La Merenda

One of my passions is to try new restaurants. I have decided, to at least once a month post a review of a restaurant that I have frequented. Each restaurant will be rated based on

1. Atmosphere
2. Service/Price
3. Drink Menu/Wine List
4. Quality of food

The first review is of a new restaurant that opened in Milwaukee WI approximately one year ago, named La Merenda. It is tapas style, however unique in the sense that it not only focuses on Spanish cuisine, which is associated with tapas style food, but also French, Asian Fusion, Indian, among other.

Tapas, which means 'small plates' is great fun as a variety of different dishes can be ordered and shared among friends. It usually better on the pocket as well and one is sure not to leave hungry even with a few extra dollars left in the wallet.

1. Atmosphere - La Merenda is lively and has a great atmosphere. It is not the place to go if you are looking for an intimate, quiet conversation with a friend/ lover; however it is a great place to take a group of friends to socialize. The acoustics are not very good but this does not seem to intrude on any one's fun and you'll leave with fond memories of times that will not be forgotten.

2. Service/Prices - Prices are average/low and if shared among a group should not be more than approximately $20-25/person, excluding drinks. Service was average, nothing to die for; however not too bad for anyone to call the manager to the table. :0)

3. Drinks - The wine menu is interesting, ranging from a variety of Spanish, Argentinian, Chilean and some European/US varieties. Of course the wine that I ordered was not available; however I was able to replace with another good alternative, a flavorful Malbec from Argentina. The variety is great and provides an option to satisfy most palates.

3. Quality of food - dishes are complex yet simple, creative, unique and flavorful. There were a few disappointments, but most were enjoyed by all of the guests. Some favorites: fried polenta, bavette a la bordelaise avec frites, and spicy shrimp and pineapple ceviche. The specials of the day are usually a must try as well.

Overall the experience was fun and the general consensus was that this is a place that most of us will frequent. This is definitely one of my top 50% experiences in Milwaukee and it is a fun place to take friends or associates. It is further unique for Milwaukee, the food is above average and the wine list is extensive.

Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

http://www.lamerenda125.com/index.html

I just love this picture. To see Cape Town covered in a blanket of clouds, as on this day, is not that uncommon, yet, to capture the moment so well in a picture is special. Wish I could claim this shot!

One more..

One more day is history
Now only a memory
That will stay for a while
And then fade
With all the others.

One more day of memories
One more day of ecstacy
And so they all go by.
And as we live and breathe and gaze
We see the world in all its shades
And try to remember those days
Now, long past
That all we had to do is look at each other and smile.
And all was good.

One more day is history
One more day of you and me
That will stay for a while
And then fade with all the others.

One more day of memories
One more day of ecstacy
That will last and then fade like candy in one's mouth
Until all that remains is the sweet aftertaste
Of memories.

Enjoy the long weekend everybody!

Dominik Eulberg - Björn Borkenkäfer

Pictures of the fam.

Wish they were all here with me!

Within my soul, within my mind,

There lies a place I cannot find.

Home of my heart, land of my birth.

Smoke Coloured stone and flame-coloured earth.

Electric skies, shivering heat.

Blood-red clay beneath my feet.

At night when finally alone,

I close my eyes - and I am home.
I kneel and touch the blood warm sand

and feel the pulse beneath my hand

of an ancient life too old to name

In an ancient land too wild to tame.

How can I show you what I feel?

How can I make this essence real?

I search for words in dumb frustration

To try and form some explanation,

but how can heart and soul be caught

In one dimensional written thought?

If love and longing are a "fire"

And man "consumed" by his desire,

then this love is no simple flame

That mortal thought can hold or tame.

But what is home I hear them say,

This never was yours anyway.

You have no birthright to this place,

Descendant from another race.

An immigrant? A pioneer?

You are no longer welcome here.

Whoever said that love made sense?

"I love" is an "imperfect" tense.

To love in vain has been man's fate.

From history to present date.

I have no grounds for dispensation,

I know I have no home or nation.

For just a moment in the night.

I am complete, my soul takes flight.
For just one moment...then it's gone

and I am once again undone.

Never complete. Never whole.

White Skin and an African Soul.

The fam and friends in Cape Town!