It’s been just over two months since Chef Mary Kastman opened the doors to Purslane, her locally driven Eastern Mediterranean eatery at 1751 N. Farwell Ave.
Now, as she settles into her cozy, garden-level space on Milwaukee’s East Side, she’s ready to launch the restaurant’s very first special event.
She’s also unveiled the newly opened southern dining room, which is dubbed Meyhane in homage to Turkey’s convivial taverns, as a welcoming spot for guests to enjoy meze, drinks, and conversation. The space also doubles as a venue for special events and private dinners.
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“We have a small retail wine selection there,” Kastman notes. “Eventually we’ll add grab-and-go items like hummus and snacks. Ultimately, I want this to be a neighborhood spot — somewhere people can come for a full meal, but also just to grab a snack or a bottle of wine to take home.”
On Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m., Purslane will host its inaugural event: a Women in Wine Dinner, celebrating women shaping the wine world through innovation, sustainability and storytelling.
The evening will kick off with a welcome pour, followed by a six-course meal that showcases Kastman’s vibrant Eastern Mediterranean fare. The menu will spotlight the bounty of Wisconsin’s late summer harvest, incorporating fresh, seasonal produce from area farms.
“This is the best time of year for local food,” says Kastman. “So it will be seasonally focused, with plenty of locally grown vegetables.”
Wine pairings for the evening will be curated by Emily Kuehn, a six-year veteran of Vino Veritas with a deep passion for connecting people to the stories behind their glass. Kuehn, who previously spent nearly six years at Madison’s acclaimed L’Etoile, now focuses on championing small producers and biodynamic wines, with a particular love for those made by women.
The event will feature selections from female winemakers across Portugal, Spain, Austria, South Africa, France, and Italy — many of whom are not only breaking barriers, but also carrying forward (and transforming) family legacies in the wine world.
“Emily is incredibly passionate about these wines and the women behind them,” says Kastman. “Many are second- or third-generation winemakers who are changing the face of the industry.”
Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase featured wines during the event, with discounted bulk pricing available for orders of six bottles or more.
This intimate experience offers a chance to discover bold, expressive wines, support trailblazing women in the wine industry, and enjoy thoughtful pairings designed to complement and elevate each dish.
Tickets for the Women in Wine Dinner are $150 per person, which includes a welcome drink and six paired courses.
Purslane is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.
Dining and Cooking