Italian Favorite Open for Lunch

Rating System:

0 forks= unsatisfactory, poor

1 fork= well below average, did not meet standards

2 forks= average, nothing noteworthy

3 forks= above average, exceptional

4 forks= well above average, exceeded expectations

5 forks= exceptional, sets a new standard

Restaurant name: Calderone Club

Restaurant address: 842 N Old World 3^rd St

Phone number of restaurant: 414-273-3236

Business hours: Mon-CLOSED, Tues 11a.m.-3p.m.;5p.m.-11a.m., Wed 11a.m.-3p.m.;5p.m.-11a.m Thurs 11a.m.-3p.m.;5p.m.-11a.m, Fri 12p.m.-12a.m., Sat 12p.m.-12a.m.

Lunch on Third

Downtown Milwaukee’s Old World Third Street is home to a lot great bars and restaurants and it’s convenient location makes it a destination spot for a weekday lunch. Recently, I had a business lunch planned with two others and decided to go to a Milwaukee favorite, the Calderone Club. Although a destination spot for pre and post Bradley Center events, just a few blocks away, they have weekday lunch hours and a limited menu with all their classics. Executive Chef and owner Giorgino Fazzari was born here although his parents both came to the United States from Italy. Working in the restaurant industry was a family affair for Fazzari who was also classically trained in food and hospitality. Although the lunch menu was limited, we had no trouble picking delicious lunch items that satisfied all our Italian cravings.

When I arrived, they were a little busy with a couple large groups already seated. I was the first person there and I wasn’t entirely sure how many people would be joining so I opted to wait rather than be seated. The bartender seemed annoyed with this decision that eventually I told him it shouldn’t be more than four and he guided me to a table. The setting was welcoming and very well-lit with large windows. The walls were painted a bright warm yellow and the tables and chairs were made of warm toned wood. We were sat at a small table near a window which I enjoy because of the flood of natural light. The employees were all dressed in all black and were friendly although obviously busy. I would rate the setting 4.5 forks out of 5 because it was so bright and welcoming.

For a beverage, I had unsweetened iced tea which was refreshing and tasted fresh. I appreciated this because many times restaurants don’t use freshly brewed tea. After we got our beverages, we decided to start with the bruschetta. I’m not a huge fan of raw tomatoes but some bruschettas have enough balance of garlic and basil that tone done the tomato flavor. This bruschetta was very good and featured some sweet onion, which I love. The crostini was also seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs that helped balance the flavors. It was a great start to the meal and was very reasonable at $7.95 for a very appropriate portion.

For my meal, I ordered a cup of the minestrone and the Antonio salad. Soup and salad are my favorite items for lunch because they are satisfying without making me uncomfortably full. The soup came out first and I was very pleased with it. Although I’m not a vegetarian, I’m not a big meat eater and minestrone soup is my favorite. The broth was rich and it had a generous serving of beans and vegetables. Often, the vegetable broth of minestrone is bland or overly salted to try and create flavor. This soup was perfect without the addition of any cheese or seasoning and was topped with a few garlic croutons that added nice crunch and flavor.

Shortly after I finished the soup, my salad arrived. It was a mix of crunch romaine and spring mix. This is how I prepare my salads at home because I enjoy the crunch of romaine with the flavors of a spring mix. The salad was also very hearty because it included pepperoni, artichoke hearts and pepperoncinis. It said it was served with creamy Italian dressing but I substituted vinaigrette because I don’t like creamy dressings. The salad was delicious and all the toppings balanced themselves nicely. Although the salad was delicious I found it to be a little overpriced at $13.95. Overall I would rate the value 4 forks out of 5 since everything seemed appropriate other than the salad. For overall taste, I would rate the food 5 forks out of 5 because everything was outstanding and my mouth is watering at the thought of the soup.

For the service, it was very adequate. The server was obviously very busy with other tables and other than a few times I wish I had a drink refill a little sooner she did a good job. I felt very rushed by the bartender who was a makeshift host to grab a seat rather than wait for my party to arrive, which I did not like. For this reason, I would rate the service 3.5 forks out of 5.

Altogether, it was a good experience and I enjoyed all the food. Everything was exactly as it was described on the menu and was, for the most part, a great value. The service was good and other than when I first arrived very friendly. I’ve always considered Calderone Club a great dinner spot but now I consider it good for lunch as well. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone for lunch or dinner and it’s convenient location makes it great for Bradley Center events as well. Overall, I would rate Calderone Club 4 forks out of 5.

Cuisine Type: Italian

Price per entrée: $12-$25

Attire: Casual

Reservations: Yes.

Payment: Credit Cards accepted