8-Twelve offers big-league menu, farm-to-table food

When a restaurant opens in Wisconsin and two of the partners in it are named Ryan Braun and Aaron Rodgers, you might be tempted to think that any generic menu would be enough to lure in customers. Although that might be true for a while, Surg Restaurant Group is not banking on superstar appeal alone in its new 8-Twelve MVP Bar & Grill in Brookfield.

A couple of years ago, Braun of the Brewers and Rodgers of the Packers expressed interest in partnering in a business. Braun has had local success with his Ryan Braun's Graffito in the Third Ward (another Surg restaurant) and the two MVPs decided that they would join forces in a new restaurant. Thus became the genesis for 8-Twelve.

Opened on July 5 in the former Charro location on Bluemound Road, 8-Twelve takes quality dining seriously.

"We are not a sports bar," states General Manager Eric Kaye. "We do have a bar and we do have a happy hour. We do have a little bit of memorabilia from 'the guys.' We do have TVs. But what we are really doing is really great cuisine."

That cuisine is defined as a "farm-to-table concept" that is done in conjunction with Hidden Creek Farm in New London. 8-Twelve aims to source food locally as much as possible.

"We're doing everything in house," explains Kaye. "Our menu focuses on comfort food cooked country style."

Already, that "home cooking" has resonated with customers. Some early favorites include the Rodgers Prime Cuts Steaks ($19 to $49), Buttermilk Fried Amish Chicken ($17), Cedar Planked Scottish Shetland Salmon ($25) and the Brauny Burger ($11). I will add that the Chocola8 dessert ($6.50) will impress any chocolate fanatic.

The atmosphere at 8-Twelve is casual, although patrons can be seen dressed up before a night out on the town or dressed down in jeans prior to a ball game. Either way, they will find a unique dining experience as memorable as the MVPs whose numbers are on the door.

The Basics

NAME: 8-Twelve Restaurant and Grill

ADDRESS: 17800 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield

PHONE: (262) 641-5600

WEBSITE: www.8-twelve.com

FARE: American

HOURS: Dinner served 4 to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday, 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday; Lunch served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; brunch served Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PRICE RANGE: $7 to $49 (approximate)

RESERVATIONS: yes

HANDICAP ACCESS: yes

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: yes

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, email her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.