Milwaukee Magazine | Summer Dining

Summer Dining

Milwaukee has no shortage of spots to enjoy a delicious bite. Consider one of these the next time you’re making a reservation.

SALA 

This colorful Sicilian restaurant has been an East Side staple for over 20 years. For dinner, it offers a wide menu of pastas, pizzas, seafood and more, including Italian favorites like salmon with Sicilian salsa, pasta bolognese and chicken Parmesan. Or stop by for coffee, pastries and panini from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 2613 E. Hampshire St., salaitalianrestaurant.com

CAFÉ AT THE PLAZA 

A local favorite, this East Side cafe is a must-stop for brunchgoers. An open kitchen with a wraparound dining counter whips out classic breakfast options overlooking an intimate ivy-covered patio, ideal for a sunny morning spent sipping coffee and cocktails or enjoying a full menu of brunch options. 1007 N. Cass St., plazahotelmilwaukee.com/eat

LA COCINA DEL SUR

Pedro Tejada showcases the empanadas that made his Pedro’s Food Truck famous at this brick-and-mortar in Riverwest. But La Cocina offers many more Latin American and South American dishes, as well – like arepas, llapingachos and mote con chicharron. 701 E. Keefe. Ave., bit.ly/cocinadelsur

COCO’S 

Westward in Oconomowoc, you’ll find this elegant fine dining destination specializing in seafood and steak. With an extensive wine list and weekly special events like Whiskey Wednesdays and Oyster/Martini Thursday, the team at Coco’s ensures diners have an exceptional experience. Inquire about the restaurant’s concierge car service. 151 St. Paul St., Oconomowoc, cocossteakhouse.com

FIRESIDE BBQ AND GRILL

Head to this local barbecue joint for ribs, brisket, rib tips and sandwiches, and other barbecue classics. Plus, traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, fries and more. Stop in or order takeout or delivery online. 7706 W. Burleigh St., bit.ly/firesidebbq

HEIRLOOM MKE

After three years as a popular local food truck, Heirloom MKE opened this brick-and-mortar in Bay View. The restaurant’s ethos is farm-to-table, offering a seasonal menu of comforting dishes. You’ll find a few favorites from the former food truck – like beer-battered fried cheese curds and hand-stretched burrata – along with new dishes. 2378 S. Howell Ave., heirloommke.com

NORTH AVENUE MARKET 

On the city’s West Side, this spot offers patio seating, frequent live entertainment, craft cocktails (including at Mosler’s Vault, in a former bank vault in the lower level) and dining at Christopher’s Southern Kitchen – all coming together for a fun night out. 5900 W. North Ave., northavemkt.com

BALISTRERI’S BLUEMOUND INN

This restaurant is best known for its Italian specialties like pastas and spiedini. And of course it’s got a great pizza: The Balistreri’s Special loads a thin crust with sausage, mushrooms, olives and onions – and there are plenty of other options, too. They also have an extensive menu of Italian favorites, including spiedini, Sicilian-style steak and a Friday fish fry. 6501 W. Bluemound Rd. balistreris.com ◆

TAKE A TRIP

Head northwest to Green Lake to enjoy a meal at Heidel House, a hotel right on the water. The hotel’s Oakwood Bar & Restaurant offers fine dining, while Waves Pub & Grill serves casual fare – and they both have that unbeatable lake view. Find a seat on the patio for a lovely summer lunch or dinner. 653 Illinois Ave., Green Lake, heidelhouse.com

DR. KRISTINA KLEVEN

Board Certified Dermatologist, Highlander Dermatology

Seeking youthful skin without surgery? Say goodbye to the scalpel and hello to a range of non-surgical options designed to rejuvenate your appearance with precision and minimal downtime. Inevitably, all of us will develop lax skin and loss of volume with age. How do we fix this without surgery?

There are many advances in non-surgical facial rejuvenation with proven clinical results. Here, Dr. Kleven shares a few of her favorites.

Micro-coring is a new technology that removes excess skin without surgery. How does it work?

An elegantly simple concept, Ellacor with Micro-Coring Technology is the first and only device of its kind that removes skin on a microscale with 90% of patients showing an improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles. This technology, in its simplest form, removes excess skin without surgery. It’s a major advancement in aesthetics and a new way to address wrinkles at a level we haven’t seen before. Ellacor provides natural-looking results without the pain or recovery associated with more invasive surgery or procedures.

What is biostimulator therapy and how does it differ from fillers?

Biostimulator therapy involves injecting substances that stimulate the body’s own natural collagen, elastin and HA production. Unlike fillers, which provide immediate results, biostimulators work gradually over time, improving skin quality and elasticity. There are several options which are tailored to a clients’ needs. For example, harvested growth factors, stem cell products, collagen stimulators, and the latest, exosomes. Biostimulators are a solution to help achieve graceful aging, or to reverse aging.

What are exosomes, and how do they contribute to facial rejuvenation?

Exosomes are tiny vesicles that contain billions of growth factors and other signaling molecules. When applied to the skin during a procedure, exosomes promote tissue regeneration, collagen production and overall skin rejuvenation, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

CO2 fractionated resurfacing is still one of the best rejuvenation options. How does it help with facial rejuvenation?

CO2 fractionated resurfacing is a physician-performed laser treatment that removes damaged outer layers of skin, stimulates collagen production and promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells. It reduces wrinkles, fine lines and uneven pigmentation, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin.

What’s your best advice for people looking for more youthful skin?

Choose your provider very carefully. Seek a skilled board-certified Dermatologist or Surgeon. Physician teams like Dr. Kristina Kleven and Dr. Bradley Straka at Highlander Dermatology’s Glō Aesthetics will review all available best options to guide you through your rejuvenation journey.