Kanpai in Milwaukee’s Third Ward
408 E Chicago Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: 414-220-1155
Fax: 414-220-1144
HOURS:

Mon-Thurs: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sat: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sun: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Promo from home page

****Opened in 2012, Kanpai has brought Japanese fusion cuisine to succulent levels and a sushi experience not found anywhere else in Milwaukee. Whether you are stopping in for a quick bite at lunch, partaking in the copious happy hour specials, or enjoying a leisurely evening of cocktails and sushi, we hope that you will find your dining experience to be as exceptional as our menu! ****

Kanpai recently had a Sake tasting. For $40 it was 6 different Sakes paired with different menu items.  I am traditionally a wine drinker but have learned beer since moving to Milwaukee.  Sake remains a bit of a mystery.  For instance only a very few are served warm / hot.  Most are cold or room temperature.  Some are sparkling, sweet, dry, mild and even full bodied.   There were some I didn’t like as well as others.  That was the point. Try something new and gain a new understanding.  We had a great time.

This is one of my go to restaurants.  It is located on a not so quite side street in the Third Ward but seams to get over looked. It is easy to find and the parking garage could not get any closer.  Everyone is greeted at the door with a friendly Japanese hello.  The prompt well trained staff make the experience easy and relaxing.  There have been many meals here.

You can order on line and either pick it up or have it delivered. (Depending on where you live) It is perfect for when you don’t want to go out but are tired of the pizza / Chinese options.  I wish the on-line menu had pictures or remembered what you had last time.  But it is easy to click through and the food is described well.

I primarily go for the sushi bar.  A wide range of rolls (MAKI) makes sure you always find what you are looking for.   The sashimi is always fresh and reasonably priced.  Always ask the chief what he recommends.  Or tell them what you don’t want and they will create a plate for you.  The knife skills are a show, and they delight in telling you all about the fish.

There is a full menu for those looking for cooked options or a fantastic salad.  The few items I have tried have always been great.  Not into Sake, no problem there is a full bar.  The bar tenders have quite the collection of drinks for you to choose from.  You will not go hungry or thirsty here.

Kanpai Easter Sunday Buffet

We’re excited to celebrate the holiday with another All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Buffet:

Sunday, April 20th, 5 pm – 9 pm
Only $29.95 for All-You-Can-Eat Sushi!
(Kids under 12 pay $1 per year of age)

Cafe Vocar

Café Vocar

932 E Wright St

Milwaukee WI 53212

414-264-1465

I had the opportunity to visit a new and possibly great Café Vocar.  It is a nice little spot in an out of the way neighborhood in river west (North side).  The place is cozy, friendly, well staffed and an enjoyable place to have dinner.

            Now for the heart of the matter: The Menu.  Let’s start with the drinks.  The beer list is the same as any other place in Milwaukee.  It would do this place good to call a local brew pub and get something a little more unique.  Call Central Waters, or 3 Sheep’s or any one of a hundred small places just like them.

            The first impression on the food menu – Scattered.  There is an Italian salad (just a house salad with Italian dressing) Burek, Crepes, and three types of schnitzel.  Pick a theme or region and do it well.  Own it, embrace it, be known for it.  The breaded veal cutlet is just that.  Wienner Schnitzel it is not.  It comes with cold dry mashed potatoes and unseasoned rice with peas.  You cannot fake German.  NOT in this town.   The mushroom pasta was good.  The sauce to pasta ratio was perfect.  Have a side of ratatouille for an added touch.

            Want something spicy, or prefer it sweet; no problem the goulash comes either way.  The egg noodles are done to perfection and you will not run out.  There is more than enough noodles for the amount of sauce.  Going for lighter, get the mushroom crepes.  But eat them fast they get cold quickly, or may-be they just come that way.

            There is no doubt that everything is fresh and made to order in house.  It is just made when you order it.  Certain elements had been reheated.  This is standard in most restaurants, but most hide the practice better.

            It would be great if this café did well.  It is so close to being really cool.  It is just not there yet.  With just a few little things here and there it can be the perfect hidden jewel in the neighborhood.

            Keeping my finger crossed **