An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/335660
58 Key RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH AUTHENTIC CUISINE has made Carini's La Conca D'Oro a favorite, earning rave reviews for the fami- ly-owned business from locals and visitors alike. Those attending Festa Italiana, July 18-20, can stop by Carini's booth for a taste of the restaurant's regu- lar cuisine as well as special items devised for the festival. (Meatballs-on-a-stick, anyone?) And with the FIFA World Cup continuing through July 13, Carini's offers food and drink specials at its east side location, as well as big screen coverage of all the action every day of the week. Celebrating 17 years in business, the restaurant at 3468 N. Oakland Ave. is conveniently located on Milwaukee's east side, close to downtown and with- in walking distance of UW–Milwaukee. Carini's has it all – authentic cuisine, friendly service and diverse dining room options. Banquet facilities are available to serve up to 75, and Carini's is open seven days a week. The front dining areas double as an indoor-outdoor patio. Floor to ceiling windows, ceiling fans, hand- painted murals and custom ceramic tile create a sea- side atmosphere. You'll feel like you are dining at a sidewalk cafe in Sicily – but at the same time "weather proof." Beyond those rooms, there's a comfortable bar area. The bar is a great place to relax, savor a drink or glass of wine, chat with friends or scan the menu. The dining room adjacent to the front of the restau- rant has a special occasion feel. Here, the faux-paint- ed walls capture the essence of aged terra cotta and brick, a decor that brings to mind a centuries-old villa. In the back dining room, antique fixtures, trea- sured family photos and faux-painted walls create a warm yet elegant setting. Carini's interior makes the perfect backdrop for the best part of any visit to Carini's – the cuisine created by Chef-owner Peter Carini. Carini came to the U.S. in 1966 from Porticello, a small fishing village near Palermo. There, he learned from his mother that good Italian food is prepared by taste, touch and instinct. Peter also brought to America a great knowledge of seafood. Dishes are individually prepared using the freshest foods and the finest ingredients. The chef insists on a "scratch kitchen," with no commercially made mixes or shortcuts. The restaurant's name means "Shell of Gold." There are 11 appetizers to choose from, and pasta dishes include the classics and originals created by Peter. Choose dishes prepared with calamari, clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, swordfish, cod or salmon. Carini's caters to beef-lovers as well, and those who have a taste for chicken or veal. And, vegetarians have their own menu section. A kids menu is avail- able for ages 10 and under. Dinner is served Monday-Sunday, with Monday ser- vice subject to change after Sept. 30. Visit Carini's for lunch, served Tuesday through Friday, and you can select from the lunch menu or treat yourself to one of the best buffets in Milwaukee. This is a special favorite of vegetarians, since the eggplant spidieni is a buffet staple. On Fridays, Carini's offers a special lunch-time Fish Fry Buffet and fish specials at dinner. For the perfect Milwaukee souvenir, the restaurant sells its sauces, seasoned salt and flavored oil. Take a taste of Carini's home with you! Phone 414-963-9623 or visit atouchofsicily.com for general hours, information and reservations. Carini's La Conca D'Oro