Movida – Walker’s Point

If the holidays are a time to overindulge, than Movida is the place to do it. Shared plates and tapas are the trend right now and easy to come by but Movida puts a Spanish spin on things that really takes small plate dining to the next level. Formerly INdustri Café, Movida has taken over the space in a simple, yet classy way.

The menu is a multitude of authentic Spanish dishes with a modern flare. Topping my favorites list in the “algo para picar” category are the Brussel Sprout chips and the Tartare (beef tenderloin, guindilla pepper, duck egg, red currant & manchego chrisp). #Amazing

 

The “Tablas” offerings of meats and cheese is definitely a crowd pleaser (this is Wisconsin after all, can you ever go wrong with cheese?!) The cream of the crop here is Canarejal and Manchego – two piquant sheep’s cheeses that are uniquely delightful. And anyone who has visited Movida with me knows that my absolute favorite Tapa is the Croqueta – cured ham and cheese, deep fried…uh yes please! And the Paella…specifically the “Movida Paella” (Chorizo, Scallops, Goat Cheese, Piquillo Peppers and Snap Peas) is a small piece of made-to-order heaven.

With weekly offerings like “The 6 Buck Shuck” – 3 oysters and a glass of Cava for $6, and live Flamenco with Evan Christian there is always something exciting to invite you to stop in. It’s a safe bet that you will find me here on regular basis! Disfruta de ti mismo!

Photos via: @movidamke

The National – Walker’s Point

Have I mentioned how much I love living in the Walker’s Point neighborhood? With all the new restaurants popping up it’s easy to forget some of the more established joints. The National is an oldie but a goodie, so I was pleasantly surprised when a friend suggested we have breakfast there. Located on 9th and National, it’s a quick trip from my place which is, of course, a plus in my book.

  

The National boasts a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. It’s always commendable to see a restaurant focus not only on pleasing their customers, but caring about their impact on the world we live in. Recycling, composting, and sourcing ingredients locally all play into the greatness factor of this eatery. Not to mention, it is one of the sweetest and most inviting places in town. With window seating, local artist displays, and sleek glass light fixtures – it’s just a cozy spot for a Saturday morning retreat.

And the food…is…so…GOOD. Pretty much everything is made from scratch, and is organic and locally purchased. Thumbs up to all of that! If you’re feeling something sweet the French Toast is on point – Thick Texas toast, orange cinnamon batter with fresh fruit, candied nuts and whipped cream. But my personal favorite is most certainly the “Hot Mess” – Rosemary Potatoes, bacon or ham or veggies, sautéed peppers, caramelized onions, cheddar, grilled tomatoes, sunny-side eggs & hollandaise. It’s a huge amount of deliciousness.

Glad to have this place back on my radar, and looking forward to another trip back soon!

Story Hill BKC

Story Hill BKC was one of the best restaurants I set foot in this past summer. My first trip here was only two days after it opened, and they were just serving breakfast at the time but it did not disappoint in the least. Of course my expectations were high being that these are the same folks that have lines out the door at Blue’s Egg and provide Milwaukee a taste of southern cookin’ at Maxie’s. The setting has a modern farm house feel which I simply cannot get enough of. Refurbished wood, big windows, and contemporary light fixtures grace the space and make it feel homey. You place your order at the counter which creates a diner type feel that I actually think is a charming throw back.

  

The “BKC” or Bottle, Kitchen, Cup concept is distinct in the space.

Bottle: You can purchase a wide array of beers and wines, along with growlers of some my personal favorites such as Spotted Cow and White India Pale Ale. The “Bottle” portion of Story Hill BKC is what really makes this venue unique in my opinion. It’s just a cool concept – enough said!

Kitchen: Obviously I came for the food! Since I’ve only had breakfast here (which will surely be changing soon since the dinner menu looks incredible) I would highly recommend the Meat Bread – Salami and Cheese Studded Bread, Oven Toasted, Tomato Sauced, Poached Eggs, Frisee Herb Salad, Montamore Cheese, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The Shakshouka was also an amazing combination of eggs, smoked lentils and goat cheese. If you’re lucky enough to peek into the open kitchen you will likely see delicious looking crepes being made, and really who doesn’t love a good crepe?

Cup: Story Hill BKC stakes claim as “Milwaukee’s only true coffee bar”. They brew Valentine Coffee which is always a local fave, and offer yummy coffee combos like the “Caffe Medici” – Espresso, Chocolate Syrup, and Orange Peel #heaven #yum

I have not a single gripe about this place, except that it’s not closer to my apartment – but so worth the short trip over to the Story Hill neighborhood. Looking forward to dinner here soon – who’s in?!