Key Milwaukee

October 2012

An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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KEY RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH Kanpai! Where everyone knows your "namae" MILWAUKEE'S HISTORIC Third Ward has another trendy dining destination, the city's first Japanese gastropub. Kanpai, 408 E. Chicago St., is a sister location of Brookfield's Wasabi Sushi Lounge, which owner Brian Park developed into one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Midwest. Park, who formerly operated restaurants in the Chicago, knew that something different was needed for the Third Ward. "It should appeal more to singles and couples, more of an Izakaya or pub in Japanese," said Park. The trendy nature of Kanpai begins with its name, which means "cheers," and extends to its atmosphere and extensive menu. Head sushi chef Marcus Lee comes to 58 Milwaukee from Nobu restaurants, called the "world's hippest restaurant chain" by Vogue and the "Best restaurant, period" by Time Out New York.His experience with Nobu included stops in North Hollywood, San Diego, London and Dubai. At Kanpai, small plate dishes are very reasonably priced. For weekday lunches, the restaurant carries over Wasabi's Bento Boxes – sushi, salmon, beef and chicken. Diners can also choose from two very large salads, or select two rolls and a house salad or miso soup. Signature rolls are the specialty items at Kanpai, with great names like Dragon's Den, Octopussy, and Drunken Piranha. In the restaurant's first month, among of the most popular choices were the Geisha Dreams Roll (salmon, yellow tail tuna, crab, romaine lettuce rolled with Mame

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