Bay View is heading south, right down Kinnickinnic Aveue, right into St. Francis. Just last week the St. Francis Brewery opened on the corner of Howard Avenue and KK. Cardinal Stritch is set to open up a campus in what is now the Cousin's Center. And, I was recently presented the opportunity to manage a small, family-owned restaurant on St. Francis Avenue - Cool Water Bar and Grill. A high-school buddy of mine, (Chef) Joe Schulte, and his wife, Tesa Santoro own the six month old restaurant, but also own Broadway Bakery/Gourmet-to-Go Catering in the Third Ward.  And, being in two places at one time wasn't working out.  Enter David Todd, neuvo restranteur and south side resident.

So, now to those reason's why it's cooler near the lake.  Here are five reason's to check out Cool Water Bar and Grill (2247 E St. Francis Ave):

1) Under New Management. My philosophy: when dining out, one should be greeted with a smile, enjoy a well-made cocktail, eat a wonderful meal and leave feeling better than when you walked in the door. It's a simple as that.

2) The Food. Chef Joe has taken the best of his menu from the Broadway Bistro and incorporated some great south shore favorites like one of the Journal Sentinel's 10 hottest fish frys in Milwaukee.  (Oh, and as I'm writing this, I'm enjoying our pastry chef's chocolate chip cheesecake! Thanks Parrin.) From a melt-in-your mouth steak sandwich to wild mushroom ravioli in smoked gouda sauce, you can't go wrong. And if you like ribs! Oy! 

3) Non-smoking Dining. Cool Water has a seperate bar and dining room upstairs for smokers, leaving the entire first floor bar and dining room for non-smoking guests. But, you're always welcomed upstairs to have one after dinner.

4) Downtown Style/South Shore Prices. The newly exposed library brick of the old Modjecki's is now bathed in the warm light of tortoise shell lamps, neon and sunlight.  The crowd is 25-75 with most right around 40 and as one would expect, the later the younger. The music, eclectic - everything from Steely Dan to Lady GaGa (and Pat McCurdy Sunday 4/19). The staff, casual/stylish in blue jeans.  And, NOTHING on the menu is over $17.95 including the petite filet and ribs.

5) The Boys. Let me introduce you to the front line... Chef Joe, Pius XI grad '87, his classmate and friend General Manager David Todd (thank you), and the newest addition, Mixologist Nick Koehler.  Although Joe and I are damn cute, wait until you ladies (and a few men) meet Nick.  Not only is he a primo mixologist, but he's easy on the eyes!  (But, hey, there's more to come on him right here on onmilwaukee.com next week - watch for his feature!) I would be remiss if I didn't mention Tesa Santoro, a little dynamo at everything... just ask her!

It's only partially a shameless plug, but more of a surprise to me how even in these tough times, the south shore is blooming all over again... and as a native south-sider, I'm damn proud of it all.  Cheers!