Image of Cafe at the Plaza by Adam Ryan Morris
Breakfast Bell
Do you know how much I love pancakes? You don’t, I’m sure. One of my deepest, darkest secrets. On the new menu at Cafe at the Plaza, chef Karen Bell has added two sweet carbs – oatmeal raisin cookie pancakes with vanilla malt cream cheese, and coconut/banana French toast with banana milk jam. Yow! Actually, these new items will officially make their appearance this Saturday, when the new menu comes out. If you’ve enjoyed this special at the cafe – biscuits and duck sausage-cranberry gravy with eggs and choice of potato – you’ll see it added to the regular menu. Head to the art deco-fied Plaza on the weekends, and you may also find one or more of these specials: red flannel hash with smoked salmon, eggs and horseradish cream; butternut squash biscuit sandwich with prosciutto, spinach, egg and goat cheese; and red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting. Saturday can’t come soon enough. Hours: daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (Plaza Hotel, 1007 N. Cass St., 414-272-0515)
Beardian News
The James Beard Foundation has released the names of semi-finalists for its 2012 restaurant and chef awards. In the Best Chef: Midwest category are three Milwaukee names – Sanford's Justin Aprahamian, Meritage's Jan Kelly, and Hinterland's Dan Van Rite. The complete list is here. The "final" nominee announcement will happen March 19.
Lotta Giada
The big smile, the low-cut top. Food Network personality Giada De Laurentiis has her trademarks. The host of “Everyday Italian” is appearing at the Riverside Theater on April 6 (7 p.m.) to share her cooking tips and “go-to dishes.” Your ticket to the event ($42.50) includes an autographed copy of her new book, Weeknights. There is also the opportunity to upgrade by buying dinner at one of two Bartolotta restaurants – Harbor House or Bacchus. The three-course meal ($50 per person) features recipes from Ms. De Laurentiis. If you’re intrigued, click here. (116 W. Wisconsin Ave.) Pabst Box Office: 414-286-3205.
Look for Dish on Dining on Tuesdays and Thursdays
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