“This is GREAT. Let’s come here every Wednesday!”

 

That was an unsolicited pre-review that one of my lunch companions exclaimed when we visited Tosa’s new Le Reve Patisserie & Café the other day. And that was even before we got our food!

 

Here’s the deep, dark secret of Tosa’s SAHMs (stay-at-home moms): One of our greatest treats is going out to lunch or breakfast…and we’re not talking McDonald’s. Moms all over Tosa are always looking for somewhere fun, light, close and not overly expensive to grab a bite and share tales of motherhood with friends. With this in mind, thank goodness that Le Reve has arrived in Tosa…and not a moment too soon.

 

Loosely translated, Le Reve means “The Dream” and for many who “love to lunch,” Le Reve is a dream come true.

 

Located at 7610 Harwood Ave. (up the hill from Noodles and Bartolotta’s), Le Reve has carved out a charming and surprisingly spacious place in The Village. (Where they found TWO floors of space, I’ll never know, but when you walk in the door, you’ll think it’s been there forever.) The décor features exposed brick accented with dark wood and artsy photos. Overall, the ambience is warm and simple without being overly chic or trendy.

 

Step up to the counter and you have your first problem: You planned to try a light salad, soup or baguette but the desserts…oh, the desserts, look ridiculously good. (I managed to not give into temptation, so I can’t comment on them. But they just have to be good because they look amazing.)

 

I chose the Pan Poulet, which is sliced chicken with parmesan, red onion, tomato, romaine and a roasted garlic sauce on a baguette. It was good… really good. The baguettes are worth the trip alone. Crunchy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. One of my dining companions had the tomato, brie and pesto on a baguette which she said was excellent. Both of us opted for pommes frites (fries) with the sandwich. The fries are served in an adorable little paper cone. Here’s one tiny complaint, they look cute, but they’re really nothing remarkable. Just fries, perhaps a little too salty. At any other restaurant, we’d love them. It’s just that Le Reve raised the bar and we expected a little more. My other friend had a crepe and salad and raved about those as well.

 

Like so many Tosa eating spots, the deal at Le Reve is that you place your order at the counter and they bring your food to you. The service is not fast. We weren’t bothered because we were so busy chatting, but if you’re in a hurry, this probably isn’t the place to go. (Others have told me that their food took a while to be served.)

 

Another teeny complaint: if you sit on the second floor, grab napkins and to-go boxes before you go up because they aren’t available upstairs.

 

Oh and here’s an interesting twist that may be a challenge for some: If you go to Le Reve, leave your soda addiction at home. There’s not a Coke or Pepsi product in the place. That’s right. You’ll have to try one of their gourmet bottled sodas, ice tea or lemonade. This threw me for a loop, but on second thought, I kind of like it. I can have a Diet Coke anywhere, but I can’t get one of Le Reve’s baguettes anywhere.

 

I will definitely go back, perhaps for a breakfast selection – a croissant, a quiche or a brioche? Oh and I must try those desserts…those tempting desserts.

 

Le Reve is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

  

Sometimes, you’re just in the right place at the right time. That is exactly how I’m feeling  about summer in Tosa. Look around you and there are some awesome dining experiences just waiting to make summer in our town better than ever.

 

We’ll start out west. There’s Locker’s Pointe on 92^nd and North, where you can sit on chairs reminiscent of the UW patio and sip Alterra coffee or grab a scoop of Locker's gelato. Up the street, there’s City Market where the patio is packed on a typical Saturday or Sunday morning.

 

Down in the village, things are really getting fun. Of course there’s Vino 100 where you can sit outside on one of the most charming patios around, sipping wine and, on Thursday nights, listening to live music.

 

Around the corner, you can try outdoor dining at Bartolotta’s, which is decidedly casual and great for people-watching. (Oh and the food’s not bad either!)

 

Now, for something new: Pizzeria Piccola is about to open Piccola al Fresco – a picture-perfect spot for eating their delicious wood-fired pizza outside under the stars. Have you seen it? If not, take a peek, it’s quaint and inviting and will likely be packed on a warm summer night.

 

Last but not least, there’s La Reve, the brand new patisserie and café that looks absolutely adorable! Despite the recent closing of Drew’s (a moment of silence, please), Harwood Avenue has been poised to become the destination gem of the village. The one-of-a-kind shops like Jilly and George, Urban Laundry and Oro di Oliva have been waiting for their moment in the sun. I think La Reve will bring that day from the moment that it opens. (Not sure when that is, but it looks like soon!) The two-story dining establishment has the look of a real winner and the opportunity to lure diners and shoppers from all over Milwaukee.

 

With gas prices well over $4 per gallon, there’s no better time than now to plan your summer days out right here in our fair village. For those of us within walking distance of these great new places, summer just got a little bit better.

Well, the dessert gods must have been listening to our dear, sweet Maddie. Gelato, my dear, is everywhere lately.

 

I too have gelato at the top of my Italian memories. One dish, in particular, stands out. It was called “Death by Chocolate” and it was consumed in the beautiful Piazza Navona in Rome. That memory is now filed in my mind as my “happy place.” I visited that happy place several times during our very long, record-breaking winter.

 

Anyway, back to Tosa and surrounding ‘burbs.

 

It started at Pizzeria Piccola where they offered us authentic Italian from start to finish. Although most go there for the delicious wood-fired pizza, you can also get a scoop of gelato. I have to confess that I haven’t yet tried Piccola’s gelato, but if it’s anything close to their other offerings, I’m betting that it’s worthwhile.

 

Then came Chocolaterie Stam on the corner of 92^nd and North. They make their own gelato, along with their tres elegante bon bons. It looks beautiful, but I have to say, after trying it twice, the Stam gelato is somewhat disappointing. It’s missing the dense, creaminess and high-fat (and delicious!) taste of true Italian gelato. (Perhaps because it’s not Italian?) For the money, Baskin Robbins plain old ice-cream is tastier.

 

If those choices aren’t enough, you can battle the soon-to-come traffic headaches on Bluemound Road and head over to Brookfield Square where Paciugo Gelato has opened its doors right next to Bravo! Italian Cucina. They offer true diet-busting gelato. The gal behind the counter told us that a small cup will add a mere 250 calories to your daily intake. But if you want to cut back, they offer a sorbet version that’s only about 150.

 

And, if you really don’t mind a little extra mileage on your car, a trip to Waukesha’s Divino Gelato is definitely worth the trip! This quaint shop in the center of downtown Waukesha gets packed in the middle of summer, but you won't mind once you taste the gelato.

 

Last, but not least, this just in: The former Loge’s Bakery near the corner of 60^th and Vliet will soon be home to still another gelato establishment! With the Times Theater just steps away, I’m betting this business will be instantly successful. I just hope they don’t skimp on the calories when they mix up their gelato.

 

You know what they say – Molto bene!

 

Once in a while, I encounter a few things that remind me why I love Tosa. Sometimes it’s something small, sometimes funny, sometimes a little sad. Here are a few:

 

Can there be a more fun bakery experience than Cranky Al’s? If I have overnight guests or need to entertain with breakfast or brunch food, Cranky’s is a sure bet. I stopped in over the weekend and there was Al, greeting every guest. “Whaddya want?!” he playfully teased. I walked out with a giant box of donuts and a big smile – a bargain, if you ask me.

 

My average morning starts out with coffee. Lots of coffee. It also starts out with a trip outside so that Millie the wonder dog can “do her business.” Today, as I stood outside in the warm air under a dark sky littered with stars, I heard an unusual noise. It’s very quiet in the pre-dawn hours so I quickly looked around to find the source. There, galloping across my yard, were two deer. It was really cool. Oh and Millie never noticed.

 

Are there enough ways to express the community sadness over the future loss of Drew’s Variety Store? I loved the store, but I also love how the community is embracing this icon of days gone by and lamenting its loss. I guess it’s too late to save the store, but perhaps it’s not too late to save the feeling and know that we need more of it here in Tosa.

 

Sure, it’s a little more expensive than it used to be and yes, some of the sandwiches are decidedly swanky, but John Sandwich Shop is to Tosa restaurants what Drew’s is/was to Tosa retail. A gem - an adorable and quirky little place where you can watch the world go by and greet neighbors and friends. We’d be wise to keep it busy.

 

My kids have friends from many other communities throughout Milwaukee – Bay View, Brookfield, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, just to name a few. Without a doubt, the village of Tosa is hands-down the favorite hang-out for teens. (And don’t let that scare you folks – I promise these are nice kids.) Sure, they could go to Mayfair, but when given a choice, these kids would much rather walk down to the village and grab a bite at Noodles or Pizzeria Piccola or walk through Hart Park discussing life. I feel really fortunate for this.

 

Treasures abound in Tosa. Little places or small experiences. What makes you love Tosa?

 

 

Millie (see above) and I took a walk on this splendid, picture-perfect, day. She had a lot on her mind. Here are some things that she was wondering:

 

Millie wonders why some dogs walk their owners versus the other way around. How can that be fun with all the pulling and choking going on?

 

Millie wonders why the bike path/walking path for Menomonee River Parkway begins at the Harmonee Bridge and ends prior to Swan Boulevard. Did they think that people would be too tired to continue?

 

Millie wonders why some people bike, run or walk on the left side of the path.

 

Millie wonders why parking is allowed on both sides of the parkway when soccer games are being played. It seems so dangerous with so many kids running in between cars and across the road and people getting in their cars with little regard for traffic.

 

Millie wonders why I wouldn’t let her consume the old breadstick that she found on the sidewalk.

 

Millie wonders why drivers in Tosa interpret stop signs as “slow down” signs and roll through intersections.

 

Millie wonders if the street repairs at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Wauwatosa Avenue will ever be finished.

 

Millie wonders why the Root Commons Park (area in front of Drews) is called the Root Commons Park.

 

Millie wonders if any Tosa mayoral candidates have a chance against joeythelovesponge.

 

Millie wonders if we realize how lucky we are to have Ray’s here in Tosa with its amazing wine selection and knowledgeable staff.

 

Millie wonders if that store near 92^nd and North is really called Wallpaper Wallpaper.

 

Millie wonders if the Times Cinema will ever invest in slightly more comfortable seating to match the great films and great ownership.

 

Millie wonders if The Firefly will ever expand its menu and if it will ever be open for lunch.

 

Millie wonders if and when the new recycling program will start in Tosa and if many of us will get stuck with extra blue bags when it does.

 

Millie wonders why we all can’t just have trick or treat on Halloween (a.k.a. October 31st) from now on.

 

Millie wonders whether your pet is wondering anything about Wauwatosa.....? 

 

As you’ve probably heard by now, one of our local swanky restaurants, Bjonda, is no more. That’s the bad news, at least in my opinion. As I’ve mentioned before, we’ve visited Bjonda several times and have had wonderful meals there. It was a great place to bring out of town guests and impress them with gourmet cuisine right in our own backyard.

Alas, not enough people felt similarly and we were always a little sad to see the restaurant rather empty on most visits.

The good news is that the owners of Bjonda, Marija & Vesna Madunic, have transformed this unique location into a brand new unique restaurant, Firefly Urban Bar & Grill. It’s a decidedly casual atmosphere, complete with wide-screen TVs in all dining areas and down-to-earth wooden table tops instead of tablecloths. Further good news is that Chef Ryan Whitman is still running the kitchen and an integral part of Firefly. My family and I visited last night for dinner and although the atmosphere is obviously a work-in-progress, I predict that Firefly has a bright future in Tosa.

The best and most important part of Firefly is the menu. If you want bar food and burgers, go to the Chancery, Colonel Harts or Leff’s. If you want casual dining with a fun menu that is truly one-of-a-kind, definitely visit Firefly.

Be forewarned, you’re going to have to make some decisions at Firefly. Right off the bat, you’ll have to choose cocktails. The list of beers can be overwhelming but intriguing. We might be in a Miller town, but Firefly is offering much more than our local brew. The drinks and martinis are also a twist on the tried an true, including the “Firefly,” a mango-ey Mojito or a White Cosmo made with White Cranberry Juice.

After settling on drinks, you’ll need to spend some time with the menu. Although some of the old favorites are still there, such as Crunch Salad, Micro Burgers or some of the best fries (frites) in town, you’ll find a wonderfully varied yet reasonably-priced selection sure to please any palate.

The most unique part of the menu would be the meats cooked on the smoker and wood burning grill, accompanied by warm flat bread, two sides and 18 sauces from which to choose to accent the meats. The fun part is that you can order the same meat on your next visit, but get an entirely different taste experience by choosing different sauces.

Unlike the trend at many chain restaurants, the portion sizes are manageable and not ridiculous. Still, having ordered salads, an appetizer and entrees, we were plenty full by the end of our meal, unfortunately leaving no room for one of our favorite Bjonda desserts, Warm Chocolate Bombe. Maybe next time.

If you were a regular at Bjonda’s Skylight Room, the classy and hip cocktail lounge appears to be largely untouched by the restaurant change at least for now.

Right now, this is a dinner and drinks only establishment – no lunches at this time. However, I would assume that that might change if Firefly gains in popularity. Last night, the second official night of being open, there was a decent-sized dining crowd checking out the new digs and the new cuisine, which does include a kids’ menu, although we did not get a chance to look at it.

Further good news is that the owners are considering the possibility of rebirthing Bjonda in a new location. I truly think that would be worth doing. Perhaps in Brookfield at the now closed Sticks & Stones on North Avenue?....I can dream, can’t I?

Last night we had the pleasure of celebrating my husband’s birthday at one of Tosa’s nicest, but often overlooked restaurants – Bjonda. I have to tell you that rarely have I felt so special, so pampered and so well-fed during an evening out. Everything, from the New Orleans Old Fashioned in the Skylight Room, to the dinner entrees, to the adorable tuffets that allowed my daughter and me to rest our purses in style, was top-notch.

If you’ve never been to Bjonda, I highly recommend it. The décor is stylish, yet comfortable. The music that is piped throughout the restaurant felt contemporary without being pretentious and, best of all, we could have a comfortable conversation without having to shout across the table. Since middle age has cursed us with modest hearing loss, this really is a key ingredient to a nice evening out.

The servers at Bjonda were extremely attentive without being obnoxious. Never before has the phrase “Tosa Tap Water” sounded so elegant and inviting. I always smile when I’m given a black napkin to better match my outfit.

First and foremost, the food was excellent. The Crunch Salad is one of my all-time favorite items and I’m so glad to see it back on the menu as a regular. My daughter had a French-style filet, I had the Deconstructed Wellington and my husband had the Katsu Maki, which was panko crusted steak and tuna – an amazing combination.

Finishing off our meal was a treat aptly named Chocolate Bombe. Trust me, it’s worth every sinful bite and calorie.

Next time you’re looking for a nice place to celebrate or just dine out, try Bjonda. I really think you’ll enjoy it.

On one of the first seasonally chilly evenings of the year, my husband and I made our first visit this past Sunday night to the new Il Mito Trattoria e Enoteca at 6913 W. North Avenue. We were eventually headed to the Marquette vs. Syracuse game at the Bradley Center, but were looking for something different than the usual pre-game burger and a beer.

We had made a couple of previous attempts to get into this new Tosa eatery, but it was apparently very busy and popular during the holidays. Seems like Sunday night at 5:15 pm was good timing on our part.

Il Mito is small, dark and rather cozy. Candles are lit on every table and, at first, we were concerned that our game attire might be too casual. Of course, anything goes in Milwaukee and Tosa and we soon felt right at home. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable and helped me select a nice glass of wine to accompany my meal.

My husband and I were both surprised to find that the menu featured a fairly extensive selection of full meals. From what we had read, we were both expecting mostly appetizers and small plates, which would have been fine. And although you can opt to order a lighter meal, we found a full menu that offered salads, pizzas, pastas and complete dinners. I ordered Veal Osso Buco di Vitello and my husband ordered the Gnocchi Piedmontese. We both had salads as well. Although my dish was very tender, I didn’t find it quite as flavorful as my husband’s gnocchi which was excellent. (Although, in the interest of full disclosure, no one has come close to my mother’s Osso Buco, to which I’m quite partial.) Still, we both agreed that we’d love to try some of the other dishes.

As we were finishing our meal, we looked around and remarked that this quaint new restaurant had a nice neighborhood feel - somewhat like a hidden gem you’d find in New York City. Michael Feker has created a nice alternative to the more upscale Bartolotta’s in an area of Tosa that is truly blooming. My only negative comment is that whoever drives the very nice Mercedes with "Il Mito" license plates, (presumably someone in management) may want to consider parking around the corner so that the paying customers have first dibs on the limited parking in front. Nevertheless, I recommend you give Il Mito Trattoria e Enoteca a try. But call first because it fills up fast.

Let me preface this by saying that I love the Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse. I think it’s an outstanding theatre experience for which Tosa should be both thankful and proud. I also want to say that I love Cranky Al’s Bakery and I am both thankful that it’s open again and proud that it calls Tosa home.

However, there seems to be some potential for a misunderstanding brewing between my favorite theatre and my favorite bakery. The Rosebud has amped up its menu to include a new pizza vendor – Cranky Pat’s. That’s right, Pat’s, not Al’s. Cranky Al also makes and sells excellent pizza, (and of course outstanding donuts) but not at the Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse. Since my husband’s family is from the Green Bay area, I am well-acquainted with Cranky Pat’s, which I know better as Frank and Pat’s. It too is excellent pizza.

The point here is that you can only get Cranky Al’s at Cranky Al’s. Since there’s less than a block between these two businesses, I think many Tosans might assume otherwise…and that might make everyone a little cranky.

Hector’s Merely Smoldering…According to one of my blogfriends, Hector’s Mexican Restaurant is not doing as well as it may have seemed during my last visit. So, that leads me to ask: What’s wrong with you people? Aren’t you hungry? Seriously, this has to be one of the most affordable restaurants in Tosa. The food is good, they have a full bar, featuring great Margaritas, and the place is very casual and extremely kid-friendly, if that’s what’s holding you back. If you ever avoided it because of smoke, now is the time to show your support and have a great meal.

Is It Possible to Catch the Bus?.....Is it just me, or does it seem like the city buses that go through Wauwatosa think they’re immune to the speeding limit? I see buses all day long on Milwaukee Avenue, where the speed limit is 25 mph and I can assure you that there’s no way they are going 25 mph. More like 40 or 45. This is a narrow street traveled by lots of kids on their way to and from school. I’d like to suggest that they park one of those cute little speeding trailers out there to give the drivers a hint, but I’m told by my friends that this is a sure way to lure more speeders or kids on bikes looking to create a mini 'Tour du Tosa' and clock their speed, sometimes resulting in crashes and injuries. (True story.) I’m all for staying on schedule, but please bus driver, give us a brake!

A Sure Sign….I know it’s Fall. Not because the temperature has dropped today, but just because the giant oak tree on the corner of Menomonee River Parkway and Charles Hart Parkway is starting to change color. This stunning tree signals the start of autumn with its golden hues and vibrant colors. It’s worth a look. You’ll find it on the northwest corner, but wait a week and it’ll really be a sight.

Don’t Look Up Now…I haven’t been able to confirm this, but someone once told me that birds are incontinent, which makes the idea of watching the birds fly south for the winter something to be done with care…and perhaps an umbrella.