WEATHER OR NOT, LET'S PARTY

Oscar not Invited to My Birthday

By Michael Horne

Old Man Winter is on his way with a fresh batch of snow, the forecasters tell us. If snowed in it is, then I shall be so Sunday at 3 p.m. at Circa, 1754 N. Franklin Place, where I plan to gather with neighbors, friends and the random snowbound to celebrate my birthday. I was going to make a big deal of this, since the only entertainment competition February 25th is the Academy Awards Show, which comes all the way from Hollywood, and is of little interest to the milwaukeeworld set. I've toned down the more grandiose aspects of the party, like the baked ham and the red carpet. However this will be a high-toned event, robust with intellectual vigor. This year's Birthday Party Debate Question: "Informed political discourse in the post-Spivak and Bice era: Will it still be possible?" You are certainly welcome to join the party and to contribute your ideas, especially if you happen to be stuck in the Brady Street area. ... By then I shall have resolved my internal debate regarding the appropriateness of holding a celebration during the solemn season of Lent. I have read of those who give up beer for Lent, which I consider an apostasy, since from what I gather, the monks used to brew an extra-strong beer just for Lent. I'm on their side, and I intend to prove it Sunday. I hope to see you there.

OTHERWISE
Prime Cigar Company has opened at 18900 W. Bluemound Road in Brookfield, featuring cigars and a fully-stocked bar. A grand opening will be held Saturday, March 3rd, starting at 1 p.m. ... John Budzinski has been busy at Unique Pizza, to be located at the site of the old Au Bon Appetit restaurant at 1030 E. Brady Street, right next to Glorioso Bros. He has gutted out the spot and says the framers will do their stuff next week, with the equipment to arrive a week later. The place should be open in about three weeks, he says. ...In other restaurant news, Chris Aveni says he plans to open a place where the old Node coffee shop used to be, 1504 E. North Avenue. Chris used to be a chef at Curro's, which is now known as Joey's. 1601 N. Jackson St. More recently Chris has been running his construction company and is very involved on the board of St. Marcus Lutheran School, which his kids attend. Now when they get out of class they can march down North Avenue to dad's restaurant, where I'm sure he will keep them busy. The Node left some equipment behind, he says, but he will still have to purchase a good deal more, including a ventilation system. Plans are for a delicatessen up front, and a bar and tables in back. The atmosphere will be casual, but not quite as casual as the Node, and the menu will be inspired by "the food of our ancestors," he said, referring to the ethnic mix that peppered East Side streets from the beginning. He figures to have German, Polish and Italian cuisines, with the latter favoring the sauces of Northern Italy over those of Sicily, which are good in their place, but a bit heavy withal for daily dining. ... More Food! Milwaukeeworld readers are hereby notified of the particulars of the St. Joseph's Day celebration planned for St. Rita's Church, 1601 N. Cass St. at noon on Sunday, March 18th, right after mass. Volunteers will pile a table high with tasty treats that will be offered for sale to the public. Proceeds will benefit church charities. Prior to the sale, Rev. Tim Kitzke will lead children dressed as the holy family as he blesses the spread. For those who would like, the traditional Sicilian Lenten dish of Pasta con Sarde will be available, so let's not hear any complaints about how hard it is to find sardine sauce around town these days. .. Also, it is the 100th anniversary of the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show, held this week through Sunday at the Midwest Airlines Center. I took a peek through the windows and saw three Bentleys. That got my blood stirring! I'll check it out and get back to you later.