Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

DECEMBER 2013 Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove/Page 5A CHRISTMAS 'SPIRITS' What Brookfield, Elm Grove drink for the holidays By Josh Perttunen Freeman Staff BROOKFIELD – In a state known for its alcoholic brews and its dairy products, there may be an onus for Wisconsinites to think beyond the traditional offerings to Santa Claus this year. A Tom & Jerry can warm the body much faster than milk and cookies can. The traditional eggnog can be spiced up (literally) by adding more than just nutmeg. And the North Pole may be forgotten, albeit temporarily, with a sip of tropical rum. Here is a look of just some of the places Santa and his helpers may refresh their holiday spirits while in Brookfield and Elm Grove. The Tom & Jerry tradition For many Wisconsinites, a Tom & Jerry has become synonymous with the holidays. American Legion Post 449 in Brookfield has a longstanding tradition of serving Tom & Jerry drinks to members and the public during a Tom & Jerry party held for one day only during the holiday season. When Al Kolsch, who has mixed and served the drink at the party for nearly 20 years, considered not continuing his involvement this year, his wife, Marion, and bar manager Ryan Schaekel successfully implored him to reconsider. "It's the only time of year where our bar serves them," Schaekel said. "It's something people look forward to and we have an amazing turnout. That day, everybody has a smile on their face and is enjoying the Christmas spirit." Marion heard similar feedback from customers. "They were disappointed when they heard we weren't going to make them," she said. "There is always a long line." So, now Al and Marion will dust off the old family recipe, which features spiced rum, hot water, brandy, sugar, nutmeg and homemade eggnog. The party stems from a family tradition that was started by Al's father at the Kolsch household, which would begin Christmas Eve and last through Christmas Day. Al took the concept with him to the American Legion when he joined the post in the late '90s. Schaekel urges everyone to try the drink for $4 apiece at the Dec. 22 event, held at 3245 N. 124th St. He himself did not have his first Tom & Jerry until last year, but was an instant fan. "I think it's the warm brandy that gets everybody in the Christmas spirit," he said. "Wisconsin is the largest consumer of brandy in the world." Marion summed it up. "This drink embodies that Christmas-y feeling," she said. apple cider and Jack Daniels; a "Barnburner," which is whiskey, Southern Comfort and cinnamon; and a Peppermint Patty, which is peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate. Northern tropics Sitting by a fireplace adorned with Christmas stockings with a warm drink in hand can be the perfect respite from holiday stress. At the Silver Spur Texas Smokehouse BBQ, at 13275 Watertown Plank Road in Elm Grove, that fireplace is adorned with cowboy boots and there is no reason that the warm drink can't also have a tropical kick. Co-owner Frank Hornick said that, in addition to traditional drinks such as Hot Buttered Rum and Peppermint Patties, the "Hot Cocoa Bay" is a customer favorite off of the seasonal drinks list. "It's a mix of hot chocolate, coconut rum and Irish cream," he said. "Some of the drinks that are the coolest use ingredients that you wouldn't think to put together. This is a little bit of the tropical. You've got to get through the winter somehow, and this allows you to dream of the beach while the snow is falling outside." Other drinks include the aforementioned hot buttered rum, which is made from a homemade mix; an "Apple Jack," which is hot Splash of color for the holidays The bartenders at Parkside 23 add a splash of color and a dash of comfort food flavors to their holiday menu, said General Manager Katie Trejo. Apple Pie and Banana Cream Pie martinis taste like their namesakes, but one of the signature concoctions was actually inspired by Trejo's grandmother's non-alcoholic fruit Charles Auer/Freeman Staff punch. Al Kolsch holds a Tom & Jerry at the Brookfield American Legion "The 'Parkside Punch' Post 449. has Crown Royal, peach schnapps, chambord and cranberry juice," she said. "And is garnished with a rosemary sprig." Trejo said she likes to develop menus with a seasonal flair. "It's important to have them," she said, "even if the customer sticks to the more traditional options." There is a big focus on producing ingredients inhouse and using local suppliers, Trejo added. For example, the apricotgrapefruit syrup that goes into a Mrs. Manhattan is produced on-site. Irish Coffee, left, Hot Buttered Rum and Peppermint Patty drinks at the Silver Spur in Elm Grove. Email: Jperttunen@conleynet.com Holidays In the Grove Visit the historic village of Elm Grove for shopping, dining & more! 235650002 HOLIDAY YULE LOGS! Pre-order by 12pm Dec. 19 to get 235699001 235637001 $5.00 OFF • 1/4 Log (serves 8-12) $27 • 1/2 Log (serves 13-24) $54 • Whole Log (serves 25-40) $79 (Limited quantities available thereafter at regular prices.) NOW OPEN IN ELM GROVE! Stop by to experience all of our Artisan Chocolate Varieties. Extended hours for the Holdiay Season. 235637002 Othe H O L ID r t re a t s A Y a v a il a a ls o b le Café & Pizzeria 13320 Watertown Plank Road • Elm Grove • 262-789-0500 www.lecakery.com Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 am-6:30 pm Saturday: 7:30 am-4 pm • Sunday: Closed Dine in • Carryout • Delivery ($75 order min.) Mystic Ireland Gift Store The largest variety of quality Irish products in the area! Holiday Open House Sat, Dec 7 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 235675002 Special showing of FREE – Irish Wools and capes Irish soda, & new jewelry. Irish cheese, biscuits, treats, AMAZING one-time prizes & more! specials & discounts! 15% OFF one item with AD www.mysticirelandusa.com 262-784-5880 13425 Watertown Plank Rd. in Elm Grove – Park & Shop Plaza Happy Holidays from the Silver Spur Book your holiday party now! Have us come to your location, or use one of our beautifully decorated dining rooms! Don't forget, Silver Spur gift cards made great gifts! And, for every $50 you spend, you get $10 in Spur Cash for yourself!! 13275 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122 TEL. 262-821-1511 FAX 262-821-5965 www.SilverSpurBBQ.com Get It Together Clothing ★Sizes for all! Now Open ★Family affordable! in Elm Grove – Plank Road ★Many accessories!!! Shops! ★Body care products & hostess gifts ★Plus holiday gift wrapping! Come visit us for great holiday gift ideas and savings! 13300 Watertown Plank Rd. 262-510-6433 Wed: 11-6, Thurs: 12-7, Fri: 11-5, Sat: 11-4 Call for information, certain minimum apply. 235699002 229404001 Metro Milwaukee's Premier Nail Boutique You CAN buy happiness...here at Polished. And you may GIVE it as well with a GIFT CARD this holiday season! Our organic products make great stocking stuffers! 12898 W. Bluemound Road • Elm Grove 262.923.7153 • www.ThePolishedExperience.com Receive 20% Off Your First Polished Experience in Jan. & Feb. 2014 Voted BEST Mani & Pedi by WISN's A-List 235522002 Defining a new level of premium nail care

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