pie wedge, Adams said, with booths for parties of eight, six, four and two. Other areas in the restaurant, which will seat 165 diners inside and ultimately 80 outside, will have banquettes and freestanding tables.
The Bridgewater also will have a private dining room; outside, the restaurant will manage 10 boat slips.
Steve Gustafson, previously of the Third Ward's Kimpton Journeyman hotel, will be the executive chef, and Rik Acken, who's been the general manager at some of the restaurant group's past and present eateries, will be the general manager.
The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Opening week festivities, opportunities to give back
According to the news release:
On Oct. 25, 10% of all proceeds from the day will be donated to the Bay View Community Center Food Pantry. On Oct. 26, 10% of the restaurant's proceeds will be donated to the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).
During opening week, The Bridgewater's 245-foot-long riverfront patio will be transformed to have a fall fest atmosphere. There will be a professionally carved pumpkin wall featuring an anchor design, lawn games, live music and more.
Each reservation during opening week will include a complimentary Bridgewater lap blanket while supplies last, the news release noted.
For more information on The Bridgewater, to book a reservation or to apply for a position, visit bridgewatermke.com.
Carol Deptolla of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
Contact Hannah Kirby at hannah.kirby@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HannahHopeKirby.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Harbor District's Bridgewater Modern Grill sets opening date
