In case you missed it, the newly opened Oak Crest Tavern on Oakland Ave got a glowing review in the Shepherd Express this week. Here is the review:

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Good for Shorewood: Fine dining in a tavern setting

The Shepherd Express, 6/27/07
by: Jeff Beutner

The Oakcrest Tavern is much more than the name implies. Yes, they call it a tavern, and when the place is empty, it certainly looks like one. But even though one side is devoted to a large bar with a top constructed of tropical hardwood boards, the accompanying flat-panel televisions and requisite beers only tell half the story.

The other side of the room serves as a carpeted dining area, with an inviting stone fireplace taking center stage. Outdoor tables shaded by Pilsner Urquell umbrellas are also available. When the place is busy—which is often—you will see that Shorewood residents tend to favor the restaurant side of Oakcrest Tavern

Oakcrest is located in the space once occupied by the seafood eatery Red Rock, though the interior has been completely redone. This is the first solo project for owner Rick Schmidt, whose diverse menu reflects his extensive experience in restaurant management and consulting.

As inviting as the interior is, the outdoor tables are the summertime place to be. Try a plate of onion rings ($4.95) for a starter. They are medium-sized, between a haystack cut and thick slabs of onion, dipped in a buttermilk batter before they are deep-fried. Normally I shun guacamole at restaurants without Mexican names, but Oakcrest's guacamole ($6.95) counters that logic. Though it is processed to a smooth puree, this distinctive guac still brings the tartness of tomatillos. The fresh and crisp flour tortilla chips add to the taste. Another good starter is the tenderloin tips ($9.95), two skewers of beef seared with rosemary, along with a horseradish and sour cream dipping sauce.

The menu complements the casual decor with entrée-sized salads and many sandwiches. Entrees are split between "Tavern Favorites," which are served all day, and a roster available only after 5 p.m. Options include mussels, grilled tuna, cognac chicken and even balsamic marinated tofu—not the typical fare of a British pub! Just try the shrimp risotto ($13.95) in a wide bowl, the short-grained Arborio rice bathed in a tomato cream sauce with a yellow hue nearly of saffron. Grated Parmesan cheese, pieces of asparagus and red and green bell peppers fill out the meal.

The hanger steak ($15.95) provides a reason in and of itself to visit the Oakcrest. When ordered medium-rare, the aging of the meat makes the center tender, almost silky in texture. The meat, grilled and sliced, is topped with chimichurri, a condiment of parsley, herbs and olive oil that is an everyday sight in Argentina. (The menu mistakenly attributes it to Spain.) This is a fine chimichurri in complete harmony with the flavor of the beef. A pile of salty fries and a cup of coleslaw accompany.

The Oakcrest navigates a fine line between tavern and restaurant. The setting is casual, yet the wood paneling implies elegance. The food at times aspires to fine dining, though the prices indicate otherwise. The restaurant, which offers the usual Friday fish fry, clearly targets the neighborhood crowd, but the risotto and hanger steak speak out to a larger audience. Regardless of which style you prefer, this is a fine new addition to Shorewood.
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The Brit Inn now occupies half the space which formerly housed the Shorewood Inn. I stopped in for a drink after work with a few friends last week, to get the lay of the land, and check out our newest watering hole. The ambiance is inviting and comfortable, with plenty of seats, unobtrusive music, and dark wood furniture. Large, flat panel TVs were tuned to CNN, rather than the World Series, though the English are not well known for their love of baseball.

Having spent three months living in London, I can tell you the overall feel of the place is reminiscent of any of the 7,000 London pubs. The neighborhood pub is an art form mastered to a unique degree by the British. Although the entire experience reminded me of a British pub, the wide selection of transoceanic beer is the most noticeably British aspect of the establishment.

The food is standard pub fare, though surprisingly American in form. Noticeably absent from the menu were the expected fish and chips, ploughmans, shepherds pie, and other English curiosities. These were replaced with club sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, salads, and other surprisingly Yankee-ized fare. Prices are very affordable, with most options between $6 and $9. I would not recommend making the Brit Inn an intentional destination for dinner, though if you happen to be struck by the pangs of hunger while enjoying your Smithwicks, the menu is certainly sufficient.

The staff is still new, and faces some service challenges. Although we were the only people in the place, it was still a considerable challenge to procure the desired libation.

If you are looking for a place to take a friend or coworker for a drink in the evening, the Brit Inn is worth a visit. If the Brit Inn can put the final touches on their pub, it could well become a round-the-corner escape to the land of Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The North Shore American Legion Post 331 is located at 4121 N Wilson Dr, the last building on the west side of Wilson Dr, as you head North. Their website has this to say::

"Since August 9, 1935 the North Shore Post 331 has been serving the Veterans and the residents of Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point and the near North Shore area. Our Post, Marches in the 4th of July Parade, holds Memorial Day Services at Atwater Beach, sends students from Shorewood High School Badger Boys State and is active in many other Charitable functions."

In addition to their many veteran advocacy and charitable activities, they also operate a tavern on the lower level, which serves as the closest thing to a neighborhood watering hole we have in this part of Shorewood. The Post registers only at the periphery of most people's consciousness as they hurtle down Wilson Drive between point A and point B.



But those who stop in will be rewarded. The Post serves a terrific fish fry on Fridays, and $1.25 tacos on Wednesdays. The wait staff is friendly, and the beer is inexpensive and in plentiful variety. Odds are good you will find veterans of many of our Nation's wars gathered around the bar enjoying the ruthless humor that is a trademark of military men and women. If you are looking for a local landmark with a personality all its own, the Legion Post will fit the bill.