Lately I’ve been craving all things lemon – lemon pie, lemon bars, lemon ice, lemon zest on the tortellini pasta tossed with asparagus and pesto sauce . . .
So it’s no surprise I was completely smitten with the limoncello-flavored Sza Sza martini at Bjonda last Thursday night.
Tucked into a corner of Wauwatosa Village just minutes from downtown, Bjonda’s comfortably chic atmosphere, sensational cuisine, dynamic drinks, and attentive staff sparkle as brightly as the much-coveted Harry Winston engagement Ben Affleck once presented to J-Lo.
But unlike the "Beniffer" affair, I can’t imagine this business every going south. Bjonda has way too much going for it.
Like for instance, the fact that it lends itself well to special occasions when you want to wine and dine the one you love (or just really like a lot), need to impress special guests, or want to sample new taste sensations by reserving the special “Chef’s Table” and letting the chef whip up something special for your tasting pleasure.
It serves equally well as a great spot for more casual moments when you get together with friends for drinks (Hint: hit the bar in the Skylight room or head out to the patio in warmer months. For winter, cozy up with your pals in the sleek “fireplace room.”)
Since we were a little early for our 7:30 reservation, we stopped in the Skylight room for drinks.
I sampled the aforementioned Sza Sza, and tried to persuade Scott to order the other martini Bjonda is known for, the Pomegranate. But he eschewed the red cocktail in favor of the more "manly" Jack and Coke.
We caught up on the events of the day while the bartenders mixed all manner of luscious looking liquid libations for the small crowd on hand, and plates of gourmet microburgers, frites and other bite-sized munchies passed by on trays around us.
From there we were ushered into one of the posh dining rooms (the other room was being used for a big party) and seated at a swankly set table where I was proffered a special footstool for my handbag.
Guys, I know you won’t relate, but all you ladies can surely appreciate a restaurant that cares enough to provide a decent surface for you to stash that fabulous bag in which you invested some hard-earned cash!
Anyway, it took us forever to decide what to order because everything on the menu sounded divine. Finally we decided to start with the Curried Tempura Lamb, accompanied by Pepper Relish and Coconut-Cilantro Yogurt.
I followed that up with the Strawberry Apple Salad, 
made with a refreshing blend of petite greens, glazed walnuts, Minnesota Blue Fromage Blanc, sliced apples, strawberries, white balsamic vinaigrette, and the pièce de résistance – a pancetta stuffed date.
As soon as I finished, our server whisked away my salad plate and, sporting classic white gloves, brought out our entrees: Truffled chicken for me, accompained by creme fraiche potatoes, a mustard stock reduction, and those precious nougats of flavor, black truffles, and for Scott, the Steer and Lobster gratin – a double seared tenderloin of beef, Maine lobster herbed gratin, with a Madeira Truffle reduction and roasted carrots.
Hungry yet? If not, you will be when I tell you what I had for dessert.
Despite being tempted by the chef’s selection of artisan cheeses, I ordered the Pineapple Clafouti, a perfectly-sized portion of carmelized pineapple cake topped with candied orange zest, and accompained by a Chai Bubble Tea Cordial.
Naturally, I also had to sample Scott’s dessert (for reporting purposes, you know!).
Being a complete chocolate fanatic, he opted for the decadent Chocolate Bombe, a warm chocolate cake with molten center alongside some pistachio ice cream.
Altogether it was one of the most delectable dining experiences I’ve ever had. Anywhere.
Bjonda – I’m coming back, and if my readers want to savor some of Milwaukee’s finest cuisine, I encourage them to follow!
UPDATE on 6/21/07: Bjonda has closed and reopend (under the same ownership) as the Firefly Urban Bar & Grill. While the attention to detail is the same, the atmosphere is reportedly a little more casual and prices a bit lower.
Sounds awesome!! I work right by that place and have only been there for drinks and appetizers ... think I'll have to check it out for dinner soon. Thanks for the review!
Posted by: Erin | April 23, 2006 at 03:35 PM