HI Hat Lounge

1701 North Arlington PL

Milwaukee WI

414-220-8090

http://www.hihatlounge.com/

Out and about on Brady St with friends on a Thursday night we stopped by the Hi Hat Lounge.  The upstairs at street level opens onto the down stairs bar level.  Hanging colored lights give the place its mysterious appeal.  From the street it looks to be quiet and unassuming.  In reality it is a not so hidden jewel of a hangout that is known for serving up an education in Cocktails. 

There are the house specialty martini’s , Manhattan’s and Old Fashioned.   Don’t worry,  the tried and true classics are ready and waiting for you as well.  Or you can mix it up with the seasonal cocktails.  Currently on tap is the Scarlet Sour and the Devils Makes Three.  The wine list is passable. The beer list is extensive in all things domestic.  Go for the Cocktails.

I have heard good things about the menu, though we did not eat there.  It is a good place to kick back, listen to some good music and be with friends.

P.S. The Garage is open next door.  If you don’t want the nostalgia of the  Hi Hat, watch the game at the Garage.  The bourbon and rye list will not leave thirsty.

The Perfect Meal

Friendship

Home is where the heart is.

The perfect meal isn’t often fancy or expensive.  It isn’t rushed or pretentious.   The perfect meal is the meal we enjoyed the most, remember the most often, try to replicate and brings warmness to our souls.  While the food is the reason you sit around the table it is often not the reason this meal was the perfect one.

            More likely the perfect meal is / was perfect because of setting, the feelings, the people around you.  There was laughter, conversion with trusted friends, and you were confortable in your own element.   Such meals happen around the kitchen island, on the back deck, on a blanket at the beach.  These meals consist of comfort food out of the oven.  Sandwiches made with leftovers, and last minute ideas thrown on the grill. 

            I had the joy of one such meal just this past weekend.  While helping a friend set up a new toy in the living room the question of dinner was asked.  Her husband wanted to know about steaks or fish.  I asked if there was a real need to choose.  Apparently there was not.  We did discuss the options of T-bone or prime rib.  We went with T-bones.

An hour later, the perfect meal of steaks and white fish on the grill was served.  There was asparagus and tossed salad.  The conversation ranged from the woodchuck on the lawn, biking, summer’s vacation plans, to what time the game started.  The day was warm and the sun was shinning but that’s not what made the meal worth writing about.   We are old friends spending time to remain friends, remain close, and having a great time in the process.

            One such occasion is never to far away.  It is only a matter slowing down to recognize it when it happens.  The ingredients are endless but seldom found in stores.  The directions are simple.  Prep-time, well that is anywhere from a few minutes to a lifetime. 

            Call friends, get something out of the freezer, add laughter, old memories while making new ones, and stir.  Serves as many as you would like as often as you can.  Shoes and shirt optional, smiles required.