Do you feel like eating a buttery croissant like the ones found in a Parisian café? Or do you like the light and sweet pancakes known as Japanese pancakes? Maybe you’re thirsty for a creamy, strong-tasting tea like the one you had on vacation in Thailand. No, you don’t need to pay a small fortune to travel abroad and satisfy your taste buds – Sherpas we will be happy to bring it to you.
Recently opened at 15375 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 160, Sherpa’s is owned by Ray Chan and Isaiah Gray, who are no strangers to international travel and flavors. Chan announces from Hong Kong and Gray is from Singapore.
Gray said the Sherpa project is a passion of his. While living in Singapore, he was a firefighter and worked in the canine rescue unit, which required him to travel a lot. It was these experiences that helped him open his mind to international flavors and develop a special taste for desserts. He also owns several other businesses in the area that aren’t food-related, but that doesn’t mean he cuts corners.
For example, he said there were 12 iterations of the mango smoothie before declaring that the one they were serving was the right one.
When thinking about his future business, Gray said he was struck by “the idea of a Sherpa transporting international drinks and food to the region.” And as a Himalayan Sherpa, Gray is all about quality service, a positive attitude, and bringing delicious food to others.
Originally, Gray was thinking about starting a boba tea business, but that evolved into more drinks, like fruit teas and a Dalgona coffee (whipped coffee), popular in Korea and made with a sweet foam topping.
Gray understands that many of these flavors and drink and food options may be new to area residents, so he also made sure to incorporate items that are more familiar, like Italian espresso-based drinks like the latte and cappuccino or even café noir (black coffee).
“Sometimes when you bring in international foods, it can be difficult for them to adapt,” Gray said.
That’s why there are the best-known croissants and crepes on the menu. But even these are sometimes served with a twist, like the crème brûlée croissant with a buttery, flaky base and topped with a crunchy crème brûlée topping. Or the biscuit which is a mix of a buttery croissant and a chocolate biscuit.
Still not intrigued? Then maybe you like Hong Kong waffles, described as “eggettes” with a honeycomb pattern and a mix of flavors that are commonly found served by street vendors. There’s also Japanese honey toast with a golden caramelized brown sugar exterior and smooth chocolate center.
While there is a set menu, Gray said it is always evolving.
Also adding to the international feel is Sherpa’s Parisian café atmosphere. Gray also displays his large bonsai collection made up of American species in the café.
Sherpa’s is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 7pm on Sundays.
A refreshing adult beverage for gaming
When Nancy Marseo, general manager of Bryant is in the round When Okauchee was asked by her Badger Liquor rep to create a special cocktail using Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, she got right to work. Maseo was one of six guests to create a cocktail.
What she ended up making will be the featured cocktail at Lake Country DockHounds home games in Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, 1011 Blue Ribbon Circle N in Oconomowoc.
Knowing he needed that blueberry-flavored vodka in the drink, Marseo said he did some research into what flavors would complement it.
Ultimately, their Louie Bluooze cocktail also incorporates lavender syrup, lemonade, and mint. (Louie is the name of the DockHounds’ mascot dog.)
“It’s just refreshing. For a hot game, people get tired of drinking beer,” Marseo said, adding, “People don’t want to drink anything too sweet.”
She has been serving Louie Bluooze at Bryant’s and said customers have enjoyed the carefully crafted cocktail.
A bartender since he was 18, Marseo said he likes creating new things to offer customers.
“It’s fun. You get tired of doing the same thing, like whiskey and Coke,” she said.
Additionally, Marseo said the mocktail trend also requires a little creativity with flavors.
But don’t rush to Bryant’s On The Round or a DockHounds game just yet. The baseball team’s home season opener is May 10-12. Additionally, Bryant’s is closed Monday through May 12 for some renovations and menu changes. The restaurant will reopen on May 13th at 3pm
Patio Season in Wisconsin
It’s that time of year again in America’s Dairyland – patio season – when for a few precious months everyone jockeys for a seat at the outdoor table to enjoy the warm air and sunny days. Clean Juice at Pabst Farms is opening its patio with a party on May 18th. There will be live music from SammyRay, face painting from 11am to 3pm, an appearance from Louie the Hound from 10am to 11am, and a raffle with prizes from local wellness businesses.
Additionally, that day, 15% of all sales will go towards the construction of the Oconomowoc Splash Pad in Roosevelt Park.
The patio grand opening party at Clean Juice, 1370 Pabst Farms Circle, Suite 300, in Oconomowoc will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Have any restaurant news tips in Waukesha County? Email Katherine Beck at kbeck@conleynet.com.
