The Milwaukee area is cooking up some fun options for groups interested in adding a tasty culinary outing to the meeting itinerary.
In Milwaukee proper, intriguing foodie tours and a themed James Bond-approved restaurant are among the opportunities on deck, and in nearby Brookfield and Waukesha, groups will find an award-winning brewery, cooking classes and a couple places to toast over a glass of wine.
Milwaukee
For a great introduction to the city’s culinary scene, groups can check out Milwaukee Food & City Tours.
“We provide natural opportunities for networking while showing off Milwaukee’s historic neighborhoods and cuisine,” said owner Theresa Nemetz.
Among the most popular tours for groups are Pizza Bus; Bikes, Brats & Beers, which includes time at the Harley-Davidson Museum; and Milwaukee Fish Fry, complete with stops at three classic supper clubs and custard for dessert.
At Milwaukee Public Market, a food destination where vendors sell everything from cheese to chocolate, there is a group-friendly demonstration kitchen that hosts private events.
“The kitchen is an ideal setting for groups,” said Paul Schwartz, the market’s operation and communication manager. “We like to keep things fun, fresh and interesting.”
He explained that during an event, food stations are set up, music plays, drinks are served and the lead chef checks in with class participants to offer coaching and tips.
“One group will be making homemade pasta, while another is rolling up their sleeves to make meatballs to put into the third group’s tomato sauce,” Schwartz said. “At the end, the meal is served at a large dinner setting where attendees can enjoy the final product.”
At the group-friendly Braise, where the menu is created with seasonal, locally sourced fresh foods, groups can arrange a private dinner, cocktail party or hands-on cooking class.
“The classes vary from one to three different dishes you can learn to prepare, and can be on a variety of topics, such as pasta, Mexican street fair and seasonal favorites, to name a few,” said General/Events Manager Becky Howes.
Howes added the private event space is open, warm and inviting, with windows on two sides, and offers access to the rooftop deck, which attendees can enjoy during the warmer months.
Lakefront Brewery is a fantastic place for groups to stop by for a tour, some local food and award-winning beer, according to Tours/Environmental Director Chris Ranson.
Private tours can be booked Sunday through Friday and include four beers, a souvenir pint glass and a coupon for another beer at one of several local bars.
“You don’t get a lecture or a movie but you will learn how beer is made, why it tastes like it does and why we never say light beer,” Ranson said.
Groups can also grab a meal at Lakefront, which is a popular place to order cheese curds, sausage and fish fry, all Milwaukee standbys.
“Working with local farms and artisanal food makers, Lakefront’s menu reflects a fresh way with traditional foods,” Ranson said. “The fish fry is award-winning and so are the cheese curds. That’s why we go through more than 400 pounds a week.”
Also in Milwaukee is Safe House, a spy-themed restaurant/bar that requires a password for entry.
According to Christine Williams, senior director of marketing at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, which recently purchased Safe House from its original owners, the restaurant’s decor, memorabilia, comfort food and yummy drinks make it a truly engaging and unique experience for visiting groups.
“Once inside, spy groups can compete in scavenger hunts known as reconnaissance missions, which engage them to explore all parts of the restaurant/spy refuge to complete their mission,” Williams said. “There is also the opportunity for one special agent of your group to be selected for a unique and fun ‘Interrogation Experience’ that the whole group will appreciate.”
Among the “spy-cial” menu items here are Double Agent and Mission Impossible burgers, License to Kill Cheese Macaroni and Blowback BBQ Ribs.
“The inexpensive price-point makes it an easy decision for planners on a budget looking to give their attendees a fun experience,” Williams said.
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Brookfield
In nearby Brookfield, Water 2 Wine offers a unique experience to sample from a large selection of wines made on the premises from juices purchased from around the world. Countries including Italy, Austria, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile and Uruguay are represented.
“Where else can you travel around the world of wine from the comfort of a single suede bar stool?” said Larry J. VanHoveln, owner and host of Water 2 Wine. “The atmosphere is not your local bar; we are softly lighted with warm colors and soft music.”
A variety of wine tastings are available, including selecting individual wines or a group of wines with specific characteristics.
Also in Brookfield is The Fundamental Kitchen (TFK), a unique destination for small groups, according to its Event Manager Craig Vinopal.
“At TFK, we conduct daily cooking shows educating guests how to prepare healthy meals more quickly for their families,” he said, and added other classes including vegan cooking, non-GMO cooking and a canning class are also offered.
TFK has also ventured into the "Lunch & Learn" corporate space by offering its facilities for meetings, including audiovisual setup and healthy cooked meals.
Waukesha
At Raised Grain Brewing Co., an award-winning brewery located in Waukesha, there is a comfortable taproom that holds up to 99 people and a space at the brewery that holds up to 30 people. Plus, according to Alex Stanton, the brewery’s operations and marketing manager, there are three large TVs and a projector for watching sporting events or viewing presentations.
“With the addition of our new food truck, we are setting the standard for high-quality, made-from-scratch food in our area,” he added.
Beers here are American-, German- and Belgian-inspired, including Door Jam Cherry IPA, Black Walnut Belgian Imperial Stout and Doktoberfest Marzen Lager.
For wine lovers in the group, there is Spring City Wine House, also located in Waukesha.
According to Tammy Tritz, executive director at the Waukesha Pewaukee CVB, this is a unique venue offering more than 50 different wines that you can order by the glass, bottle or from state-of-the-art wine stations.
“It is a great venue for people to be able to try a variety of wines without being intimidated, by using the self-serve wine stations,” Tritz said. “An evening here is an interactive, fun experience where you can find new favorites or enjoy the familiar in a casual setting. There is something for everyone, including wines from around the world, craft beers, sparkling champagne, cheeses, charcuterie and chocolates.”
