Be MKE: New food hall, a riverfront restaurant and visiting our neighbor to the south
Who we are. Where we go. What we need to know.
Welcome back from the long weekend!
Hopefully it was filled with family and friends; relaxation; enjoying the beautiful weather we had; and taking time to remember those who sacrificed their lives serving the country.
On Saturday, I took the Amtrak down to our neighbor to the south. And of course there's a Milwaukee tie.
One of my best buddies from Marquette (there it is) and I grabbed apps and cocktails at RPM Seafood, then walked over to the Coldplay concert at Soldier Field.
Did I lip sync every word to every song? Yes. Did I accidentally pay $20 for a margarita there? Also, yes.
It turned out to be one of the best all-around shows I've ever been to, from the fireworks to the colorful beams that illuminated the stadium and sky to the confetti that fell from above.
Here's to hoping that the band stops here next time so I don't have to be in enemy territory — AKA the home of the Bears. But I gotta admit, the skyline peeking over the stage, especially at sunset? 10 out of 10.
Let’s talk business
Spike Brewing, a Milwaukee brewing equipment manufacturer, plans to construct a $9 million, 73,000-square-foot facility on a city-owned vacant lot on the north side. “After winning the Reader’s Choice Homebrew Brand of the Year Award in 2021, it only seems fitting that we move into a new, state-of-the-art production facility,” said Ben Caya, the business' founder. The expansion will allow the company to implement three new production lines. The space will also include temporary rental space for another business — but Spike plans to eventually fill the full building.
Speaking of brewing, Supermoon Beer Company will be opening a taproom, 3145 S. Howell Ave., to the public by mid-July. The brewery has been serving brews to Bay View and beyond from the porch of its shuttered storefront for nearly two years. Many of owner Rob Brennan's creations have traditional European inspiration and some are more experimental fermented beverages. The taproom will have bar, indoor and outdoor seating; a wood-burning fireplace; and will be stocked with lagers, ales and rotating seasonal aged brews.
Mark Attanasio, the Brewers principal owner, is close to buying a stake in the Norwich City Football Club, according to a report by The Athletic. The club, based in the county of Norfolk, was just relegated out of the Premier League and into the English Football League Championship. The primary stakeholders would reportedly remain married couple Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones.
Out and about
While Festa Italiana won't be at the lakefront in July this year, a scaled-back version will be held on the Italian Community Center grounds, 631 E. Chicago St., on Sept. 24-25. Many of the traditional elements of the event, including music, food and the annual Sunday Mass, will return, but the festival will be "much smaller" with only one entertainment stage, Rose Anne Fritchie, president of the ICC and director of Festa Italiana, said at a Tuesday press conference. More details will be released later on the ICC website and its social media channels.
What makes an outdoor movie in the summer even better? When it's free. Here's a guide to the free outdoor movie events in the area (and also where to find drive-in theaters).
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is performing "Murder on the Orient Express" from June 2-July 1 at the Quadracci Powerhouse, 108 E. Wells St. The audience can expect fascinating characters, rail cars on two turntables on the stage, '30s glamour and more. Tickets can be purchased online at milwaukeerep.com or by calling 414-224-9490.
Don’t go hangry
New food hall alert: North Avenue Market in the Uptown Crossing neighborhood will have its grand opening in September. The market, 5900 W. North Ave., is currently under construction. Tenants that plan to be a part of the space include Fresh Farm Bowls, S'Blendid Boba Tea, Arty's Sweet Talk Cupcakes, Mosler's Vault and A Taste of Java.
The new riverfront restaurant coming to the River 1 work-live development in Milwaukee's Harbor District will be called The Bridgewater Modern Grill, Benson’s Restaurant Group announced Tuesday. It will feature a 245-foot-long riverside patio; "carefully selected" seasonal ingredients prepared on a custom, oak-fed Jade grill; a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options; access to the public Riverwalk; 10 boat slips for drive-up service; and more. The restaurant plans to make its debut in early fall.
Saffron Modern Indian Dining is opening in the Third Ward on Saturday. The restaurant, 223 N. Water St., will combine traditional Indian flavors with contemporary plating and cooking techniques from beyond India. And most of the cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks from the bar will use fresh juices. Saffron will be open for lunch and dinner, closed only on Mondays.
Here are the talkers
Milwaukee is one step closer to winning the right to host the 2024 Republican National Convention. The Milwaukee Common Council approved a framework agreement — a deal between the City of Milwaukee, the Republican National Committee and the local organizing committee — Wednesday. The agreement lays out such items as road closures for the event and security requirements. Nashville is the other finalist vying to host the convention. The winner could be announced by the end of this month.
Wednesday marks the start of Pride Month. And it's also the day the new "lgbt milWALKee" app is launching. "The app tells the history of local LGBTQ people, organizations, and events through physical sites, mapped into virtual walking tours," said Brice Smith, the "lgbt milWALKee" group leader who came up with the idea for the app. The app currently features three self-guided walking tours, highlighting 25 locations.
Be MKE,
Hannah
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To see what I'm up to around the city, follow me on Instagram @hannahhopekirby. Always keeping it pretty profesh over on Twitter @hannahhopekirby. Be MKE love or comments can be sent to hannah.kirby@jrn.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Be MKE: New food hall, riverfront restaurant and a visit to Chicago
